Exclusive Interview: Anis Fahir, CEO of HDOKI, Talks Challenges and the Exciting Beta Launch of Gog & Magog
With the first beta of Gog & Magog officially out in the wild, we sat down with Anis Fahir, CEO of HDOKI, to dive into the journey behind this ambitious project. Gog & Magog is a multiplayer card game that blends blockchain tech and crypto payments, offering a unique experience for players. Anis opens up about the ups and downs of development, the roadblocks they faced, and how a supportive community and loyal investors helped keep the dream alive.
Why Gog and Magog?
“The story of Gog and Magog is deeply rooted in the sacred texts of the three major monotheistic religions. These figures have captivated people for centuries, linked to both ancient events and future prophecies. The idea that they might return before the end of the world provides a compelling backdrop for our project, allowing us to explore themes of both the past and the future.
My inspiration comes from a deep love of epic fantasy. I admire J.R.R. Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales. George R.R. Martin for A Song of Ice and Fire, Steven Erikson for Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Chronique d’Abou-Djafar Mohammed Tabari. These authors, along with my passion for role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and the Final Fantasy saga, have shaped my approach to character development and world-building. With Gog and Magog, we are integrating these elements as a team to create a universe that blends history, mythology, and fantasy.”
Ambitions vs. Budget: The Balancing Act
From the start, Anis is refreshingly open about the realities HDOKI has faced with Gog & Magog. “Releasing the beta is a huge milestone for us, but the road here hasn’t been easy. Budget constraints have really limited what we can do” he says.
HDOKI’s vision for Gog & Magog goes beyond your standard card game. They’re aiming to create a groundbreaking experience, using crypto payments and rewards via their very own OKI Token. But making this vision a reality has been no small feat, especially without a AAA-level budget.
When asked how the team navigated the financial and technological challenges, Anis explains:
“We’ve been smart about speeding up development by using pre-designed assets instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. We then improved and tailored those assets to fit our specific goals. This approach saves time and money—both of which are limited for an indie team like ours. We also integrated AI into our creative and development process, and it has been incredibly helpful. AI is literally part of the team. As I always say, AI will give you the bullet, but it’s up to you to know how to shoot it right.”
He adds,
“We’re also implementing an automatic update process directly into the game launcher, which will streamline how players get the latest versions and features. This keeps us flexible and ensures the game stays fresh without the hassle of manual updates. It’s all part of our long-term plan to grow the game sustainably.”
As we discussed some of the more personal challenges, Anis shared a piece of wisdom from his homeland: “You know, in the Kingdom of Morocco, my country, there’s a funny saying that I really like: ‘being poor but brave’ (laughs). I love this Moroccan quote. It reminds us that, in the grand scheme of the universe, we’re all poor in some way. The best thing to do is to keep pushing forward and never let haters define who you are or what you can or can’t do.”
“But it’s no secret that we need a bigger budget to meet the tech requirements and attract top talent to keep things moving” he notes, emphasizing the importance of continued investment.
Meet the Team: Small but Mighty
A huge part of Gog & Magog’s publication comes down to the people behind the scenes. While HDOKI is a small studio, it’s packed with talent and creativity.
“We’re a multidisciplinary team, but more than anything, we’re united by our passion for creativity. Our CFO, André, and Schani, the president, have been key in keeping the finances under control” Anis explains.
He’s particularly enthusiastic about Jimmy, Elias & Youssef: “I spent a lot of time eating code with Jimmy, our Creative Technologist, he is an artist. an incredible music composer. He shares the same vision as us, and his talent is undeniable. The synergy when we work together is real, and the results speak for themselves. Thank God for that.”
“I want to take a moment to praise our Creative Directors, Elias and Youssef, highly experienced individuals with remarkable expertise in creation, advertising, and communication, for their incredible contribution in building the universe of Gog and Magog. They’ve truly brought the vision to life. I also want to acknowledge the amazing work of our Web3 development team. Whether it’s writing the code or securing the servers, they’ve done a phenomenal job.”
Grateful for the Support
Despite the challenges,
HDOKI has kept pushing forward, thanks in no small part to the continued belief and trust from their investors and incubators. Anis acknowledges how crucial their support has been in helping the team stay afloat.
“Our investors and incubators have had our backs every step of the way. Their trust in what we’re building has been invaluable. Without them, we wouldn’t have made it this far” Anis says, his gratitude unmistakable.
What’s Next for Gog & Magog
Now that the beta is out, HDOKI is entering a new phase. The road ahead is still full of challenges—especially on the financial front—but Anis is optimistic.
“We’ve got a long way to go before we reach the final version, but we’re confident. With our community and investors behind us, we have the momentum to keep innovating. We’re aiming to raise enough funds not just to fully launch Gog & Magog, but also to develop a MOBA version with tradable NFTs, and establish an e-sports section. E-sports is a major part of our future vision, something we see as a pillar of what’s to come. Our goal is to deliver a game that’s not only fun, but also competitive and rewarding, with real crypto-based gains” he explains.
When I asked Anis how players can get started with Gog and Magog and how the in-game economy works, he explained:
“There’s a tutorial available on the website and also on the official Hdoki X page. But in short, it’s a free-to-play multiplayer card game. The in-game asset is called Gold, as classic as that. One Gold equals one OKI Token, our main utility token, available for trading on Dex-Trade. When you start, you get 2,000 free Gold, which you can use as collateral during ranked games. Every ranked game costs 500 Gold. If you lose, you forfeit the 500 Gold, but if you win, you take your opponent’s 500 Gold. Depending on your HDOKI Console membership, your winnings can be multiplied by 2, 3, or 4. Most importantly, you can buy the in-game asset Gold using OKI Token through an OKI Web3 Payment Solution, or convert your Gold into OKI and withdraw your rewards through the HDOKI Console.”
“The game is currently available for PC gamers, with Mac and mobile versions planned for the future. At present, our primary focus is on raising the necessary funds to support all production operations.”
Looking Forward
Through all the ups and downs, HDOKI has remained true to its vision. The beta launch of Gog & Magog is a testament to the team’s dedication, offering a glimpse of what’s possible when creativity, tech, and blockchain collide. With a passionate team and an enthusiastic community behind them, HDOKI’s future looks bright, and Gog & Magog is shaping up to be a game to watch.
