Gate of Wisdom is a story-driven adventure; it tells the love story of two people separated by over five thousand years. Ishmael, a scribe in ancient Babylon, and Layla, a historian in modern-day Baghdad, discover an ancient incantation that allows messages to be sent across time and space. Through this magical connection, the two fall in love and plot to make Ishmael immortal with the help of the legendary Gilgamesh plant; a plan with astonishing and unpredictable consequences. Gate of Wisdom blends romance, history, and mythology, inviting players to rediscover the cultural heritage of Iraq.

Gate of Wisdom conveys knowledge about Iraq’s history, mythology, and cultural heritage in a humorous and emotionally engaging way. By closely intertwining historically accurate content with a personal love story, the game promotes cultural education and intercultural understanding without resorting to traditional didacticism.

The project was commissioned by elbarlament e.v. and the Federal German Foreign Office in 2023. It is set to be released in 2026. Below are some impressions from the ongoing development process.