A New Vision: Launching a Palestinian Sci-Fi Game Studio from the Ashes of StillFrame 3D
Hello everyone,
My name is Basel Yousef. I am a Palestinian 3D artist and former CTE Animation teacher. I am reaching out because I need your help. After two years of struggle, StillFrame 3D is closing its doors permanently. However, this is not the end, but a new beginning, as a new studio is taking its place. To understand why I am doing this and what I am asking for, please read through this article.
For years, I have had a dream to integrate Palestinian identity into mainstream media in ways that extend far beyond news or history. I envision a space where Palestinians are central figures in fiction. I want to see Palestinians saving planets in space, solving closed-door mysteries, and becoming superheroes who inspire children.
I want the right to tell stories of our struggle against Zionism with the same creative freedom Western media often applies to the fight against Nazis. Furthermore, I also want the right to tell stories entirely unshackled from the daily reality of Zionism, allowing Palestinian characters to stand on their own in every story. This desire to mark our existence in a world that often seeks to erase us is what drove me to become a 3D artist.
The Artist Problem
It is already deeply problematic that Palestinians are represented as terrorists in this field, if we are represented at all. Furthermore, the industry is notorious for exploiting artists and underpaying talent. I have spoken with many graphic designers, filmmakers, and animators who share a common sentiment: they have left the industry entirely. It is an increasingly demeaning and low-paying field. What is baffling, however, is that the issue is not a lack of revenue. Media across all industries generates hundreds of billions annually. Yet, that wealth is primarily distributed among top investors who do not have to worry about common struggles like rent or layoffs.
When I founded StillFrame 3D, my intention was to establish it as a stepping stone toward my storytelling goals. The strategy involved generating revenue by providing client services to the pro-Palestine community as an ethical alternative and offering online education to help reignite interest in the field. Sadly, it did not succeed. Despite the professional branding of the studio, I continued to face the same exploitation and market entry barriers that had plagued my earlier freelancing years.
Many people advised me to treat my profession as a hobby rather than a career and to start anew in a different profession. I can’t accept that. 3D modeling is more than just a hobby. It is a full time profession that demands the focus and dedication of a full time job. More importantly, Palestinians need to be present in this space now more than ever. If we continue to be pushed out, we will never be the masters of our own representation In this field or any other. That is why I will never quit. I will not allow billionaires, Zionists, or AI to dictate how we are allowed to thrive. luckily, there are a few others who are still striving for the same goal in other parts of the world.
Rise of a New Gaming Studio
Rising from the ashes of StillFrame 3D, I am announcing the creation of a new indie video game studio dedicated to producing Palestinian fiction games, with the name to be revealed in the coming months. But why did I choose games over everything else?
I could have chosen film or comic books, but video games offer the greatest impact. The gaming industry is massive, generating more revenue than film, television, and music combined. While profit is not my primary motivator, this scale demonstrates the reach of games. They also wield immense cultural and economic influence, shown by the aggressive acquisition of indie game companies by corporations and politicians. Despite this corporate dominance, video games still offer a lower barrier to entry than film. Through this new studio, I hope to work on my first Palestinian sci-fi game.
I have a story, a project, and game play ideas ready. However, I lack a prototype to show or test. Without a small team, I cannot make this prototype. Alone, I am just a 3D artist. I am confident in my ability to create game-ready characters and environments, but I am neither a programmer nor a concept artist. For this project to even start, I need a core team and funding. Without a prototype, securing funding is nearly impossible. Without funding, building a prototype is incredibly difficult. So, it’s a tough problem to solve.
Workers Cooperative Model
The game studio will operate as a worker cooperative, where every core team member serves as a worker-owner. This model reflects my belief in workers’ rights and the principle that industry laborers should benefit directly from their work, rather than enriching “sleazy investors.” It is bad enough that many of these investors are often the same entities complicit in the destruction of Palestine.
Consequently, this cooperative structure excludes traditional outside investors, even those who are pro-Palestinian. This makes starting the studio a very high-risk endeavor with no guarantees, but Palestinians simply do not break barriers without taking risks. Of course, there are solutions. However, that is not the immediate problem I’m looking to solve right now.
Consequently, this cooperative structure excludes traditional outside investors, even those who are pro-Palestinian. This makes starting the studio a very high-risk endeavor with no guarantees, but Palestinians simply do not break barriers without taking risks. Of course, there are solutions. However, that is not the immediate problem I’m looking to solve right now.
Immediate Problem I’m Looking to Solve
Before I can address funding strategies and operational challenges, I must first complete two immediate goals:
1. Build a Core Team Starting with Volunteers
I hate asking for free time in an industry that already exploits artists, yet I have no choice but to find at least two volunteers willing to assist with prototyping, even if it is just a few hours a week. Until stable funding is secured, I cannot fund the salaries for two additional team members or even compensate myself for hours worked. However, if we as a team can make something work, these volunteers will be offered positions as worker-owners in the cooperative. In addition, I am tired of working with people through a screen, so both core members must be based locally within the Texas Triangle.
The specific roles I need are:
Lead Concept Artist (Must be Palestinian): This individual will define the studio’s art direction. They need to have a personal understanding of the Palestinian experience, whether they grew up in the diaspora or the homeland. Finding Palestinian concept artists is as challenging as finding an endangered species, yet it is absolutely important for authentic storytelling.
Game Engine Coder (Godot): While this role does not require the candidate to be Palestinian, they must fully align with the studio’s Palestinian identity and mission. We are not making anything else.
1. Build a Core Team Starting with Volunteers
I hate asking for free time in an industry that already exploits artists, yet I have no choice but to find at least two volunteers willing to assist with prototyping, even if it is just a few hours a week. Until stable funding is secured, I cannot fund the salaries for two additional team members or even compensate myself for hours worked. However, if we as a team can make something work, these volunteers will be offered positions as worker-owners in the cooperative. In addition, I am tired of working with people through a screen, so both core members must be based locally within the Texas Triangle.
The specific roles I need are:
Lead Concept Artist (Must be Palestinian): This individual will define the studio’s art direction. They need to have a personal understanding of the Palestinian experience, whether they grew up in the diaspora or the homeland. Finding Palestinian concept artists is as challenging as finding an endangered species, yet it is absolutely important for authentic storytelling.
Game Engine Coder (Godot): While this role does not require the candidate to be Palestinian, they must fully align with the studio’s Palestinian identity and mission. We are not making anything else.