Quirkat: The Epicentre of Mid East Gaming

Established in 2004 with headquarters in the UAE and studios in Amman, Jordan, Quirkat is making a name for itself and Middle East gaming. This abbreviated version of this Game Hedz interview can be read in the bigger, awesomer Tempo Magazine's May issue.

Thanks to the Quirkat crew for chatting to us! 

Facebook title, Euroscorers. A must for footy fans.

Game Hedz: What new gaming platforms and genres are you exploring and with what focus?

Quirkat: Quirkat started out and will continue to be a multiplatform development studio. Our focus for the coming 12 months, nevertheless, will be on downloadable console titles as well as beefing up our portfolio of web-based board games. We currently have a few games in the pipeline. In terms of genres, we also don’t limit ourselves in that; however we’re exploring more sports games and integrating social elements into our gameplay.

GH: What’s the nature of Quirkat’s relationship with Sony and what has the collaboration produced so far? What is in the pipeline?

Q: We signed a development agreement with Sony Gulf to develop the first Arabic titles for Sony’s PSP Mini platform. So far, we have developed four card game titles that are sold through the PSN network and we are currently working on another minis title. Additionally, and since our experience with Sony on the first batch of games went really well, we have now become accredited PS3 developers and are on the verge of launching development on a PS3 downloadable title.

GH: Given the fierce competition amongst titles for a place in the gaming world (mostly produced in the West and for Western sensibilities), do you intend to break into the mainstream markets or remain niche? If mainstream – what’s the strategy?

Q: Since the gaming industry is not quite developed in our region, we are going after the mainstream market; we have a very strong USP that differentiates us from other players. Our products are inspired by the Middle East but are designed with global gameplay appeal; no one quite offers a product like ours. All our games are bilingual. We will slowly but surely build a strong following in order to develop a wide array of games for all segments. Since our launch in 2004, and with more and more access to downloadable game stores across platforms and territories, it has become somewhat easier to enter into a more globalized end user space. The challenge is now in discovery of the titles and we’re hoping to solidly build a fan base and establish a flavor to our games. That should facilitate our visibility on the international store fronts.

Arabian Lords, a PC strategy joint

GH: Do you consider games like Assassin’s Creed and Prince of Persia as helping the Arab/Quirkat cause? Why/why not?

Q: Naturally games that touch on Arab and Middle Eastern culture have existed for quite a while, even well before the establishment of Quirkat. We are constantly faced with questions on how we view the traditional perception of Arabs in video games, particularly in titles such as COD where the stereotyping is quite harsh. We strongly believe that such perceptions have opened up a clear opportunity for Quirkat to counter the stereotype and produce games that show a more realistic and tolerant view of the Middle East. That goes for both the local consumer as well as the international audience that is seeing beyond the traditional prejudices that exist in mainstream media.

GH: What kind of challenges do you face in trying to establish an Arabian presence in international gaming (stereotyping, cultural or religious divides)?

Q: Our goal is not to establish an, ‘Arabian presence’, it is to fulfill the big gap in the market where the needs of gamers in the region are ignored; the lack of Arabic digital content on multiple levels. We face the same challenges any startup would. Our challenges stem from the underdevelopment of our industry in the region, so we face issues such as unavailability of credible games download services, online payment methods and the talent pool being deviated into other industries for the lack of opportunity to be involved in games projects. The region had no credibility and no success track record. For example, we couldn’t be the developer to a big publisher. We’d be fighting for acceptance as a developer; and as a developer from the Middle East.

GH: Has the current ‘discomfort’ with Islam, Muslims, and perhaps by extension Arab culture, in the some pockets of Western culture/politics (in Europe and the US in particular) had any impact on the Quirkat’s ambitions or strategy? Any other views on the issue (is it possible to remain unaffected by political and cultural affairs for example)?

Q: We develop games, a source of entertainment. Our games do not involve religion or politics; we are not in the business of developing controversial games. We just want our audience to enjoy our products. So the issue of us originating from the Middle East doesn’t create a problem, on the contrary, it gives us the opportunity to show the world our culture in a positive light. As for attracting international publishers, they care about the quality and what we can deliver and ultimately, the sell-ability of the game, we are very confident of our high standards in those areas; we aim to compete on the same level as international players. We have been extremely well received around the world and at key trade shows, and have been covered favorably in the international press. The games industry is very much globally aware in that sense and we haven’t found any resistance because of where we’re based.

