The winning team’s school will be granted a NEOM Gaming Mini-Lab equipped with both hardware and software for students to embark on further game projects.
NEOM, the ambitious global project in northwest Saudi Arabia, collaborates with Maysalward, a pioneering mobile game studio from the Middle East, to introduce the NEOM Game Dev Challenge. This innovative pilot program aims to nurture the next generation of game developers in Saudi Arabia, commencing in Riyadh.
Empowering Youth Talent:
Targeting Saudi youth aged 15 to 17, the initiative aims to tap into the abundant talent pool within the Kingdom. It provides a unique platform for students to learn, design, develop, and launch their own mobile games, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy.
Maysalward’s Pioneering Role:
With a legacy of mobile gaming innovation and a reputation for nurturing emerging talent, Maysalward, established in 2003, stands as a leader in the field. Recognized as one of the top 30 developers and publishers in the Middle East and North Africa region by Pocket Gamer in 2022, Maysalward’s founder received the Mobile Game Legend award in 2023.
Shared Vision for Transformative Impact:
Nour Khrais, founder of Maysalward, expresses excitement about partnering with NEOM for this groundbreaking initiative. The shared vision is to empower the next wave of game developers in Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on the widespread ownership of mobile phones among the youth.
Aligning with NEOM’s Future-Focused Vision:
The NEOM Game Dev Challenge resonates with NEOM’s objective of building a forward-looking community. Maysalward’s commitment to education and innovation aligns seamlessly with this vision, offering students hands-on experience and academic enrichment to accelerate the mobile gaming landscape in Saudi Arabia.
Driving Digital Innovation:
Wayne Borg, managing director of media industries, entertainment, and culture at NEOM, emphasizes the project’s commitment to nurturing youth and promoting digital innovation within Saudi Arabia. The initiative is set to ignite transformation, fueling the creativity of the Kingdom’s young talents.
Mentorship and Awards:
Participating students will benefit from mentorship by the Maysalward team, receiving technical guidance and valuable insights into the global gaming market. The program will culminate in an award ceremony for the students and their parents in Riyadh in December.
Fostering Growth in Game Development:
The winning team’s school will be granted a NEOM Gaming Mini-Lab equipped with both hardware and software for students to embark on further game projects. This initiative aims to encourage ongoing innovation and expansion within the mobile game development industry in Saudi Arabia.