Source: BBC
Representatives of Iran's National Foundation of Computer Games attending this year's Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, say they need more investors to develop their industry but that U.S. sanctions are making matters difficult.
Amir Tarbyatjoui of Parsan Business Development Solutions said Iran was becoming a leader in the Middle East videogame industry but added that the current political situation made it difficult to find broader support. "We need more investors," he said. "The [US] sanctions do affect our industry, but they cannot stop it."
Games at the Iranian booth include a "tank shooter" based on the war between Iran and Iraq, a Persian platform adventure (no, not that one), an adventure game about a girl named Sara and an RPG based on Iranian mythology called Age of Pahlevans. Bahram Borgheai, head of Age of Pahlevans developer Ras Games, said that most Western studios focus on Greek, Norse or Roman mythology for their games but pointed out that Iran has a "rich history" that's ideal for game settings.
The games are definitely different from some of the games from Iran that have been making news. Like the highly reported Rescue the Nuke Scientist from an Iranian hardliner association. In the end entertainment is entertainment and Iran is welcome to develop their own video game entertainment, though whether or not those games will ever get a world wide release is another story.
Log in to comment