The Quirkat crew doin' what they do

GH: While you pursue Arab content do you have any ambitions to promote (internationally) Arab talent like voice over artists, designers, writers etc.

Q: That has always been one of our core missions in our game development. We rely solely on artists (whether voice, audio or graphics) from the region. Our artists have now been credited on games that are being sold and distributed worldwide. An example is from our early days when casting and recording the voice over audio for Arabian Lords, we worked with a known local actor who had no experience in games but had mostly acted in Arab soap operas and Ramadan drama shows. His experience with VO recording was new and unique to him and he was introduced to a new audience through an entirely new medium.

GH: Is there any conflict with Islamic/Muslim sensibilities and the violent and sometimes graphic nature of many popular games? Does it influence the writing and game play in Quirkat’s titles?

Q: The short answer is no. Obviously we follow loose ground rules when we develop our own titles and tend to stay away from controversial areas that would jeopardize our entry into, say, the Saudi market. Having said that, those areas tend to focus on religious and cultural sensitivities, rather than graphical violence per se

GH: Do you use the recently established Entertainment Software Rating Association (ESRA) system? Why/why not? Has the ratings system influenced your work and profile regionally/internationally?

Q: No, we don’t use the ESRA system, mainly due to the fact that it is not an officially adopted system by regional governments. The unspoken rule on terms of content acceptability is no religion, politics or sexual content, of course with varying tolerance among different countries. Our games are inspired by our culture and history, and we take all social and moral guidelines into consideration in our game design for wider distribution. Having said that, there is no definite list of do’s and don’ts that is guaranteed to circumvent the regulators across the Arab countries. We aim to make fun, entertaining games and as a principle do not appreciate self-censorship. Despite our best efforts at staying true to the region’s moral and cultural fibre, even we have been subject to bans in certain territories. 

Al-Moosiqar, the only place you can play a virtual oud

GH: Given the attention gaming has received from authorities in the ME what interaction has Quirkat had (if any) with the relevant Regional authorities?

Q: To be honest we haven’t had much interaction with regional authorities beyond the realm of regular business registration, etc… As most of our business is done online, the regulation is much easier to handle than boxed or shipped products.

GH: How is the Arabian market responding to the ‘homegrown’ content and what are you using to measure that response?

Q: So far, every game we’ve released has been a hit. Our biggest success was Arabian Lords in terms of size of project; it reached the number two spot in the Virgin Megastore charts and remained there for over 6 weeks. We’ve also had really good numbers on EuroScorers, our Facebook game; and Tariq’s Treasure with mobile users which outperformed the combined sales of over 50 English language titles in monthly downloads over the four months. Al- Moosiqar was ported to mobile and was the winner of Nokia Judges Choice Awards. All of this is an attestation to the market’s thirst for Arabic games. The language, as well as the regional themes and content relevance, have enabled us to find success across genres and platforms.

GH: Does the Arabian/Middle Eastern market differ greatly in its tastes, preferences and sensibilities from more established markets? How?

Q: With the lack of Arabized versions of most AAA titles that are released in the Middle East, and mostly due to the language barrier associated with more complex game genres, the most popular titles tend to be less language intensive such as sports and FPS games. The leading titles in the Middle East are Pro Evolution Soccer and the FIFA franchises.  On big game release, our market mirrors the US market, less so for the casual genre. On mobile, many of the popular brands worldwide are popular in the region; especially TV shows and movie tie-ins. The region’s gamers are strong followers of global game releases; multiple blogs and sites dedicated to game reviews indicate the alignment of our gamers with their western counterparts.

Gears of War 3 Multiplayer Beta & Remembering the Campaign (ya there's a campaign)

The rest of the lucky few who pre-ordered Gears of War 3 got through the multiplayer gate today, and here's what I think: In a word? BUYAKA!!!! That's Jamaican for 'BRAAP BRAAP!!!!!' and that's Jamaican for 'absolutely spiffing!!!'. This is an amazing iteration of the Gears multiplayer platform. After all the palpitations and hyperventilation I settled into the game with my GOW Clan and kick butted...and got lots of kick butting.

