Former Microsoft exec Sajid Farooq and Red Dead Redemption 2 developer James Rackliffe join gaming veterans for a new studio

Former Microsoft executive Sajid Farooq and Red Dead Redemption 2 developer James Rackliffe have reportedly partnered with other AAA game veterans to establish a new game studio called ILHAM. This new game studio is expected to focus on showcasing perspectives from Middle Eastern and Indian Subcontinental cultures. Farooq, who previously led DirectX development at Microsoft, reportedly believes that gamers are hungry for fresh ideas and diverse representation. He has partnered with Rackliffe, who brings experience as an EA director and technical QA lead on Red Dead Redemption 2, to bring this vision to life. While details about ILHAM’s first project remain under wraps, the studio’s pedigree suggests a focus on high-quality, AAA gaming experiences.