Exploring the MENA region’s gaming industry, we had the opportunity to interview Falafel Games founder Vince Ghossoub. Our focus was on Nifty Craft, a 2D fantasy sandbox multiplayer RPG that offers a real-time card battler combat system and high stakes real-time PvPvE battles. Ghossoub shared valuable insights into the game’s innovation and its impact on the local gaming scene. Additionally, he discussed his company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and provided insight into the future evolution of the MENA gaming industry.
PocketGamer.Biz: Could you tell us a bit about Nifty Craft and what you’re up to right now?
Vince Ghossoub: Our main focus is on developing The World of Nifty Craft, a unique blend of deckbuilder and MMO. We have created our own solution Craftware, which accelerates the development of meta features and enables interoperability. After the release of The World of Nifty Craft in June, we plan to share Craftware with other studios during Steam Next Fest.
How many staff do you currently employ and where are they based?
Our team consists of 14 individuals, with seven based in MENA and the remaining spread across various countries.
What sets The World of Nifty Craft apart from other card battler titles? And do you plan on releasing the game on mobile in future?
Nifty Craft stands out as the only Card Battler MMO currently available. It also features a player-driven economy. We intend to explore the possibility of releasing the game on mobile platforms in the future.
What inspired the creation of Craftware, your own game economy backend? How does it enhance the gameplay experience for both players and developers?
With a team experienced in RPGs and strategy games, we recognized the potential of developing meta-features that enhance gameplay. Craftware is a result of consolidating our internal libraries to benefit other studios. It streamlines development, allowing developers to focus on the game itself, while also facilitating interoperability between games.
What factors led to your decision to focus on Nifty Craft, and what are your plans for Falafel Games? Will the team develop more mobile titles in future?
Falafel Games is currently leveraging its expertise in strategy games through work-for-hire projects. The World of Nifty Craft offers a larger target market, utilizes cutting-edge technology, and brings innovation to game design, making it an ideal focus for our team. While our primary focus is on Nifty Craft, we are open to developing more mobile titles in the future.
What do you see as the current opportunities and challenges facing the games industry in the wider MENA region? And how do you see the region evolving in the coming years?
Opportunities for growth in the region are abundant, provided the content meets global standards. Challenges include talent acquisition and investor familiarity with the industry. As the region evolves, success stories can help address talent needs, while macroeconomic factors may contribute to increased disposable incomes in the future.
Is there anything that you are doing to help develop and nurture local industry talent?
We believe that building a successful team in the region is a valuable contribution to nurturing local talent. This approach not only generates learnings and new content but also creates a foundation for further industry growth.
Can you share on the role of Alphalabs Capital and your other investors in supporting the growth of Nifty Craft?
Nifty Craft’s diverse shareholder base provides valuable expertise in gaming, tech, and web3, supporting the game’s growth and development.
What are your plans for 2024? Are there any specific initiatives or projects on the horizon that we should look forward to?
Our focus for 2024 is the release of The World of Nifty Craft in the summer. We encourage interested individuals to join our Discord and wishlist the game on Steam. Following the game’s success, we plan to showcase our tech abilities through Craftware. Additionally, we have several projects in the pipeline that align with our tech-based strategy.
Be part of our next MENA event!
The Dubai GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects returns on May 1st to 2nd, 2024, alongside the Dubai Esports and Games Festival at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will feature over 100 industry speakers from around the world delivering insightful talks and seminars. It also provides networking opportunities for developers looking to establish themselves in the region.
