Osama Dorias: Interview with an Alumni

2018 Next Gen leader, Osama Dorias, answered some questions we had about his experience in our program, in the industry, and as a Muslim game developer.

"I'm a Senior Partner Relations Manager at Unity Technologies. In the past, I’ve worked at Warner Brothers, Gameloft, GEE Media, Ubisoft, and Minority Media.

I'm currently teaching game design at Dawson College. I love to empower people in expressing themselves through game making.

I especially love to give a voice to marginalized people and causes. I've hosted game jams, workshops and other community activities to this end, which has culminated in co-founding the Montreal Independent Games Awards."

IGDA Foundation: Can you tell me a little bit about your experience as a grantee of our Next Gen Leaders program?

Osama: "The Next Gen Leaders program changed my life! More than anything else, it gave me access to lifelong mentors and industry friendships that have shaped my career. I went from being adrift in a scary industry, to feeling like I belonged!"

IGDA-F: Do you have a favorite memory from your two years in the program?

Osama: My favorite memory is at the end of a week of shared experiences and memories on our first trip to GDC, we all sat down in a circle and spoke about our appreciation for each other. There wasn't a dry eye in sight.

IGDA-F: How do you feel like being a part of NGL impacted your career in the games industry? 

Osama: "Some of the sessions focused on real issues that I was dealing with at the time. Burnout, impostor syndrome, salary negotiations. I was able to ask experts pointed questions, and apply my learnings immediately, and see tangible results."

IGDA-F: Can you speak about your experience as a Muslim person in the industry? 

Osama: "Initially, I felt that the industry was hostile towards Muslims. It was clear that I was valued differently by how I was compensated and by how many opportunities were presented to me compared to some of my peers. Micro-aggressions were commonplace, and I was expected to laugh along or at worst shrug them off.

Things have improved since on that front, and I believe that they will continue to improve!"

IGDA- F: If you had one wish for the future of the video game development industry, what would it be?

Osama: "My wish for the video game industry is that we'd collectively put our people first. I'm tired of seeing my friends and colleagues burnout and leave due to being treated as expendable resources. We deserve better."

IGDA-F: Do you feel like observing Ramadan has any impact on your work?  

Osama: "In fact, for me, I do! Fasting allows me to focus by tapping into a level of mind clarity that normally seems out of reach! My first few hours of fasting are by far more productive than when I'm not fasting. Though I do run out of steam a bit earlier in the day than usual, and so I normally shift my work schedules earlier to allow for maximum productivity during the month. The one constant is my mood is never more positive than during Ramadan! it's truly my favorite time of the year!"