The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), as part of its Kalima Translation Project, has published the Arabic edition of a new book titled ‘Demystifying Creativity: On Originality in Game Development’, authored by Fawzi Mesmar, translated by Mohamed Fathy Khedr, and reviewed by Nevin Helmy.
The author, a prominent Arab game developer, addresses the concept of creativity from a perspective that combines psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, offering a holistic vision that blends theoretical and scientific aspects. This perspective stems from his understanding that the creative process is not merely a series of systematic steps, but a dynamic experience in which knowledge, experience, intuition, observation, and imagination intersect in unique and multifaceted ways.
The book reflects the author’s vision of creativity. It begins with a comprehensive definition, drawing on statements from prominent thinkers and historical figures, while incorporating findings from recent medical studies. It then addresses key concepts of creativity, such as originality, value, and soundness, blending theory with application across its chapters.
The book also covers important topics, including innovation, the creative process, authorship, collaboration, and creative vision, in addition to exploring the connection between creativity, arts, sciences, and all other human-centric fields. It provides a deeper understanding of the challenge of defining human creativity, making it an essential reference for anyone working in the gaming industry or seeking to understand the mechanisms of inspiration and creative thinking across various creative disciplines.
Fawzi Mesmar, Author of the Book
Fawzi Mesmar holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Jordan and a master’s degree in business administration from Durham University in the United Kingdom. He has worked in the video game industry for over two decades, with a career spanning the Middle East, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe. During this time, he participated in designing more than 20 games.
Mesmar has held managerial and leadership positions in various companies around the world. He is a regular speaker at global gaming conferences and delivers lectures at game design and development schools, such as the University of the Arts London and Media Design School Auckland.
Mohamed Fathy Khedr, Translator
Mohamed Fathy Khedr is an Egyptian translator who has translated and reviewed dozens of books from English into Arabic across multiple fields, most notably scientific culture, history, economics, and politics, in collaboration with major Arab institutions and publishing houses. He won the National Centre for Translation Award in Egypt during its fourth edition in 2016 for his translation of the book ‘Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution’. His translation of ‘The Elegant Universe’ was longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) in the Translation category in 2017.
