Rami Ismail

Rami Ismail is a Dutch-Egyptian independent games and tools developer, industry advisor and internationally recognised advocate who has spent more than 15 years shaping the global games industry. As the Co-Founder of influential indie studio Vlambeer, he helped create award-winning titles including ‘Ridiculous Fishing’ and ‘Nuclear Throne’, building a career that spans more than 20 games across PC, console, web and mobile. Rami is hired as a speaker for his first-hand expertise in game development, entrepreneurship, studio sustainability and inclusive leadership, translating complex industry challenges into practical lessons for developers, business leaders and creative teams.

Beyond developing games, Rami has become an influential figure in improving the infrastructure and opportunities available to developers worldwide. His creation of the industry-standard dopresskit.com, alongside his consultancy, public speaking and advocacy, has supported game communities and independent developers across the globe. With credits spanning hundreds of independent titles, Rami has helped tens of thousands of developers navigate the industry's commercial and creative realities. His contribution has earned considerable recognition, including the prestigious Game Developers Choice Ambassador Award, the IndieCade Gamechanger Award and a Forbes 30 Under 30 nomination.

Today, Rami combines development with leadership, advisory work and international advocacy. He serves as Executive Director of gamedev.world, Managing Director of globalgames.fund, Advisory Board Member of The AbleGamers Charity and has served on the Board of Directors of the International Game Developers Association. He has also worked in government relations for the Dutch Games Association, strengthening communication between the Netherlands’ games sector and government while representing stakeholders spanning independent and AAA studios, education, publishing, investment and applied games. Through these positions, Rami champions an inclusive, human-focused and sustainable games industry in which developers can access the knowledge, connections and resources needed to succeed.

Rami’s expertise has taken him across the international technology, gaming and media landscape, with clients, talks, appearances and recognition involving organisations including Ubisoft, Google, CNN, Forbes and PlayStation Studios. He also shares industry insight through his ‘Levelling The Playing Field’ newsletter and podcasts including ‘The Habibis’ and ‘Mike & Rami Are Still Here’. Rami Ismail is hired as a speaker to provide candid, actionable insight into the future of gaming, creative entrepreneurship, building sustainable studios, diversity and inclusion, and developing global communities, drawing on a career spent helping people turn ambitious ideas into viable games, businesses and careers.