Sura K
@surakarnawi.bsky.social
Studio Lead | Software Engineer | Producer | Advocate for Art & Innovation in Technology | Championing People Centric Design to Inspire Creativity
Pinned
Sura K
@surakarnawi.bsky.social
· Jan 16
Hi, I’m Sura! I’m passionate about technology, art, and human rights, which guide my career and daily choices. I love blending creativity with tech to craft meaningful experiences, especially in video games. I co-created Unleaving, a game close to my heart @orangutanmatter.bsky.social .
Currently reading Orientalism by Palestinian scholar Edward Said a powerful and eye-opening exploration of how the "Orient" has been presented as the 'Other.'
It's both intellectually rich & relevant.
what other books challenged your worldview in a similar way?
#Orientalism #EdwardSaid
It's both intellectually rich & relevant.
what other books challenged your worldview in a similar way?
#Orientalism #EdwardSaid
July 22, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Currently reading Orientalism by Palestinian scholar Edward Said a powerful and eye-opening exploration of how the "Orient" has been presented as the 'Other.'
It's both intellectually rich & relevant.
what other books challenged your worldview in a similar way?
#Orientalism #EdwardSaid
It's both intellectually rich & relevant.
what other books challenged your worldview in a similar way?
#Orientalism #EdwardSaid
Reposted by Sura K
If you're interested, please fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
No DMs please, I won’t be able to reply to everyone individually. Shares are appreciated!
Thank you
No DMs please, I won’t be able to reply to everyone individually. Shares are appreciated!
Thank you
HeartLoop Games - Call for Musician / Audio Designer
HeartLoop Games is looking for a musician and audio designer for contract work on our combat-focused game! High-energy, breakbeat-driven music with funky samples and an upbeat, playful vibe. Chopped v...
docs.google.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:03 PM
If you're interested, please fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
No DMs please, I won’t be able to reply to everyone individually. Shares are appreciated!
Thank you
No DMs please, I won’t be able to reply to everyone individually. Shares are appreciated!
Thank you
Reposted by Sura K
Today marks Unleaving's first anniversary! Released on Steam exactly one year ago '27th of March'. Reflecting on this journey, I'm sharing 10 hard-earned lessons from our game dev journey. Follow this thread or read the full blog post here:
www.unleaving.com/blog-10-thin...
#GameDev #IndieGames
www.unleaving.com/blog-10-thin...
#GameDev #IndieGames
March 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Today marks Unleaving's first anniversary! Released on Steam exactly one year ago '27th of March'. Reflecting on this journey, I'm sharing 10 hard-earned lessons from our game dev journey. Follow this thread or read the full blog post here:
www.unleaving.com/blog-10-thin...
#GameDev #IndieGames
www.unleaving.com/blog-10-thin...
#GameDev #IndieGames
Reposted by Sura K
Happy Women's Day! 💜
Pleased to have Unleaving featured in the Dames 4 Games showcase on IGN, celebrating women's contributions to the gaming industry
Grateful for the chance to highlight the amazing women behind Unleaving led by @surakarnawi.bsky.social .
Thank you @dames4games!
Pleased to have Unleaving featured in the Dames 4 Games showcase on IGN, celebrating women's contributions to the gaming industry
Grateful for the chance to highlight the amazing women behind Unleaving led by @surakarnawi.bsky.social .
Thank you @dames4games!
March 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Happy Women's Day! 💜
Pleased to have Unleaving featured in the Dames 4 Games showcase on IGN, celebrating women's contributions to the gaming industry
Grateful for the chance to highlight the amazing women behind Unleaving led by @surakarnawi.bsky.social .
Thank you @dames4games!
Pleased to have Unleaving featured in the Dames 4 Games showcase on IGN, celebrating women's contributions to the gaming industry
Grateful for the chance to highlight the amazing women behind Unleaving led by @surakarnawi.bsky.social .
Thank you @dames4games!
Reposted by Sura K
Looking forward to the #Dames4GamesSpringShowcase! Guess who is part of it! Can't wait to see all the amazing games and creators featured!
🥰 We want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all the amazing sponsors and partners that make the #Dames4GamesSpringShowcase 🌸 possible ✨ twitch, @ign.com , @wingsfund.me , @gamespot.com , and @themix.bsky.social 🌸
March 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Looking forward to the #Dames4GamesSpringShowcase! Guess who is part of it! Can't wait to see all the amazing games and creators featured!
Reposted by Sura K
Happy Leap Day! We're making the most of this extra day by developing a "hints guide" for #unleaving. Based on your feedback from the demo, we're adding sketches of light bulb moments into the game! Your input matters! bit.ly/wishlist-unl...
