Scopely is highlighting a nine-year-old child who lives with a disability and yet connects with others through the game Stumble Guys.
Shown in the video, Fayçal is a young boy in France with a disability and he spends much of his time in hospitals and therapy. And since he uses his spare moments to play Stumble Guys, one of Scopely’s family-friendly mobile games, he caught the attention of the company. And now he’s inside the game.
“At Scopely, we believe play connects us in ways that go far beyond screens,” Scopely said in a blog post. “That belief comes to life through our Player Portraits series, which celebrates the real people behind our games and the extraordinary stories that emerge when play meets human connection. Each portrait highlights the creativity, belonging, and purpose found within our player communities.”
Scopely said that Fayçal is a joyful and curious French boy living with a disability. Although he spends much of his life in hospitals and therapy, he radiates optimism and love for life. His days are full—between physiotherapy sessions, judo classes, and cheering on his sister at swim practice—but every spare moment leads back to one thing: Stumble Guys.
“Through Stumble Guys, Fayçal discovered a world of freedom and imagination,” Scopely said. “It became a place where he could compete, create, and express himself without limits. So when he told his parents he wanted to visit Barcelona, not for the beach or football but to meet the creators of his favorite game, they made it happen.”
During his visit to the Scopely Barcelona Hub, Fayçal asked the team a question that would change the game: “Why aren’t there any characters in wheelchairs like me?”
That simple and heartfelt question inspired the Stumble Guys team to act. Within days, they began designing a new character named Axel, a vibrant superhero inspired by the golden age of comics and the sleek design of Paralympic racing chairs. The team was inspired and wanted to celebrate power, possibility, and representation.
When Fayçal first saw Axel in the game, his face lit up. “It’s me,” he said, smiling from ear to ear.
“Players shape the worlds they love, and those worlds should reflect them in return. At Scopely, we are proud to make games that grow alongside the communities who inspire them, creating a future where everyone can see themselves in play,” Scopely said.