We had the good fortune of connecting with Nabeel Mohammed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nabeel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success so far has been the unwavering motivation and support from my parents and family. They’ve always encouraged me to keep going, even when times were tough or the work felt overwhelming. Watching them persevere through their own challenges and still come out stronger has inspired me to do the same in my journey.

Another major influence was my grandmother, who recently passed away. She constantly believed in my potential and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Although she didn’t get to witness many of my recent accomplishments, her belief in me now fuels my drive. I’m committed to achieving the goals she envisioned for me and honoring the legacy she left behind.

Lastly, my friends, both back home in Trinidad and those I’ve met here in Atlanta while studying at SCAD have played a crucial role in my growth. They’ve supported me emotionally and creatively, offering honest feedback that helps shape my work and keep my ideas grounded. Without them I won’t be the person I am today, they continuously push me to be my best and pick me up when I’m at my lowest.

Together, the encouragement, belief, and honesty from my family and friends form the foundation of my success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my approach to game design. I’m driven by a passion for creating experiences with high replay value and lasting player engagement. Instead of simply trying to invent completely new concepts, I find inspiration from a variety of sources and creatively integrate them into my game mechanics and objectives. This allows players to experience moments of surprise and delight as they discover how familiar elements are used in unexpected and innovative ways. It’s about taking established ideas and twisting them into something fresh and exciting.

I’m currently very excited about my indie game, “Night of the Living Bubble.” This project began as an entry for Global Game Jam 2025, where it won “Best in SCAD Atlanta.” This success propelled us into the “Best in Georgia” competition, where we achieved 2nd place overall. We’re now working to expand the initial concept into a full game, with a target release date of September 2025. “Night of the Living Bubble” is a first-person shooter set in a strip mall, where players navigate through various stores, following a storyline that culminates in a unique boss fight in the mall’s sewers.

The development of this game has been an invaluable learning experience. As Lead Programmer and Technical Artist, I’ve gained extensive knowledge in game development. This includes creating entire systems and complex enemy interactions, as well as the crucial skill of optimizing these systems to ensure the game runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware. It’s been a deep dive into the technical and artistic aspects of game creation.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s the importance of taking chances. Even when an opportunity seems unlikely to yield significant results, it’s essential to pursue it. You never know what the universe has in store; that seemingly small project could unexpectedly become a massive success. Life is about embracing risks and venturing into the unknown. Comfort can be a significant obstacle, and staying within your comfort zone can lead to missed opportunities. You truly never know what you might achieve if you don’t at least try.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for the week, I’d make sure they got a full taste of Atlanta, especially its incredible food scene and rich cultural vibe.

We’d kick things off with lunch at SriThai in Atlantic Station. It’s one of my go-to spots with friends, the fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine is some of the best I’ve had in the city. After lunch, we’d explore the World of Coca-Cola and try all the different Coke flavors. Then, we’d head next door to the Georgia Aquarium, it’s always a mind-blowing experience, no matter how many times you’ve been, especially seeing a Scarlet Ibis so far from Trinidad.

During the week, I’d plan a mix of relaxing and adventure. We’d spend a chill afternoon at Piedmont Park, lounging by the lake, and take a scenic hike at Stone Mountain or catch a sunrise hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park, both offer stunning views and a refreshing escape from the city.

No trip would be complete without exploring the Atlanta BeltLine and all the hidden gems along the way. And for food? We’d definitely hit up both Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. The variety there is unbeatable everything from global flavors to locally inspired bites, it’s foodie heaven.

If there’s an Atlanta United game that week, we’re absolutely going. I always love the energy of the home crowd it’s electric. Plus, it’s a great chance to support Ajani Fortune, the sole Trini on the squad. As a fellow Trini, it’s a proud moment every time he’s on the pitch.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, my parents and grandparents deserve immense recognition; without their unwavering support throughout my life, regardless of the path I chose, my successes wouldn’t have been possible. Their belief and encouragement gave me the courage to pursue my dreams

Secondly, I must acknowledge my peers, both here in Atlanta and back home in Trinidad. Their constant support has been invaluable in shaping who I am today. They’ve pushed me to excel in my work, challenged my perspectives, offered care during difficult times, and celebrated every achievement.

Lastly, I can’t forget my mentors. They provided the knowledge and guidance essential to pursuing my dream of becoming a Game Developer. Their ongoing support and feedback helped me to develop my skills to the best of my ability. Their influence has been pivotal in my growth as an artist and as a person, enabling me to refine my craft and push the boundaries of my creativity.

Website: https://nabeelbashir18.wixsite.com/portfolio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/868nabeel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabeel-mohammed-19299829b

Other: https://linktr.ee/notlb

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