Introduction: The Symphony of the Arcade

The arcade was a symphony of sounds—the clatter of buttons, the hum of machines, and the cheers of players. It was a place where dreams were born, and rivalries were forged. For me, it was more than just a playground; it was a sanctuary. Growing up in the ’90s, gaming wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way of life. From the simple joys of handheld Tetris to the pixelated worlds of SNK NEO-GEO and CAPCOM, gaming became an inseparable part of my identity. Little did I know that this passion would evolve into a decades-long journey of competition, creativity, and resilience, shaping not just my career but my very purpose.

The Early Years: A Spark Ignites

My journey began in the arcades of Dhaka, where the glow of CRT screens and the thrill of competition captivated me. I was drawn to games like The King of Fighters and Street Fighter, not just for their gameplay but for their artistry. Each character, each stage, told a story—a story of culture, strategy, and creativity. I spent countless hours mastering combos, analyzing frame data, and dissecting hitboxes. By the time I was a teenager, I had earned a reputation as one of the top fighting game players in my country, winning over 50 local and online tournaments.

But my journey wasn’t just about competition. It was about understanding the soul of gaming—the design, the storytelling, and the cultural nuances embedded in every character and stage. Fighting games, with their diverse roster of characters, each representing unique cultures and fighting styles, taught me the importance of diversity and representation in game design. This early exposure to gaming culture laid the foundation for my future endeavors in game art and development.

The Competitive Era: Battling Legends and Building Legacy

Competitive gaming opened doors to a global community of players and developers. I joined online clans like STEAM, GGPO, and YZKOF, where I competed against top players from Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brazil, and Mexico. These interactions exposed me to diverse gaming cultures and strategies, enriching my understanding of the global gaming landscape.

I’ve had the privilege of facing off against some of the world’s best players, including legends like XiaoHai, ET, Daku, Bala, MAD KOF, and Xian. These battles were not just about winning or losing—they were about learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Each match was a masterclass in strategy, precision, and mental fortitude.

In 2014, I organized a national tournament in Dhaka, sponsored by Gigabyte, which brought together over 255 players. Many of these players had been dedicated to arcade gaming since the 1990s, and their stories and strategies provided invaluable insights into community dynamics and game design expectations. Once again, I emerged victorious, solidifying my status as one of the best fighting game players in my country.

Mastering the Art of Gaming: From Mechanics to Character Design and Community Contribution

Understanding game mechanics—like frame data, hitboxes, and character movement—has given me a profound appreciation for how characters are designed and animated in CG. These technical insights have deepened my understanding of how characters interact within virtual spaces, blending artistry with functionality. My competitive gaming experience has further sharpened skills like quick reaction times, precise execution of complex inputs, and adaptability to opponents’ playstyles. Mastering long combos and identifying skill gaps in rivals have not only elevated my gameplay but also honed my problem-solving abilities and attention to detail—skills that are invaluable in game development.

Fighting games, with their diverse roster of characters, have taught me the importance of unique design and personality. Each character represents a distinct culture, fighting style, and backstory, reflected in their moves, combos, and even stage designs. My years of competing in games like The King of Fighters and Street Fighter have provided me with a wealth of insights into creating visually appealing, culturally rich characters that resonate with players. This understanding extends to level design, where I’ve learned to craft stages that tell stories and enhance gameplay immersion.

 Moreover, I have played over a thousand games. I have earned a reputation for completing various games at the highest difficulty level without a single death. By understanding diverse missions, enemy fighting styles, strategic approaches to complete missions, defeating bosses, finding bugs, and devising no-death playing strategies, I have not only honed my gaming skills but also positioned myself as a valuable asset for future game design endeavours. This accomplishment required not just skill but an intimate understanding of how games are built and balanced. Beyond playing, I’ve contributed to the gaming community by writing detailed FAQs, blogs, combo videos, and strategic guides. These efforts have not only deepened my technical knowledge but also allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me, helping players worldwide improve their skills and appreciation for the art of gaming.

