In 2024, the video game market is expected to generate $282.3bn in revenue, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 8.76% from 2024 to 2027, reaching an estimated market volume of $363.3bn by 2027.
The Doha Film Institute, in collaboration with Media City Qatar, held the “Geekdom Game Development Workshop,” an initiative aimed at nurturing creative talents among Qatar’s youth. This partnership reflects the country’s commitment to fostering a creative industry and advancing its vision for technological innovation.
The workshop, conducted in partnership with COREGAME and supported by Media City Qatar, was held from August 12 to August 29, 2024, at the Doha Film Institute’s headquarters. Targeted at participants aged 13 to 17, the programme consisted of 12 immersive sessions blending theoretical and practical elements. Key topics covered included Game Development, Game Design, Creating Game Elements, Animation, Interactivity and Level Design.
Led by industry experts from Geekdom and COREGAME Technology Solutions, instructors such as Fadi Soufi and Dave Andrew guided participants through hands-on lessons using industry-standard software like Unity, Visual Studio Code and Aseprite. The workshop provided a platform for young enthusiasts to bring their game development ideas to life.
One of the attendees, Thani Al-Shibani, shared his experience: “As a participant in the ‘Geekdom Game Development Workshop,’ I felt like I was finally able to turn my passion for gaming into something real. The sessions were incredibly engaging and taught us everything from the basics of game design to actually creating our own game levels. I can’t wait to keep building on these technical skills—this experience has truly inspired my parents and me to explore a future in the game development industry.”
Thair Khaled Al Anani, Director of Business Development, from Media City Qatar, commented: “At Media City Qatar, in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. The ‘Geekdom Game Development Workshop’ is a perfect example of our commitment to providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. We are thrilled to see the passion and creativity these young participants brought to the table, and we look forward to supporting more initiatives like this in the future.”
Game development, a vital part of the creative industries, merges art, technology and storytelling, contributing significantly to the global economy. In 2024, the video game market is projected to reach $282.3bn in revenue, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.76%, reaching $363.3bn by 2027.
Abdulla Al Mosallam, Founder of Geekdom and Chief Administrative Officer of Doha Film Institute, stated: “Qatar’s creative industries have experienced significant growth over the years, driven by local talent that continues to lead the way in inventiveness and ingenuity. Geek culture has become a dynamic and integral part of our creative community, providing a space where imagination thrives and new ideas are embraced. Hosting a game development workshop is not merely a technical endeavour; it serves as a powerful catalyst for innovation, fostering collaboration and inspiring young creators to redefine the possibilities of storytelling and technology. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Media City Qatar for their shared commitment to empowering the next generation of developers, designers, and artists as they shape our nation’s creative future on a global scale.”
Media City Qatar continues to support the growth of Qatar’s creative industries through initiatives like the Geekdom Game Development Workshop, ensuring the country remains a leader in innovation across sectors such as broadcasting, gaming, AI and more.
