Founder/CEO at Torbie
Zabir Hoque
With 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, Zabir has built an extensive career as a graphics programmer and technical leader. Having worked on iconic titles such as Halo 5, Fortnite, Unreal Engine, and Astroneer, Zabir has contributed to some of the most influential projects in modern gaming. As the former Chief Technology Officer at System Era, Zabir played a key role in the company's growth and eventual acquisition by Devolver Digital. In 2022, Zabir co-founded Torbie, where they currently serve as CEO and remain actively involved in engineering.
Questions & Answers
What inspired you to start your business?
My co-founder and I recognized a significant opportunity in what’s often referred to as the ‘iii’ indie space. With over a decade of experience in AAA game development, we saw the potential to bring a higher level of polish and quality to indie titles. Our goal was to create games that we were passionate about, while also catering to a new wave of players seeking more refined, yet accessible experiences. We wanted to help define and grow this emerging category, and that vision led us to start Torbie.
Why are you excited about your company/product?
We’ve been fans of the cozy genre since childhood, and Everbloom is our love letter to the games that inspired us. While cozy games have seen a resurgence in recent years, most simply replicate existing formulas. Everbloom evolves the genre's mechanics, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Visually, our art direction is designed for lasting appeal—much like Disney’s timeless animation—ensuring Everbloom stands out. With over 100k Steam wishlists, we have strong validation that players are eager for our vision.
