As Permanent Way Entertainment approaches nearly two decades in the gaming industry, their upcoming game, The Legend of Baboo, is shaping up to be their most ambitious and best title yet.
The studio has had an intriguing journey, beginning in Iran before relocating to Turkiye.
We spoke with Emad Rahmani to learn more about the origins of the studio, their transition to Turkiye, the details of The Legend of Baboo, and their future plans.
What inspired the founding of Permanent Way Entertainment in 2006, and how has the studio evolved since then?
Permanent Way Entertainment was founded based on a deep passion for storytelling and a desire to bring the rich folklore and mythology of the East to the global gaming audience.
From the beginning, our vision was to create worlds filled with wonder, mystery, and emotional depth. Over the years, we have evolved from a small, passionate team into a thriving studio that embraces innovation and tradition.
Our journey has been shaped by the pursuit of excellence in game development. We’ve grown alongside industry trends while staying true to our cultural roots. We’ve built an extensive network of talented individuals within Turkiye and internationally. This allows us to push the boundaries of creativity.
Today, we take pride in crafting visually stunning, mechanically rich, and emotionally engaging gaming experiences that aim to resonate with players worldwide.
With nearly two decades in the games industry, how has your expertise grown, and what do you see as your studio’s key strengths today?
Two decades in the gaming industry have given us valuable experience in game design, storytelling, and technical development. One of our biggest strengths is our ability to blend Eastern cultural elements with modern gameplay mechanics, creating truly unique experiences.
We have mastered the art of balancing narrative depth with engaging gameplay. This ensures that each of our projects is fun to play and leaves a lasting impact on players.
Additionally, our expertise in animation, character development, and world-building has reached a new level with The Legend of Baboo. Our strength lies in our ability to tell compelling stories through immersive worlds, strong character relationships, and innovative gameplay.
What motivated your transition from Iran to Turkiye, and what challenges did you face along the way?
The transition to Turkiye was a natural step for us, given the country’s dynamic gaming industry, rich cultural heritage, and strategic position in Eastern and Western markets.
Turkiye has an incredibly talented game development community, and we saw an opportunity to integrate ourselves into this ecosystem while continuing to bring our unique cultural influences into the mix.
One of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new business environment and establishing a strong presence in the Turkish gaming industry.
However, the transition was made easier by the welcoming nature of the local industry, the abundance of talented professionals, and the cultural similarities between Iran and Turkiye. Today, Turkiye feels like home, and we are proud to be part of its thriving gaming scene.
How has being based in Turkiye influenced your studio’s identity and creative Direction?
Being based in Turkiye has been incredibly beneficial for our studio. The country’s rich cultural history and diverse influences inspired our storytelling and game design. We also collaborated with many talented Turkish artists, animators, and developers, further enriching our creative process.
Turkiye’s growing reputation as a hub for game development has also opened doors for us in terms of partnerships, distribution opportunities, and access to international markets. This has allowed us to refine our artistic direction, develop cutting-edge game mechanics, and build a more robust and competitive studio.
The Legend of Baboo, your upcoming game—what sparked the idea for this project, and what were the main inspirations behind its development?
The idea for The Legend of Baboo came from a fondness for storytelling and a desire to explore the relationship between humans and animals in an emotionally impactful way. At its core, the game is a tale of loyalty, courage, and adventure inspired by folklore, myths, and legends from the Middle East.
One of the biggest inspirations was the idea of an inseparable bond between a boy and his guardian, a theme found in many ancient stories. We wanted to create a world where the player feels this connection deeply, making Baboo more than just a companion—he’s an integral part of the gameplay and the narrative.
Can you tell us about the story of The Legend of Baboo? How do the cultural influences shape the story and world-building?
I’ll be glad to! The Legend of Baboo follows the journey of a young boy, Sepehr, and his loyal dog, Baboo, as they embark on a perilous adventure to save their homeland from an ancient evil. Their quest takes them across breathtaking landscapes inspired by Persian and Middle Eastern mythology, from vast deserts to mystical temples hidden in the mountains.
Cultural influences are at the heart of the game’s world-building. The architecture, costumes, and magical elements are deeply rooted in ancient traditions. The game also integrates storytelling techniques inspired by oral traditions, using murals and environmental details to enrich the player’s understanding of the world and its history.
What unique gameplay mechanics can players expect in The Legend of Baboo?
One of the most exciting aspects of The Legend of Baboo is the synergy between Sepehr and Baboo. Players can switch between them, using Baboo’s unique abilities to solve puzzles, track enemies, and assist in combat.
Our technical team also implemented an advanced AI system for Baboo, making him feel like a real companion rather than just a side character. He reacts dynamically to situations, warns players of danger, and even engages in strategic combat.
Additionally, the game features a deep skill tree, unique combat mechanics, and an evolving narrative that changes based on player decisions.
How does the art style of The Legend of Baboo reflect its cultural roots and Narrative?
The art style is a beautiful blend of traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics with modern, cinematic visuals. We’ve drawn inspiration from Persian miniature paintings, Islamic architecture, and ancient calligraphy to craft a world that feels magical and authentic.
The character designs, environments, and color palettes reflect the game’s deep cultural influences, which creates an experience that immerses players in a visually stunning and emotionally rich world.
What role does music play in shaping the atmosphere of The Legend of Baboo? Were there specific cultural elements that inspired the soundtrack?
Music is a vital part of The Legend of Baboo, setting the tone for every moment of the game. Traditional Middle Eastern instruments played a vital role in the soundtrack of Legend of Baboo, such as the setar, ney, and daf, blended with orchestral elements to create a unique and powerful auditory experience.
Each environment has a distinct musical identity, with themes evolving based on the player’s journey. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of ancient ruins or the triumphant orchestration of an intense battle, the music helps bring the world of Baboo to life.
How do you see the growing game development scene in Türkiye and the Middle East? What role do you see yourselves playing in that growth?
The gaming industry in Türkiye and the Middle East is growing rapidly, and we are excited to be part of this transformation. There is immense talent in the region, and we believe that more developers are starting to gain global recognition.
We see ourselves as contributors and pioneers in this movement. Our goal is to create high-quality games that showcase the rich storytelling traditions of the region while also helping to foster a supportive and collaborative development community.
What’s next for your studio after The Legend of Baboo?
We have big plans! While The Legend of Baboo is our current focus, we have several exciting projects in development, including expansions for the game, potential sequels, and new titles that further explore the rich mythology of the East.
Beyond Baboo, we are working on something truly ambitious—a high-intensity hack-and-slash experience that will push the boundaries of action gameplay.
This project, deeply rooted in the legends of Mesopotamia, features fast-paced combat, intricate world-building, and a powerful protagonist who wields ancient mystical forces. It’s a bold step forward for us, blending cinematic storytelling with exhilarating gameplay in a way that we believe will captivate players worldwide.
We are also looking forward to expanding our reach in international markets, strengthening our partnerships, and continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!