February 29, 2024 at 7:54 PM
Happy Leap Day! We're making the most of this extra day by developing a "hints guide" for #unleaving. Based on your feedback from the demo, we're adding sketches of light bulb moments into the game! Your input matters! bit.ly/wishlist-unl...
Hi, I’m Sura! I’m passionate about technology, art, and human rights, which guide my career and daily choices. I love blending creativity with tech to craft meaningful experiences, especially in video games. I co-created Unleaving, a game close to my heart @orangutanmatter.bsky.social .
January 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Hi, I’m Sura! I’m passionate about technology, art, and human rights, which guide my career and daily choices. I love blending creativity with tech to craft meaningful experiences, especially in video games. I co-created Unleaving, a game close to my heart @orangutanmatter.bsky.social .
Reposted by Sura K
2025 Starter Pack of Art Direction driven Game Designers across Solo, Indie & AAA. If I missed someone & you are working on a game with strong art focus, posting WIPs & wish to be included please reply so I can add you, - 50 spots left! RTs welcome! 🚀 #gamedev #indiegamedev
January 14, 2025 at 4:43 PM
2025 Starter Pack of Art Direction driven Game Designers across Solo, Indie & AAA. If I missed someone & you are working on a game with strong art focus, posting WIPs & wish to be included please reply so I can add you, - 50 spots left! RTs welcome! 🚀 #gamedev #indiegamedev
January 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Reposted by Sura K
Lovely meeting everyone at Dirty Rectangles meetup and sharing Unleaving with you! grateful to be part of the incredible Toronto game dev community.
#GameDev #IndieGames #Unleaving
@dirtyrectangles.bsky.social
#GameDev #IndieGames #Unleaving
@dirtyrectangles.bsky.social
January 9, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Lovely meeting everyone at Dirty Rectangles meetup and sharing Unleaving with you! grateful to be part of the incredible Toronto game dev community.
#GameDev #IndieGames #Unleaving
@dirtyrectangles.bsky.social
#GameDev #IndieGames #Unleaving
@dirtyrectangles.bsky.social
A powerful reminder of protecting self-expression
"Democracy can't function without a free press.
'I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.' ~ Ann Telnaes on leaving The Washington Post."
anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-qui...
#Authenticity
"Democracy can't function without a free press.
'I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.' ~ Ann Telnaes on leaving The Washington Post."
anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-qui...
#Authenticity
January 6, 2025 at 2:49 PM
A powerful reminder of protecting self-expression
"Democracy can't function without a free press.
'I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.' ~ Ann Telnaes on leaving The Washington Post."
anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-qui...
#Authenticity
"Democracy can't function without a free press.
'I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.' ~ Ann Telnaes on leaving The Washington Post."
anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-qui...
#Authenticity
Reposted by Sura K
As the year comes to a close, it's exciting to see Unleaving being recognized, so grateful to @mobilesyrup.com & @bradshankar.bsky.social for including it in "Canadian developers made some of 2024’s best games."
Unleaving is still part of Steam Winter Sale
store.steampowered.com/app/1076720/...
Unleaving is still part of Steam Winter Sale
store.steampowered.com/app/1076720/...
I wrote about how Canadian devs made some of the biggest & best games of 2024. 🇨🇦 🎮
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
Canadian developers made some of 2024's best games
From the unbelievably addictive Balatro to the deeply emotional 1000xResist, Canadian games made a strong impression this year.
mobilesyrup.com
December 28, 2024 at 4:12 AM
As the year comes to a close, it's exciting to see Unleaving being recognized, so grateful to @mobilesyrup.com & @bradshankar.bsky.social for including it in "Canadian developers made some of 2024’s best games."
Unleaving is still part of Steam Winter Sale
store.steampowered.com/app/1076720/...
Unleaving is still part of Steam Winter Sale
store.steampowered.com/app/1076720/...
Reposted by Sura K
I wrote about how Canadian devs made some of the biggest & best games of 2024. 🇨🇦 🎮
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
Canadian developers made some of 2024's best games
From the unbelievably addictive Balatro to the deeply emotional 1000xResist, Canadian games made a strong impression this year.
mobilesyrup.com
December 27, 2024 at 5:38 PM
I wrote about how Canadian devs made some of the biggest & best games of 2024. 🇨🇦 🎮
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
I was especially impressed by the sheer variety, from AAA giants Star Wars & Dragon Age to indie gems from @playbalatro.com, @sunsetvisitor.studio & @playhilltop.bsky.social
mobilesyrup.com/2024/12/27/c...
