Jobs in Games: Rababa Games' Mohammad Al-Qawasmeh on how to build a career as a programmer

• Advice to aspiring game programmers: Focus on what you love and what you actually need to know.
• If not making games, he’d be inventing gadgets as an electronics engineer.
• Hajwala 2 remains his standout project.

Behind every game is a team of creative developers making it happen. In our Jobs in Games series, we highlight some of the individuals working in the games industry, whether they are veteran developers with big hits under their belts or entirely new to the industry.

We ask how they broke into the sector and their advice for others on making a career in games.

In this interview, we spoke with Rababa Games' lead programmer Mohammad Al-Qawasmeh, to discuss his entry into games, alternative career paths, and advice for people looking to break into the industry.

PocketGamer.biz: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you initially get into the games industry?

Mohammad Al-Qawasmeh: My name is Mohammad Al-Qawasmeh, and I’m a seasoned game developer with over eight years of experience in the industry. I've worked on developing and publishing more than 20 games across various platforms. My interest in games started at a young age with Atari consoles and computer games.

In 2011, I discovered the Gaming Lab in Jordan, where I realised I could create my own games. I began learning programming and basic design tools to create simple games for Nokia devices running the Symbian OS using NetBeans.

Later, I pursued a degree in Software Engineering, which further honed my programming skills and prepared me to enter the gaming industry. Along the way, I also gained significant experience in game publishing.

How did you land the role of lead programmer at Rababa Games?

A combination of soft skills, technical expertise, and extensive experience in the game development lifecycle helped me secure this position. Working with multiple companies and mastering various aspects of game development also contributed significantly to my readiness for the role.

What's your day-to-day like at the company? Do you have a go-to ritual before stepping into the office?

I don’t have any specific rituals before entering the office, but once I’m in, having a cup of coffee is a daily essential. After that, I dive into the day’s tasks and attend daily meetings to keep everything on track.

Why a career in games? And if not games, what would you have been doing?

I found game development to be a fun and fulfilling career that aligns with my passion. It’s never boring. If I wasn't in the games industry, I’d likely be working in electronics, inventing electronic devices, or pursuing a career as an electronics engineer.

What's been your most memorable, funny, or unexpected experience you've had while working on a game?

One of the funniest moments was during a project when a player crashed into a car in the game, and the collision caused the character to fly in an absurdly dramatic and hilarious way.

Is there a particular game from Rababa you've worked on that stands out as a favourite from the others?

Yes, Hajwala 2 stands out as a favourite. It was a large-scale project with many challenges, making it both memorable and rewarding.

As someone who previously held roles as a game developer, do you see a distinction in responsibilities between developer and programmer? If so, what are they?

Yes, there is a distinction. A developer works on the game as a whole, including design, mechanics, and gameplay.

A programmer, on the other hand, focuses specifically on building the game’s systems and ensuring they function as intended, such as player control systems, vehicle mechanics, and other core functionalities.

If you could play one game forever (outside the Rababa Games catalogue), what game would it be and why?

I’m a big fan of Rockstar Games, and my top pick would be Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s an incredible game with rich storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Do you have any advice for people pursuing a career in game programming?

I’ve noticed that many aspiring programmers aim to master every aspect of game development and delve into every detail, which isn’t always the best approach. My advice is to focus on what you love and learn what you truly need for the job.

What are you working on right now? Are there any upcoming projects you're particularly excited about?

We’re eagerly awaiting the release of Hajwala 2 on PlayStation 5. Looking ahead, there are many crazy ideas and exciting games in the pipeline that I’ll be sharing more about in the future, both personal projects and those from Rababa Games.