Our Story
ILHAM was founded in August 2024 with a clear mission: to craft emotionally rich, polished games rooted in underrepresented cultures, experiences that spark imagination, empathy, and a sense of wonder.
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with satellite offices in Islamabad and Lahore, Pakistan, ILHAM is a next-generation AA studio building immersive worlds that reflect the complexity and beauty of regions often overlooked in mainstream gaming. Our debut title, The Mystic, is an open-world survival-crafting game inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and South Asian landscapes.
With the support of partners like NVIDIA, Microsoft for Startups, and the Pakistan Software Export Board, we’re pushing creative and technical boundaries to bring new myths and narratives to life.
Origin of our
name and logo
The name ILHAM, meaning “inspiration,” reflects our commitment to creativity and storytelling rooted in cultural authenticity. Drawing from the rich histories and traditions of the Middle East and South Asia, our work is grounded in a deep respect for heritage and imagination.
Our logo takes inspiration from the Shaheen, a falcon known for its independence, focus, and determination. A symbol often celebrated in the works of Allama Iqbal, the Shaheen embodies self-reliance and ambition, soaring high and forging its own path.
This philosophy is reflected in our emblem, a falcon rendered in elegant calligraphy, blending the strength of a hunter with the artistry of Middle Eastern design. More than just a visual mark, it represents our approach to game development: bold, creative, and driven by a passion for storytelling.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a world-class game studio where creativity thrives across continents, redefining what it means to be a AA studio by balancing artistic ambition with global accessibility.
Our Mission
To create polished, emotionally rich games rooted in underrepresented cultures, games that ignite imagination, tell untold stories, and foster empathy across borders.
Meet the Team
ILHAM is led by CEO and Creative Director Sajid Farooq, a veteran with over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry. His work has shaped foundational technologies such as Microsoft’s DirectX and Unreal Engine, along with contributions to multiple AAA titles.
We’re a diverse team of 25, bringing together developers, artists, designers, business strategists, and marketing professionals. Our team blends fresh talent with seasoned industry veterans, including James Rackliffe, whose credits include the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2.
Dr. Sajid Farooq
CEO
Christopher Foster
Level Designer
James Kovilakath
Game Designer
Akhmad Shakirov
Gameplay Designer