First scintillating presages of boom thwackery

By now you've read all the reviews, and really what more can be said right? Well I have two main points

 1. If it's this good, the final version should be beyond spectacular

I mean it. The weapons are exciting and powerful - everyone one will have a favourite but I love the Retro Lancer. It's rugged, powerful and the bayonet  charge is the most intuitive attack action in the game, followed by the vaulting kick. But the maps are really great from the textures and layout to the delicious detail. Most folks prefer Checkout, and now I understand why. It's compact (which makes for exciting combat) but more so it's easy to navigate. Trenches, Thrashball and Old Town are equally as good, but require more teamwork and skill. That's the central reason for the general consensus on Checkout. I think after a while preferences will change to maps that have more dynamism, like Trenches and its sandstorm and multi-leveled landscape. Overall the battles feel more fierce, smoke grenades are smokier, ink grenades are inkier and everything feels harder and more war-like. Awww yissssss.

Epic will have lots of feedback to work with and mine would be this: while most like Checkout now, resist the temptation to use it as a template for other maps. I didn't initially like  Pavilion (Gears 2) because its layout caused teams to lose touch and scatter. But that is part of the challenge - manage the terrain and your team. Now, I love Pavilion, as my own skills improved along with teamwork. Generally, Epic must be careful about what they listen to and ignore. But the great thing is these are only 4 maps! I'm excited because there will be tons more to choose from and likely more surprises and innovation in the weapons department too. 

What is clear is that Epic is paying attention to detail. Other clever additions, like fairly audible footsteps warning you of an oncoming enemy/bayonet charge, make the game less about chance and more about combat and skill. Good job. 

2. If the multiplayer isn't perfect, we'll still love it, and remember: THERE'S A CAMPAIGN TOO!!

Cliffy B made a point to reiterate how much it means to Epic to 'get it right' with the multiplayer. And we appreciate that. But any Gears fan will tell you that Gears is not a multiplayer; it's a story. What made me most excited about the multiplayer is the possibilities it telegraphed for the campaign. Based on the weapon-play, landscapes and environments and continuing excellent character design - this campaign will truly be the bashment to end all bashments (that's Jamaican for 'bashment'). 

Michael B. Jordan, the new Drake...I mean Jace

Gear Heads consider the integrity of the story, the consistency of design of the universe, the voice work and the appropriateness thereof to character design and the ultimate outcome of the story (which is being set up for Dom to die in my opinion). The recent announcement that rapper Drake won't be playing Jace Stratton, was a bit of a curveball after all the publicity around Drake and the role. It doesn't seem to have caused any ripples, but Gear Heads will be paying attention. Actor Michael B. Jordan will be giving his voice to the Gears character. 

I know Epic hasn't forgotten about the campaign, but all the focus on the MP could suggest it's taken a back seat. It shouldn't. There's a 4 way campaign to look forward to, and if Epic has been paying attention to what games like Dead Space and Mass Effect have been doing, they'll give us more than a deleted scene; they'll give us subsequent DLC that keeps us playing the campaign over and over, or at least gives us something new to engage us outside of the MP and a couple new maps. The new chapters and characters introduced in Mass Effect and Dead Space were master class moves. Pay attention Epic. What happens in the campaign will affect how the franchise is viewed as well. Epic has gameplay down, we trust them to give us that in the campaign. But these characters are heros to Gears fans now. What happens with them will be just as important, if not more than the MP. We can get emotional about the Squad (no I didn't cry when Dom euthanised his wife, why would you think that!). 

Nuff said. I've pried myself away from the Beta long enough!

If I Can Connect My XBox to a VPN, So Can You (PC based)!!

I love gaming and certain kinds of tech, but I am an unquestionable technodummy. I don't know what submask, DNS, 225.225.something or a server-dot-mask-DNS thingy is. I also don't want to know. It's confusing, and the more acronyms and numbers I see the more confused I get. If you can relate, then this explanation is for you.

