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The developer – Omid Darani


Omid Darani considers he was lucky to get a chance to study in Abertay University’s world-famous computer games centre of excellence. The 27-year-old Iranian’s degree in computer games, and his association with the university, have led him to a full-time job with Proper Games, the Dundee based software firm.


Why did you come to Scotland? I came to the UK four years ago, after completing my studies in software engineering and computer networks. I found out about the Abertay course in my research for further education. Many graduates and skilled people from my country tend to move abroad to attend further education or to work. I enjoy programming, and I am a keen computer gamer, and, since Abertay brings the two subjects together, I decided to apply to study in Dundee, and graduated with distinction last year.


What attracted you to Proper Games?


I registered in the talent pool at


Abertay’s Prototype Fund, which helps bring employers and graduates


together on specfic short-term projects. Proper Games was one of the


companies I’d heard about when I was at


university, and when the chance came to work with them on a three-month project I applied for it. When the project was finished, the company offered me a full-time job, which I was delighted to accept. I work as a programmer, developing the


company’s existing products for new platforms. In particular, I’m part of a new team that is creating a Facebook version of Proper Games’ multi award winning iPhone/iPad game – Yo Deshi.


new IT revolution – there’s so much more than can be achieved – it’s a very exciting time. That’s why I decided to study a masters in


interactive entertainment. I graduated in 2010 and while studying developed a game concept that is now being readied for launch.


Tell us about your company and the new game I was looking for an artist for the game and I


met Carlos Llorente. After a few weeks working on the game, we knew we had something big going on: and Braindead Ape Games was born! Two years on we have a 12-man team and we’ve recently appointed a commercial director. Our game is called ‘Show Me Your Bum’ –


it’s a tongue-in-cheek concept where you create your own hobo and compete in a whole range of games so they get things they need. It’s rich in adult humour and it’s a lot of fun. We plan to launch it in the spring on the


Android platform and are looking to develop the concept further through advertising and other gaming experiences.


What aspects do you like about living in Scotland? The expertise of gaming here is very strong, and they are open and willing to help start-up companies like mine. You can get a great lot of advice


from people – it’s a very supportive environment. As a place to live, I really like


Scotland because it is a small and compact country. It’s the perfect size to enjoy cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow and also to get out quickly to the countryside.


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