HaZ Dulull and Beyond The Pixels: Reimagining Retro for the Modern Age
I first encountered HaZ Dulull at the EGX Rezzed Sessions in London back in 2023 — a talk sponsored by Barclays Games and Creative. The session, much like its speaker, left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just about making games; it was about thinking beyond them.
HaZ spoke about creative entrepreneurship, transmedia storytelling, and how the boundaries between film, television, and games are dissolving faster than ever. Sitting in that audience, it was clear he wasn’t just theorizing — he was already building the future he described.
From Film Director to Game Studio Founder
HaZ Dulull is no stranger to creative reinvention. Before founding his studio, Beyond The Pixels, he made a name for himself in film and animation. His directing and producing credits include projects for Netflix, Disney+, Fortnite, and cinematic sequences for Evil Genius 2 and Dune: Awakening.
That background in visual storytelling became the foundation for Beyond The Pixels — a London-based studio that merges cinematic expertise with game development. As HaZ puts it:
“Beyond The Pixels is a London-based studio re-inventing retro for today’s generation. It develops original and licensed game IP designed to expand into film, TV, and user-generated content through a transmedia approach.”
This fusion of game design and cinematic sensibility is at the heart of what makes Beyond The Pixels stand out. The studio doesn’t see a game as an endpoint — it’s a launchpad for storytelling across multiple mediums.
A Transmedia Studio for a Transmedia Generation
In an era where franchises evolve across screens and platforms, Beyond The Pixels embraces the possibilities of interconnected storytelling. The studio’s philosophy centers on creating universes, not just products — worlds that can live as both interactive entertainment and linear narratives.
Their debut project, Astro Burn, captures this perfectly. Described as a modern-retro shoot ’em up, the game combines nostalgic arcade energy with sleek modern visuals. But it’s more than a game — it’s the cornerstone of a broader creative universe.
An animated TV series adaptation of Astro Burn has already been announced in Deadline, underscoring Beyond The Pixels’ transmedia ambitions. It’s a rare example of a studio planning a game and its screen adaptation side by side, ensuring visual and narrative consistency across mediums from day one.
HaZ’s Cross-Industry Expertise
HaZ Dulull’s career trajectory mirrors the hybrid future of entertainment. Having navigated the worlds of film, games, and animation, he brings a unique perspective on how storytelling can transcend traditional formats. His experience directing large-scale productions gives Beyond The Pixels a cinematic edge — one that translates beautifully into in-game camera work, pacing, and atmosphere.
But what’s perhaps most impressive is his commitment to accessibility. At the EGX session where I first heard him speak, HaZ emphasized the importance of empowering new voices in creative industries, particularly through technology and collaboration. His message was simple but powerful: the tools are there; it’s how you use them that defines you.
Astro Burn: The Launch of a Universe
Beyond The Pixels’ first major release, Astro Burn, embodies everything the studio stands for — nostalgia, innovation, and cross-media storytelling. The game is slated for launch across PC, Mac, mobile, and consoles, uniting classic gameplay with cinematic flair.
Its bold visual style and tight design recall the best of 1980s arcade games, while its tone and world-building feel distinctly modern. With the TV adaptation already in the works, Astro Burn serves as both a debut title and a statement of intent — Beyond The Pixels isn’t just making games; it’s building legacies.
Why Beyond The Pixels Matters
For creatives and studios alike, HaZ Dulull’s work represents what the future of independent game development could look like — not limited by medium, but driven by story. It’s a reminder that the walls between gaming, film, and television are crumbling, and what lies beyond them is a landscape of opportunity for those bold enough to explore it.
Beyond The Pixels exemplifies how a clear creative vision, supported by technical excellence, can redefine what a studio can be. It’s cinematic storytelling made interactive — and it’s happening right here in London.
Final Thoughts
Meeting HaZ Dulull, even briefly, reaffirmed a truth that resonates across all creative industries: innovation often begins at the intersection of disciplines. Beyond The Pixels is proof that when filmmakers become game creators, and game developers think like storytellers, the result is something truly beyond the pixels.
HaZ’s updates via his YouTube channel and LinkedIn profile
