Professional Background
Current Role
Khalil Abdullah is the Co-Founder and CEO of Decoy Games, an independent game development studio. He co-owns the company with his brother, Ahmed Abdullah. The studio is known for producing Swimsanity!, a popular and award-winning multiplayer underwater shooter game available on multiple platforms including Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Steam.
Career Path
- Education: Khalil Abdullah obtained his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2004-2009). His interest in game design started during his college years, particularly catalyzed by a class assignment to design a flash game, which later inspired the creation of Decoy Games' first major project.
- Early Career: Post-graduation, Khalil pursued a career in tech sales, showcasing his technical acumen through software demonstrations for prospective clients.
- Transition to Game Development: Alongside his 9-to-5 job, Khalil and his brother continued to develop their game design skills. They maintained their full-time jobs for around a decade before transitioning fully into the video game industry by founding Decoy Games.
Company Overview: Decoy Games
Decoy Games is an independent game development studio based in Beverly, MA. The company was founded by the Abdullah brothers, who have a passion for gaming and self-taught technical skills. Despite having no prior professional game development experience, they have established a notable presence in the indie game development community.
Achievements
- Swimsanity!: Released in 2020, Swimsanity! has achieved significant success, securing multiple awards and surpassing 1.4 million downloads. The game is celebrated for its dynamic multiplayer gameplay and has been featured in various media outlets and events.
- Community Engagement: Khalil and his team actively participate in conventions and other industry-related events to promote their games and engage with the gaming community.
Key Skills
- Technical Proficiency: Expertise in coding, game design, and software development.
- Leadership: As CEO, Khalil leads the creative and operational aspects of Decoy Games, ensuring smooth project execution from development to marketing.
- Community Management: Khalil places a strong emphasis on community engagement, utilizing social media platforms to interact with their player base and gather feedback.
Personal Insights
- Passion for Gaming: From a young age, Khalil has been deeply passionate about video games, a passion that has driven his career path and business ventures.
- Resilience and Representation: Khalil has faced challenges related to representation in the tech and gaming industries. As an African American in a predominantly white-male-dominated field, he has encountered doubts about belonging. However, his focus on skill comparison and his commitment to excellence have helped him overcome these obstacles.
- Daily Workflow: His daily routine involves reviewing the task board, aligning goals with his brother/co-founder, and managing the community. Development tasks include coding and art design, emphasizing a balance between creativity and technical execution.
Interviews and Public Speaking
Khalil has been featured in various interviews and articles, sharing insights about his journey, challenges in the industry, and the impact of Decoy Games. Notable mentions include:
- Roadtrip Nation: Highlighted Khalil's career journey and daily life as an indie game developer.
- Microsoft Developer Articles: Discussed the impact of Decoy Games on the indie game development scene.
- Public Discussions: Participated in events discussing indie game experiences and self-publishing games on consoles.
Professional Interests
- Indie Game Development: Innovation in game design, developing unique gaming experiences.
- Technology and Coding: Continual enhancement of technical skills, staying updated with the latest in game development technologies.
- Community Building: Creating and nurturing a strong, engaged gaming community.
Khalil Abdullah's dedication to his craft, combined with his strategic leadership at Decoy Games, presents a remarkable example of innovation and passion in the indie gaming industry. As he continues to make strides in game development, he embodies the strength and impact of representation in tech.
