I’m a game designer with a lifelong passion for creativity, storytelling, and design. Growing up in different countries, cultures and now living in the USA, I’ve absorbed a wealth of cultural diversity that shapes my approach to game development. My love for literature, art, cinema, and psychology fuels my creative process, while my multilingual background and interest in history deepen my ability to craft meaningful narratives and immersive worlds.  

My journey began in web UX/UI design, where I honed my ability to think about user experiences and visual clarity. But video games have always been my first love, a medium that merges interactivity, design, and storytelling in ways other forms of art can’t match. This realization inspired my shift into game design, a field where I’ve found freedom to express ideas that challenge, intrigue, and resonate with players.  

As a game designer, I focus on creating systems and mechanics that prioritize player agency and immersion. Inspired by games like Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Disco Elysium, I strive to design experiences that empower players to explore, experiment, and uncover layered stories. I often draw on concepts like the “MDA Framework” (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) to align gameplay mechanics with emotional and narrative goals, ensuring every design decision serves the player’s journey. My designs are player-centric, balancing freedom with meaningful constraints to maintain a sense of challenge and satisfaction.  

Technically, I approach development with a mix of iteration and discipline. I start with rapid prototypes, testing ideas early to refine mechanics and pacing based on feedback. My approach draws heavily from playtesting and studies like "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell, emphasizing the importance of observation and iteration in crafting intuitive and engaging experiences.  

My diverse background has taught me to see games as bridges between ideas and people. Each project I undertake, reflects a commitment to pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in the universal principles of play. I believe that great games don’t just entertain, they connect us, challenge us, and leave us with something meaningful to think about long after we’ve put down the controller.  

ILHAM studio, P1 Games, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Attic Misfits

Education

2024  - 2025
University of Houston Victoria

2022  - 2024
Houston Community College

E-mail: ashakirov.work@gmail.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhmad-shakirov-676739215/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakirovich00/