Omani designer who went viral with 1900s Gulf video game 'learned everything from YouTube'

Dubai: Forget Ivy League colleges or expensive gaming schools abroad.

For self-made Omani game designer Almohannad Alwhaibi, his classroom was a laptop screen and his teachers were the countless creators uploading tutorials on YouTube.

“I actually learned everything from YouTube,” he tells Gulf News over Zoom video from his living room in Oman.

“YouTube has everything. If you use it the right way, it can change your life.”

Seven years after embarking on his self-taught journey, he has gone viral with a trailer for his new game — not because it mimics glossy titles from the West or East, but because it does the opposite. His demo celebrates Oman itself, from the rugged landscapes to characters dressed in traditional thobes, and that cultural authenticity has struck a chord with gamers across the Gulf.

The project, built entirely from scratch, has sparked pride and excitement for its originality and homegrown spirit.

Like most creative journeys, his was not without struggle. With a degree in computer science, Almohannad sometimes wondered if he should take a safer, more conventional path.

“There were times when I really wondered, ‘What am I doing with my life?’” he recalls.

So what did he do during those low points? His answer is disarmingly honest:

“I actually sleep a lot,” he laughs. “When I feel bad, I sleep. And I game. Gaming helps me feel better. Sometimes sleep is your best friend.”

Now, with his trailer capturing attention, Almohannad is cautious about his next steps. He’s not looking to hand over control of his creation to big studios or corporations. Apparently, he has been swatting dozens of job offers from across the globe. But he doesn't want to be a part of a corporate.

“I’m trying to keep it for myself,” he says firmly. “I don’t want to sell it to a giant. It's good to be your own boss."

That fierce independence is at the heart of his philosophy.

For him, success isn’t about quick deals or flashy collaborations — it’s about ownership, authenticity, and staying true to the vision that got him this far.

“You will see it in the near future,” he hints, suggesting that the full game might not be too far off.

Not content with just coding in his corner, he went ahead and pulled together a crew of like-minded gamers in Oman — basically creating his own cheat code for a sustainable, supportive community.

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn when asked if his success means parents can stop paying school fees and let their children learn from YouTube instead.

He grins knowingly. “Yeah, actually, YouTube has everything, so you can use it in the right way.”

His path hasn’t been a straight line. He earned a degree in computer engineering, the kind of qualification that could have landed him a steady nine-to-five job.

Instead, he bet on himself, learning game design from scratch on YouTube. Today, that gamble is paying off — he’s already earning enough to treat himself to the kind of toys most young men only dream of, like a Dodge sports car.

What makes Almohannad vision powerful is his focus on showcasing Oman’s heritage in a global format. From traditional clothing to authentic landscapes, he’s intent on preserving cultural detail while building an experience that resonates worldwide.

And he isn’t afraid to experiment with humor and crossover ideas. When teased about designing a Malayali-inspired game, complete with lungis and gold-trimmed attire, he laughs: “I’ll have to contact someone from there and they can help me with this.”

It’s this blend of cultural pride and playful openness that makes his project uniquely compelling.

Monad’s story has already become a beacon for aspiring creatives across the region. At a time when formal education is expensive and sometimes outdated, he has shown that grit, free resources, and community support can rival traditional pathways.

“You don’t need to wait for someone to give you permission,” he says. “If I can do it, anyone can.”

And that’s the heart of his journey — a reminder that talent can flourish anywhere, even in unexpected corners of Muscat, with nothing more than a laptop, persistence, and the belief that dreams built online can one day go global.