These directions are all post-VPN installation. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service through a bit of software that allows you to access sites and data from a blocked location. It makes it look like your computer is in the UK when it's actually in the UAE, for example. Anyway, you don't have to know how it works as long as it works. Choose a good service, all the installation directions will be given by the provider. I recommend this provider: https://www.my-private-network.co.uk/. If my directions don't work, check these: https://www.intl-alliance.com/store/index.php?main_page=page&id=20 or http://ivacy.com/en/doc/user/setup/xbox.

At present businesses in the UAE cannot use VPN's but individuals can. Hopefully that won't change anytime soon. Find out what applies in your own locale. 

You need:

• An XBox
• A laptop with wireless internet connection (I used a PC)
• An ethernet cable (cable used to connect a computer or XBox to a router)
• A wireless router 

What exactly are you doing?

XBox + Laptop + VPN + Internet = XBox connected to desired internet location!

1. Turn off your XBox and VPN.

2. Plug the ethernet cable into the laptop and XBox.

3. On your PC open Network Connections or Connections which can be found in the Control Panel or when you press the 'Start' button depending on whether you use XP or a later operating system (OS) like Windows 7.

4. There you will see Local Area Connection and a Wireless Network Connection with a funny icon beside it. Just pay attention to those two if there are a bunch of other things (Hopefully the pics help - it's Windows XP, ya very old I know). 

5. Right click on Wireless Network Connection and click on Properties (again this depends on which OS - remember what OS is? - you have).

6. Inside Properties go to the Advanced tab and look for the Internet Connection Sharing and click on the option to share the network.

7. You will have a choice of what to share the network with. Select Local Area Connection. Then Select Apply or accept the changes and close that window.

8. Go to the Local Area Connection icon the right click then click Properties. Repeat the same process but this time you want to share the network with Wireless Network Connection.

9. After you've saved the settings, close all those windows and turn on your VPN.

10. Now turn on your XBox. The Local Area Connection will only connect once the XBox is turned on. After that you'll know if you're online or not. If it doesn't work - I'M SORRY!!!!!!

That's the best I can do for now. 

Explantion:

What you are doing is sharing the network connections to allow other machines (in this case your XBox) to access the internet through your computer.

You can't go directly through the Wireless Internet Connection so you have to connect the Local Area Connection to the Wireless one. The XBox will connect to the Local Area Connection. 

A VPN can help you access sites you otherwise couldn't like BBC TV or Sky. Don't abuse it though! :)

Let me know if it works. If not I will do more research for you!

Gears-3-Multiplayer-Beta-Limbo is Almost Like Waiting-on-My-iPad 2-Limbo

Yes I am in Limbo with, arguably, two of the most wanted items of 2011. 

Precious metal

I pre-ordered my Gears 3 a few days back, just to see if I could, by some miracle, enjoy the MP Beta that started, officially, on April 18 for Bulletstorm Epic Edition owners. Now the risk I took is that I'm currently in the UAE, and we are kind of off the map when it comes game launches etc - it may not even be available in our region. But the benefit of being overlooked is that sometimes they don't block access. If I get a code it will be sent via email tomorrow, the 21st of April (and I can join the festival of blood spatter on the 25th!). 

Admittedly, I was really tempted to see how I could nab my friend's copy of whatever it was he nabbed that allowed him to play the Gears MP Beta on the 17th (ahh bootleg world where would we be without ye?)! But I thought - I really shouldn't. But (and there's always a but), if I don't get the code tomorrow...I think I really should. But that's just a thought, nothing more! I am a law bitin' citizen. Wish me luck, I made this sacrifice for all UAE Gear Hedz, but this is longest wait ever, followed only by...the longest wait ever: iPad 2 delivery. 

Toying with our emotions...nnnnnyah!

The iPad officially arrived at UAE Apple resellers and dealerships just about a week before the iPad 2 was launched in the US. But the 'grey market' in the UAE had the iPad at the exact moment it launched everywhere else - same for the iPad 2, but for more than twice the price. So, I was not going to service the grey market, because I have grey matter. Buying it from the UK and getting it shipped here will likely cost less than the bloated costs here, and that's including my smart cover and avi adaptor! Still the price one pays for such prudence is equal to the gestation period of a 20 pound baby that's three months overdue. It's been a tough pregnancy. The hot flashes, the nausea, the irritability, the frantic and obsessive checking of email and due date. 

