A new way for kids to learn through play. Fairside Stories is a mobile game series that blends Role-Playing Game and Visual Novel mechanics to teach social and emotional skills to children aged 9–12.
As Co-founder and Head of Content & Learning at BigFatPhoenix Interactive, I led the creative direction, gameplay design, and research partnerships that shaped the product - from early prototypes to a live, teacher-certified experience used in schools and homes across India and the UAE.
My Role
- Studio Founder: Built and led a 16-member cross-functional team and secured venture funding to support the studio's growth.
- Systems Design: Designed a trait-based behavioural tracking framework to profile player behaviour across games and inform adaptive storytelling.
- Creative Lead & Designer: Co-created the game's tone, narrative systems, and character design. Introduced a turn-based conflict-resolution mechanic that helped players practise empathy and decision-making.
- Co-Design Pioneer: Partnered with 500+ children in multiple participatory design sprints - a first at this scale in kids' games.
- Partnerships: Collaborated with Dubai Police on cyber-safety content and with the University of Maryland on participatory design research.
Why It's Unique
- Genre Innovation: First to adapt RPG and Visual Novel structures for children's learning games.
- Kids as Co-Designers: Every story was shaped with direct input from young players.
- Learning Beyond Screens: Inspired the Fairside Squad school programme, where students learn storytelling, ethics, and critical thinking by designing their own games.
Recognition & Press
Recognised by Hungama Gamechangers (2024), Lumikai Pathbreakers (2021), and Education 2.0 Best New Company Award (Dubai 2022). Featured by BBC News, Animation Xpress, and Education UAE. Presented at the India Game Developer Conference (IGDC).