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Syria's civil war reaches across borders to silence video game developer

"I can't practice my freedom of making art or releasing my own creations. I always have to consider these other things. We are not free. I am not free." - Syrian game developer Radwan Kasmiya.

Eric Caoili, Blogger

July 25, 2012

1 Min Read
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"I can't practice my freedom of making art or releasing my own creations. I always have to consider these other things. We are not free. I am not free."

- Syrian video game developer Radwan Kasmiya, speaking exclusively to Gamasutra. Kasmiya used to run a video game studio in the country's capital Damascus, where the conflict between the government and rebel forces has come to a head. That's where the military's warplanes and attack helicopters began bombing neighborhoods this week, hitting insurgents but also threatening the lives of civilians. He's now working in China, and he wants to create a video game about the crisis he left behind. However, fears over his own safety for when he eventually returns to the country, and the safety of his family still living in Syria, have prevented him from making the kind of game he wants to build. Kasmiya, along with other game developers from countries torn apart by wars and revolutions, share their experiences trying to make video games amidst all the violence around them in Gamasutra's latest feature.

About the Author

Eric Caoili

Blogger

Eric Caoili currently serves as a news editor for Gamasutra, and has helmed numerous other UBM Techweb Game Network sites all now long-dead, including GameSetWatch. He is also co-editor for beloved handheld gaming blog Tiny Cartridge, and has contributed to Joystiq, Winamp, GamePro, and 4 Color Rebellion.

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