Code Nine66 is an incubator program designed to transform creative gaming ideas into viable startups in Saudi Arabia, starting with an intensive game jam and culminating in a three-month incubation period for the top teams.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Incubator Program
- For: Saudi game developers, designers, artists, and entrepreneurs
- Key Benefits: Mentorship, Specialized Workshops, Strategic Guidance, and Investor Access
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2026
- Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Incubator Program Overview
Presented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in partnership with Savvy Games Group and Excel, Code Nine66 is a comprehensive program for aspiring game creators. The journey begins with a 3-day Game Jam, an intense creative challenge where teams form and develop innovative game prototypes. Following the jam, the top 10 teams will be selected to join a 3-month incubator, receiving the guidance and support needed to turn their prototypes into market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
Key Benefits
- Specialized Mentorship: Receive direct guidance from local and international gaming industry experts to guide your project’s development.
- Targeted Workshops: Access a series of workshops covering the technical, artistic, and business aspects of game development and publishing.
- Strategic Guidance: Learn to build a sustainable game studio with support in product strategy, market planning, and business growth.
- Playtesting Day: Showcase your game to real players and gather direct feedback to improve the user experience and product quality.
- Pitch Development: Get training to professionally present your project to investors, publishers, and potential partners on the final Demo Day.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be Saudi citizens, and all team members must be Saudi nationals.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Teams must consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of five members.
- All team members must have advanced proficiency in English to benefit from the program.
- Commitment to attend all program activities in-person is required.
- Each team member must own a laptop capable of running standard game development software.
Key Dates and Schedule
- Registration Opens: June 1, 2026
- Registration Closes: August 29, 2026
- Game Jam: September 17 – 19, 2026
- Incubator Kick-off: October 11, 2026
- Playtesting Day: January 6, 2027
- Demo Day: January 13, 2027
How to Apply
Interested teams can apply online before the deadline on August 29, 2026. To register your team, visit the official application page: Apply Here.
About Code by MCIT
Code is an initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). It aims to foster a vibrant digital community and empower local talent in the tech sector, including the burgeoning gaming industry, through various programs, services, and community hubs designed to turn creative ideas into successful ventures.
Learn More: Code Nine66