Not just for me though. Judging by the over 2,000 posts and 300,000 views of 'iPad 2 Shipping' thread on Apple's community support site - there's a lot of iPad anxiety and iPad envy going on. The begrudging inner twitch at those who have enjoyed successful deliveries and share with cavalier glee about the wonderful times they and the new addition to their family share. Sigh.  I would not want to be Rob the customer service guy right now (thanks for the update Rob) cause he get's the brunt of all the pent up resentment at the perceived neglect of delivery room staff. 

Anyway, I wait impatiently and with much nervous energy for the advents thus! Of course, after all the excitement, I'll have to go through it all again for Gears 3 in September, and maybe, the iPad 3...in September. Rumours abound. 

Jah guide.

UPDATE:

I got the Gears 3 Beta code just now, but have yet to try it out on XBox Live. I have been told that it can only be accessed by VPN, but I don't know how to get that done on the XBox yet. If anyone has any suggestions....

Gears Multiplayer Beta Guide - Courtesy of IGN - Let's Give Epic The Region's Feedback!

More Gears of War 3 Videos

Are you in the UAE/Middle East? Do you have access to the Beta?

Otherwise, have you gotten access by 'other' means apart from Bulletstorm or pre-order?

What do you think of the Gears 3 multiplayer so far?

Leave a one sentence review and your score out of 10!

Mass Effect 2 DLC & ME3: the best bits and the possibilities

We got treated to lots of DLC from the Bioware crew in the run up to ME3. Amongst the lot (including new suits for the team) are the highlights of the 3 new missions - Overlord, The Arrival and The Shadow Broker - and the intriguing new character, Kasumi Goto.

So what's my take on this DLC? Well they are all good, but I reckon the Shadow Broker and Kasumi are most significant to the next instalment.

The Shadow Broker Base

The presence of vehicular combat in Overlord was especially enjoyable because it was a brand new addition to the series. It was also cool that the vehicular mission had dynamic elements from dodging a giant laser cannon to lava-hopping and sourcing raw material in a new way. You also get to engage in combat in a new way through the vehicle's roof-mounted cannon and the mission also had more puzzles and combat than the primary campaign. There's also the possibility that the character you save (a young man forced by his brother to cybernetically interface with a Geth entity - Project Overlord itself) may have some role in ME3 because of the knowledge and skills gained through the forced experimentation (not unlike Jack, to whom he is passingly compared). 

The Arrival was more combat then anything else, and though it had new research, the only really new game play element it introduced, was the sequence where you remote control a mech drone to engineer your escape from Dr. Kenson's rogue team.  That was cool as was the surprising plot twist and betrayal by Dr. Kenson. It has already been ascertained that Shepherd's actions in Arrival initiate the ME3 storyline which begins on Earth. He is under investigation (or on trial) for the deaths of the many Batarians 'sacrificed', when he chose to destroy the Mass Effect Accelerator rather than let  Harbinger [thanks Anthony K] invade Earth. 

I consider The Shadow Broker the most significant mission because Liara's ascendency to the eponymous role seems to be set up as a key plot mover in ME3. The Shadow Broker's base effectively becomes a second HQ for Shepherd as it is rich with data and essentially provides all the services the Normandy does, and then some. Along with being able to manage your team's biotic skills, you have access to video data, personnel profiles, maps to ore rich planets (which also lead to secondary missions) and can use info to your advantage. The concern Liara has for Shepherd and extent of her actions (recovering his body from the previous Shadow Broker) suggest some deeper link or motive. But we'll see. All conjecture on my part, but as far as telling stories goes, one doesn't include certain kinds of content unless it means something. 

Kasumi, the Master Thief

If you are willing to spend the time, it's recommended you hang out at the Shadow Broker base or visit it from time to time to examine the surveillance videos and personnel profiles. They may give some hints as to what's ahead for Shepherd in particular, and the ME3 story in general. Plus it's suggested that new surveillance videos will be added from time to time. One curious video shows a Keeper slowly scuttling away from a dead Krogan. Pretty freaky. With the Keepers' already mysterious and enigmatic purpose, it makes you go 'hmmmmmmm'. 

