This strategic move by Neom Media Industries and its partners is set to boost the regional gaming landscape, fostering new opportunities and driving growth in the sector.
Neom Media Industries has announced a landmark publishing deal between Saudi Arabia’s gaming studio Fahy Studios and international video game developer and publisher Kwalee, facilitated by the Level Up Accelerator, a key initiative of Neom. This historic agreement marks a significant milestone for the Saudi games sector, highlighting its immense potential on the global stage. Neom Media Industries is driving the acceleration and development of the games sector as part of Neom’s strategic plan to establish itself as the regional epicenter for content creation across gaming, film, television, and digital publishing.
The publishing deal will see Kwalee bring Fahy Studios’ future mobile games to a worldwide audience. This collaboration underscores Neom’s commitment to fostering the growth of the gaming industry in the region.
Building on this success, Neom’s second cohort of the Level Up Accelerator has now launched, offering similar opportunities for the next generation of regional game developers. The 12-month programme, operated in collaboration with DigiPen, an educational institute specialising in video game technology and development, is designed to empower and nurture innovative Saudi gaming startups through comprehensive resources, personalised mentorship, and funding.
For its inaugural 2023 cohort, Level Up selected four gaming startups from an array of applicants, with female CEOs leading 75% of those selected. This year, the programme has more than doubled in size, accepting an intake of up to 16 studios, which will be narrowed down to six-eight through an internal pitch day.
Speaking about the significance of this achievement, Hani Hashem, CEO of Fahy Studios, said: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside Kwalee on developing global games right here in Saudi! The Neom Level Up Accelerator was imperative in our journey towards the publishing deal. With Neom’s mentorship and support, we were able to aim high and chart an ambitious course ahead of us.”
Jason Falcus, COO at Kwalee, added. “Partnering with Fahy Studios, talented developers building fresh and fun new games, is an exciting prospect for the future. Kwalee will support Fahy with over a decade of mobile games experience and the vast skill set of our large team of expert game-makers. The backing of Neom’s Level Up Accelerator will allow this partnership to thrive with their outstanding support for games startups and internationally recognised prestige.”
Wayne Borg, Managing Director, Media Industries, Neom, stated: “Neom Media Industries is deeply invested in the growth of the gaming industry in KSA and the wider region, positioning Neom at the heart of this transformative journey. Our commitment extends to empowering startups with vital resources and mentorship, essential for their success. The recent publishing deal with Fahy Studios signifies a significant milestone for our accelerator program, highlighting the caliber of startups it nurtures. We firmly believe that this initiative serves as a cornerstone in cultivating a vibrant gaming ecosystem within Neom. By attracting startups, it not only generates employment opportunities and attracts top talent to Neom but also ignites a catalytic effect, driving forward gaming innovation across the region.”
Raymond Yan, Senior Executive Vice President of DigiPen, commented: “At DigiPen we are both proud and honored to align with Neom Media Industries’ vision for the Level Up Accelerator. Our three decades of experience in developing global game development ecosystems resonate deeply with the unique potential we see in Saudi Arabia. This successful partnership with Neom provides studios with the time truly needed to mature and innovate. With tailored mentorship addressing the specific goals and needs of each studio, we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring a more personalised and effective development journey. This commitment to differentiation and extended support underlines our shared vision for fostering a vibrant gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
As part of its partnership with Fahy Studios and broader strategy, Kwalee is expanding rapidly in the MENA region and plans to offer an Arabic language version of its mobile publishing platform, Hitseeker.
