Every great journey starts with great people, and ours began 25 years ago.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re interviewing some of the people who helped shape Gameloft into what it is today.
We spoke with Zabi Khan, Creative Audio Director at Gameloft Yogyakarta, about his journey from mixing live sports broadcasts in Dubai to designing interactive audio experiences in gaming.
Where were you at 25?
I was in Dubai working as an audio engineer at a sports television network, mixing live audio for major on-air sporting events, such as FIFA and Formula One. Around the same time, I also purchased my first PlayStation 2, which sparked a deeper interest in the world of gaming.
What were you playing at 25?
I was an avid fan of Grand Theft Auto. Beyond enjoying the gameplay itself, I was particularly fascinated by the intricate audio design—the cars, the music, and the engaging car radio show. The level of detail was impressive and sparked my curiosity about how audio for video games is created and designed.
Why gaming?
After nearly eight years of experience in film and television, I was eager to take on a more dynamic and innovative challenge. Video game audio presented the perfect opportunity, as it is inherently interactive and constantly responding to user input rather than following a fixed, scripted path like in film or television. This unpredictability and technical complexity made the field especially compelling to me, and it was a natural next step in my career.
Most important advice?
Beyond formal education, I believe it’s vital for aspiring video game sound designers to nurture both their creativity and their technical skills. Develop a keen ear for detail but also become comfortable working with the tools and game engines that bring those ideas to life. Most importantly, never underestimate the value of hands-on experience. Take every opportunity, even the small ones, because each project helps you grow and brings you one step closer to mastering your craft.
Your inspirations?
My earliest inspiration to pursue a career in sound and music came from listening to rock and metal records from the 1980s and 1990s and developing a deep appreciation for the artistry and craft behind their production. Later, as I began to immerse myself in video games, I realized that working in game audio represented the perfect convergence of my two passions—music and interactive entertainment, making it a natural and fulfilling career path for me.
Biggest challenge?
I began learning audio at the age of 14, which meant that I was often the youngest member of the teams I worked with throughout much of my career. Entering an industry filled with experienced professionals, I frequently faced the challenge of proving my skills and earning the trust of colleagues and collaborators. Building that credibility took persistence and consistent effort, but ultimately it helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Proudest moment?
My proudest moment was being hired as a sound designer at Electronic Arts, my first role in the gaming industry, immediately after completing film school. The team was impressed by my creative approach, audio aesthetic, and practical experience, and offered me the position within a week of graduation. Joining one of the world’s leading game developers at such an early stage in my gaming career was both an honor and a defining milestone.