A Father’s Legacy and My Unconventional Path

My father was a highly respected high school teacher in the Sylhet Division, dedicating his life to promoting education. He tirelessly advocated for women’s education, discouraged early marriages, and guided countless students from remote areas toward successful careers. His commitment to shaping young minds earned him immense respect, and his legacy as an educator remains cherished. In contrast, my early years were marked by an unconventional focus. While my elder brothers and cousins excelled academically, attending prestigious schools, I immersed myself in arcade video games, dreaming of becoming one of the best players in the country. My passion for gaming wasn’t just a hobby—it became my life’s driving force. Without access to a console or PC, I relied on local arcades to fuel my ambitions. Every day, I saved my school tiffin money, often skipping meals, just to afford a few hours at the arcade. I’d walk miles under the scorching sun, trekking nearly 20 kilometers to reach a cyber café, where I spent hours downloading game FAQs, strategy guides, and match-up analyses on a painfully slow internet connection. With every bit of money I saved, I printed those guides—it became an obsession, a ritual that defined my determination. Unlike my peers, who played games for leisure, I delved deeper. I wasn’t just gaming—I was studying. Every combo, every frame of animation, every hitbox was a puzzle I needed to

Sacrifices and a Father’s Plea

My dedication to gaming reached a breaking point when I asked my father for a personal computer—not for entertainment, but as a tool to elevate my gaming knowledge. I wanted to analyze advanced combos, master match-ups, refine game mechanics, and understand the art and design behind the games I loved. When my request was denied, I made an impulsive declaration: I wouldn’t sit for my secondary school certificate exams unless my dream was supported. Looking back, it wasn’t just a passion—it was a relentless pursuit, a lifestyle defined by sacrifice and resilience. Few could understand the extent of my commitment, and even fewer could fathom the lengths I went to for the love of gaming. My gaming pursuits consumed me to the extent that I spent 14 to 16 hours at local arcade shops, competing for money. Unbeknownst to me, this obsession was putting immense strain on my father. He visited my school one day and discovered I had been absent for four months, even during midterm exams. The man who tirelessly dedicated himself to shaping the futures of countless students was deeply hurt to see his own son lost in the world of gaming. With limited income, he was already supporting my elder brother, who had achieved one of the top 10 highest grades in the country and was preparing to attend a prestigious university—fulfilling my father’s dream. Buying a computer was a significant financial challenge for him. Tearfully, he pleaded with me to resume my education, and I relented, enrolling in college to honor his wishes.

"As gaming technology evolves, I aim to leverage my extensive knowledge and creative passion to explore new frontiers in game development, blending immersive storytelling, character design, and gameplay mechanics to shape the next generation of interactive experiences."

Founding my CG studio with the belief that self-taught learning and teamwork would suffice, I soon realized that deeper technical expertise was crucial as we worked on commercial projects for local and international clients. Through hands-on experience, I understood the complexity of game design and development pipelines, which required mastering technical processes to resolve challenges. While expanding my team, I found that many talented fine art students lacked the necessary technical skills to succeed in the industry, leaving them underemployed despite the growing demand in the global outsourcing market.

The Vision: Bridging Art and Technology

Today, I find myself at a defining crossroads in my journey. My experiences as a gamer, artist, and educator have shaped my vision for the future of gaming. I aim to bridge the gap between traditional fine arts and the technical demands of the gaming industry, equipping students with the skills they need to excel in game art and emerging media.

My goal is to position Bangladesh as a key player in the multibillion-dollar gaming industry by fostering new job opportunities and raising awareness of its potential among the fine arts community. I plan to develop master trainers in game and digital art, enabling the dissemination of these skills at the grassroots level. By providing affordable access to high-quality content creation tools, I hope to empower traditional fine artists to thrive in the global market.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

Gaming has taught me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is a chance to rise stronger. My journey is far from over, and I invite you to join me in shaping the future of gaming. Together, we can create a world where art, technology, and passion intersect to inspire generations to come. This is more than just a journey—it’s a legacy. A legacy of respect, purpose, and contribution to the world of art and gaming. And I’m just getting started.