While the career of her dreams might be starring in big screen blockbusters, Saudi gamer Dhay, who has already had a role in 2019 Saudi drama The Perfect Candidate, is perhaps better known to fans for her gaming credentials. A familiar name on the country’s enormous online scene, and part of a huge number of Saudi women gamers, Dhay describes gaming as “a daily meal”, and a passion first sparked by “Super Mario, on the good old Atari, and maybe the snake game we used to play on our first mobile phones”. Both gaming and Saudi gamer Dhay herself have come a long way since the ’90s, but there’s still plenty of distance to go. “I think Sony will launch a smaller gaming console, like a mobile phone with the same high specs, and they won’t be the only company to considering launching smaller gaming devices that are easy to use and carry – just like how PCs became laptops and then tabs.” Here, Dhay shares five games that have had the biggest impact on her since she picked up her first controller.
Bully (2006)
“This game really taught me that one can shape life as they want – and that the objectives you set for yourself with impact how you develop, and how you achieve your goals. The game is based on a rebellious school student called Jimmy, and players have to get Jimmy to progress through the ranks of the school system in order to stop bullying.”
Detroit: Become Human (2018)
“This one is an adventure game centred around three different androids – a police investigator, a housekeeper and a caretaker. In my view, this game teaches players a lot about the importance of good manners and morals. It suggests that every decision you make in life builds you towards different possible outcomes and endings – and players who go through the game in different ways will find that they wind up with different endings.”
Fatal Frame (2001-14)
“There are five main games that have been released in this series, which is a Japanese survival horror. The basic premise is the same in each – slaying ghosts using only your camera obscura ability. What I have learned from this game is that you can face your fears and overcome them, even against the odds of bad habits, myths, poor health and depression.”
Grand Theft Auto (1997-2013)
“Even among non-gamers, this one probably doesn’t need an introduction, but essentially players are tasked with heists and robberies, under the orders of various corrupt officials and criminals. And it taught me that reaching an impasse does not necessarily mean the end – you can take control of your life through hard work and building contacts.”
Resident Evil (1996-2021)
“Another one that needs no introduction – and one of the best-selling games ever. RE is a big one in the survival and zombie genres. This game really showed me that there no place for fear when you have enough patience, knowledge and strength.”
Follow Dhay on Instagram at @dhay.xx.
