Known for:
Restore Your Island, What Happened, The Free Sky, Nounish Kids (Animated Series)
Biography
Arash Negahban is an Iranian game developer, creative director, and animator with extensive experience across multiple areas of interactive and visual media. He began his professional journey in 2012 and has since contributed to the gaming industry as a multidisciplinary creator.
In 2017, Arash founded his own independent studio, Genius Slackers, where he led the creative vision behind the studio’s projects. Their first major release launched in 2020, marking a significant milestone in his career as a storyteller and game director. Alongside game development, he has been deeply involved in animation production, including the creation and sale of NFT-based animated works from 2021 to 2023.
Driven by collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, Arash consistently expands his knowledge in narrative design, art direction, animation, and technical production, positioning himself as a versatile force in modern game development.
Career & Experience
Creative Director — Genius Slackers (Poland)
February 2017 – August 2020
Project: What Happened
- Designed the story, non-linear narrative structure, and detailed gameplay interactions.
- Directed and coordinated the development team to enhance story, scriptwriting, and dialogues.
- Planned and supervised the full production pipeline based on the project’s long-term vision.
- Collaborated with sound and music designers to craft an immersive auditory experience.
- Oversaw the use of effects, animations, and scene compositions to reinforce the game’s visual tone.
Art Director — Genius Slackers (Poland)
December 2017 – August 2020
Project: What Happened
- Defined the artistic direction, visual rhythm, and style guide for the entire game.
- Directed concept art creation, character design, environment design, and asset production.
- Worked closely with technical teams to ensure accurate implementation of artistic elements.
Creative Director — Genius Slackers (Poland)
June 2021 – July 2022
Project: The Free Sky
- Shaped the creative vision and narrative structure of the game.
- Collaborated with writers, designers, and developers to maintain a cohesive narrative flow.
- Provided creative guidance on gameplay mechanics, level design, and storytelling structure.
- Conducted playtesting and integrated player feedback for better engagement.
- Coordinated with audio teams for emotional and immersive sound design.
Art Director — Genius Slackers (Poland)
June 2021 – June 2022
Project: The Free Sky
- Led the art team, supervised the entire visual pipeline, and defined the artistic identity of the project.
- Oversaw concept art, character creation, and environment asset production.
- Ensured visual consistency and collaborated with developers for smooth asset integration.
Director & Animator — Nounish Kids (Poland)
February 2023 – June 2023
- Produced all animated educational videos for the YouTube channel Nounish Kids.
- Managed the full production cycle from concept and scriptwriting to animation and post-production.
- Worked closely with artists, voice actors, and editors to ensure polished and high-quality content designed for children.
Style & Creative Philosophy
Arash approaches game development through a blend of emotional storytelling, visual identity, and interactive depth. His experience across game design, art direction, and animation gives him a unique ability to unify narrative, gameplay, and aesthetics.
His work emphasizes:
- Strong emotional themes
- Non-linear and immersive storytelling
- Cohesive artistic direction
- Team collaboration and creative problem-solving
- Continual experimentation with new technologies and media formats