As for Kasumi. It makes no sense to add a new character if she were only going to appear for the sake of one mission. She is a very intriguing and cool character, and the clever way you first interact with her through the video ad is an apt intro. Her biotic powers and covert skills will likely come into play in Mass Effect 3. Plus her loyalty mission has a nice balance of combat and covert engagement and you gain a new weapon. It also doesn't hurt that she's hot.

In summation I recommend getting all the new missions. Each adds it's own piece to the overall plot, I also reckon that you will get the full ME3 experience by playing all three missions. They are all very combat heavy and have little role play element - perhaps that's why Shadow Broker also stands out as there is more conversation and even an element of detective work which is quite engaging. 

Laters.

The Next Gears Of War: The 'Cole Train' Story!

Well to be honest I really don't know. But I have two very good reasons for concluding that the next adventure in the Gears universe will revolve around Augustus Cole's character.

Thrashball Cole - an achievement in badassity

1. Cole is the man. Let's face it, Cole is the most colorful and entertaining character of the four mains, as much as we love Marcus, Dom and Baird. But, the franchise is Marcus' story and we have delved pretty deeply into Dom's as well, so there's no reason to continue with their story lines. Cole is the next natural choice, and he has the dynamism to hold the spotlight. Shoot, he kinda stole it already.

Bling Cole as revealed on the Jace Hall Show

2. Gears 3 is very Cole heavy...so far. We've seen a real shift to all things Cole Train in the run up to Gears 3. Two maps in the Multiplayer Beta are Cole-focussed: Thrashball and Checkout. Thrashball is obvious, Cole being a Thrashball superstar, and Checkout is at a mall in Cole's hometown, Hanover. Add to that the Thrashball Cole unlockable character and the urban, Bling Cole, revealed on IGN's Jace Hall Show, and we have a set up for a Cole Train Gear's spin off. Simples.

Truth is we don't know much about Cole at all, from the perspective of the game. But it's obvious he's a much-loved character and the guys at Epic have been investing a lot of their design time into the Train. Must be for a reason. 

I reckon it will be the Baird/Cole adventure with Cole taking point and Baird as the wing man, a la Fenix and Santiago. Just remember, ya heard it hear first! If I'm totally wrong then...I always have a delete button. 

I'm all for it. How bout you?

Mass Effect 2...and a Half: Arrival DLC

Developer: Bioware

Console: XBox, PS3, PC
Genre: RPG/Shooter

Rating: Teens 15

The Arrival is, unsurprisingly, a preface to Mass Effect 3's plot line of a Reaper/Prothean/Sovereign [edit: I cleverly believe they are all related - thanks Anthony K] Earth invasion, hinted at during the 'Disabled Reaper Ship' mission in ME2. It was longer than I thought it would be - which was great, but seemed choppy and randomly edited in parts - which was bad. Plus it had mini puzzles/games characteristic of some true shooters. Indeed, it played more like a shooter than an RPG with almost non-stop braap-braap-braap. 

You're sent on a solo mission to rescue a deep cover Alliance operative, courtesy of Admiral Hackett. The agent, Dr. Kansen, looks strikingly similar to the Normandy's Dr. Chakwas (lazy Bioware, lazy), and after some sneaking about you find her and fight your way to a mysterious artefact that is part of a Reaper/Sovereign plot to invade Earth, among other places. 

What happened next actually surprised me, though I really should have expected it. I won't spoil it for you - but if you really want to know, drop me a comment or two. Needless to say, after the plot twisting incident, there's more kick butting action (which is probably enhanced by the fact you're fighting solo), and an interesting sequence where you fight as a mech drone. 

While it's a self-contained mission, your actions will no doubt affect your reputation in ME3 and perhaps complicate your missions (let's just say you may have Batarian's out for your blood being that you kill about 305,000 of them). It appears as if Bioware may have abbreviated the mission as it is chopped up in parts, some of which really didn't need to be included - but probably were because of an upgrade that may have been embedded in a sequence. A nice touch after mission completion, is that you find yourself in a very familiar solar system, and Pluto makes a guest appearance despite its expulsion from the planet club!

There is new research and three new upgrades. For 560 MS points I think it's well worth it, and it's available to game heads in the UAE.

Rating: 7.9  Recommendation:  Get it if you want the full ME3 experience