Reposted by Sura K
From all of us at Orangutan Matter, we wish you joy, peace, and creativity this holiday season! 🎨 #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas #IndieGameDev
December 25, 2024 at 5:03 PM
From all of us at Orangutan Matter, we wish you joy, peace, and creativity this holiday season! 🎨 #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas #IndieGameDev
Reposted by Sura K
🎉Out Now 🎉
Just in time for the holidays, my book “Demystifying Creativity on originality in game development” is now shipping world wild on Amazon, Google Books or wherever you get your books from!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone🎄
Just in time for the holidays, my book “Demystifying Creativity on originality in game development” is now shipping world wild on Amazon, Google Books or wherever you get your books from!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone🎄
December 24, 2024 at 4:03 AM
🎉Out Now 🎉
Just in time for the holidays, my book “Demystifying Creativity on originality in game development” is now shipping world wild on Amazon, Google Books or wherever you get your books from!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone🎄
Just in time for the holidays, my book “Demystifying Creativity on originality in game development” is now shipping world wild on Amazon, Google Books or wherever you get your books from!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone🎄
Reposted by Sura K
'Each level presents puzzles that require insight, drawn from the enchanting surroundings of the game.' ~ Player
🔗 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
Explore #Unleaving: now 50% OFF during the Steam Winter Sale!
#IndieGames #gamedev
🔗 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
Explore #Unleaving: now 50% OFF during the Steam Winter Sale!
#IndieGames #gamedev
December 22, 2024 at 3:48 AM
'Each level presents puzzles that require insight, drawn from the enchanting surroundings of the game.' ~ Player
🔗 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
Explore #Unleaving: now 50% OFF during the Steam Winter Sale!
#IndieGames #gamedev
🔗 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
Explore #Unleaving: now 50% OFF during the Steam Winter Sale!
#IndieGames #gamedev
Reposted by Sura K
High above the ground on a platform kept in the air by chains, a figure in a loose nightgown holds a small cage with a candle inside.
Behind the figure, a huge, broken stained glass window fills the space.
🎮 Unleaving
#gaming
Behind the figure, a huge, broken stained glass window fills the space.
🎮 Unleaving
#gaming
December 15, 2024 at 2:26 PM
High above the ground on a platform kept in the air by chains, a figure in a loose nightgown holds a small cage with a candle inside.
Behind the figure, a huge, broken stained glass window fills the space.
🎮 Unleaving
#gaming
Behind the figure, a huge, broken stained glass window fills the space.
🎮 Unleaving
#gaming
Reposted by Sura K
Brad doing good work here -- the list of games worth checking out is longer than just the TGA noms (or indeed any game award show's noms) list.
Since I've been going through a bunch of games for #TheGameAwards, I wrote about a bunch that I think deserve more attention.
Lots of great releases, especially on the indie front!
Ft. Canadian devs: @sunsetvisitor.bsky.social, @playhilltop.bsky.social, @orangutanmatter.bsky.social
🇨🇦 🎮
Lots of great releases, especially on the indie front!
Ft. Canadian devs: @sunsetvisitor.bsky.social, @playhilltop.bsky.social, @orangutanmatter.bsky.social
🇨🇦 🎮
These games didn't get Game Awards nominations, but they absolutely deserve recognition
They might not have been nominated, but they're all winners in my heart.
mobilesyrup.com
November 26, 2024 at 10:28 PM
Brad doing good work here -- the list of games worth checking out is longer than just the TGA noms (or indeed any game award show's noms) list.
Reposted by Sura K
"Margaret, are you grieving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?"
The Steam Autumn Sale is here, and so are the golden hues! Unleaving is now 30% OFF, a perfect time to immerse yourself in this artistic and emotional journey.
🍂 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
#UnleavingGame #SteamSale #ArtisticGaming
Over Goldengrove unleaving?"
The Steam Autumn Sale is here, and so are the golden hues! Unleaving is now 30% OFF, a perfect time to immerse yourself in this artistic and emotional journey.
🍂 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
#UnleavingGame #SteamSale #ArtisticGaming
December 2, 2024 at 3:24 PM
"Margaret, are you grieving
Over Goldengrove unleaving?"
The Steam Autumn Sale is here, and so are the golden hues! Unleaving is now 30% OFF, a perfect time to immerse yourself in this artistic and emotional journey.
🍂 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
#UnleavingGame #SteamSale #ArtisticGaming
Over Goldengrove unleaving?"
The Steam Autumn Sale is here, and so are the golden hues! Unleaving is now 30% OFF, a perfect time to immerse yourself in this artistic and emotional journey.
🍂 bit.ly/Steam-Unleav...
#UnleavingGame #SteamSale #ArtisticGaming
Reposted by Sura K
Seeing Unleaving on the big screen at the @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social's Ball was amazing!
Curious about the intersection of games & art? Join our talk today "Bridging Traditional Painting & Video Games" with Sura Karnawi & Saif Jabur on Dec 1 at 1:30 PM Est.
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
Curious about the intersection of games & art? Join our talk today "Bridging Traditional Painting & Video Games" with Sura Karnawi & Saif Jabur on Dec 1 at 1:30 PM Est.
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
December 1, 2024 at 1:33 PM
Seeing Unleaving on the big screen at the @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social's Ball was amazing!
Curious about the intersection of games & art? Join our talk today "Bridging Traditional Painting & Video Games" with Sura Karnawi & Saif Jabur on Dec 1 at 1:30 PM Est.
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
Curious about the intersection of games & art? Join our talk today "Bridging Traditional Painting & Video Games" with Sura Karnawi & Saif Jabur on Dec 1 at 1:30 PM Est.
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
Reposted by Sura K
I'll be speaking live today on Twitch at 4:15pm EST during @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social's Super FESTival about me and my students' experiences with Minecraft Education and the impact of game-based learning!
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
December 1, 2024 at 4:47 PM
I'll be speaking live today on Twitch at 4:15pm EST during @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social's Super FESTival about me and my students' experiences with Minecraft Education and the impact of game-based learning!
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
www.twitch.tv/handeyesociety
Reposted by Sura K
After years away from game dev, I couldn’t stay silent about my people’s dehumanization. I made Dreams on a Pillow 🍉a game inspired by a famous Palestinian folktale about the 1948 Nakba.
I’m crowdfunding it now—please back & share!
🔗 launchgood.com/1948
I’m crowdfunding it now—please back & share!
🔗 launchgood.com/1948
Dreams on a Pillow - a videogame experience about the 1948 Nakba, based on a true story | LaunchGood
A pseudo-3D stealth adventure game about a land full of people being made into a people without land
www.launchgood.com
November 28, 2024 at 2:02 PM
After years away from game dev, I couldn’t stay silent about my people’s dehumanization. I made Dreams on a Pillow 🍉a game inspired by a famous Palestinian folktale about the 1948 Nakba.
I’m crowdfunding it now—please back & share!
🔗 launchgood.com/1948
I’m crowdfunding it now—please back & share!
🔗 launchgood.com/1948
Reposted by Sura K
Had a lot of fun showing off JFMSU at the HES Ball!! I'm glad folks had a good time playing our cursed VR hairdressing game!!
More info here: handeyesociety.com/superfestiva...
More info here: handeyesociety.com/superfestiva...
December 1, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Had a lot of fun showing off JFMSU at the HES Ball!! I'm glad folks had a good time playing our cursed VR hairdressing game!!
More info here: handeyesociety.com/superfestiva...
More info here: handeyesociety.com/superfestiva...
Reposted by Sura K
Really wonderful to see Gamesradar pick up on Dreams on a Pillow this soon after Thanksgiving.
www.gamesradar.com/games/stealt...
www.gamesradar.com/games/stealt...
A veteran Palestinian developer living under occupation is crowdfunding a "pseudo-3D stealth" game to "share the catastrophe that has haunted generations"
Dreams on a Pillow tells the story of the 1948 Nakba
www.gamesradar.com
December 1, 2024 at 9:48 AM
Really wonderful to see Gamesradar pick up on Dreams on a Pillow this soon after Thanksgiving.
www.gamesradar.com/games/stealt...
www.gamesradar.com/games/stealt...
Thank you for tuning in to my workshop at @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social on Twitch!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello[at]orangutanmatter[dot]com.
We'll be back on Sunday with another talk about making artistic games, hope to see you there!
twitch.tv/handeyesociety
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello[at]orangutanmatter[dot]com.
We'll be back on Sunday with another talk about making artistic games, hope to see you there!
twitch.tv/handeyesociety
November 30, 2024 at 1:22 AM
Thank you for tuning in to my workshop at @thehandeyesociety.bsky.social on Twitch!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello[at]orangutanmatter[dot]com.
We'll be back on Sunday with another talk about making artistic games, hope to see you there!
twitch.tv/handeyesociety
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello[at]orangutanmatter[dot]com.
We'll be back on Sunday with another talk about making artistic games, hope to see you there!
twitch.tv/handeyesociety