In a significant move to bolster the Kingdom’s burgeoning gaming industry, NEOM has announced the selection of five Saudi game studios for major funding through its annual Level Up accelerator program. This year’s edition, the largest since the program’s inception, underscores NEOM’s commitment to cultivating local talent and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for game development.
The five winners were chosen from a competitive pool of over 23 studios that participated in the initial phase of the program, which provided specialized mentorship across various aspects of game development. The selection follows an additional guidance program that was extended to 18 other studios.
Intensive Support and Global Access
The five selected studios will receive significant funding to accelerate their product launches. Beyond capital, they will gain access to an intensive seven-month mentorship program, amounting to 600 hours per studio.
This support extends to integration into NEOM’s global publishing partner network, which includes prominent international publishers like the UK’s Kwalee and MENA’s leading publisher, Tamatem Games. This network provides invaluable opportunities for the Saudi studios to reach a global audience.
Meet the Winning Studios
Following a meticulous evaluation process, the chosen studios were recognized for their innovative projects and visions that align with the ambitions of the Kingdom’s growing gaming sector. The winners are:
- Aiqona Productions: A studio that creatively merges animation, storytelling, and interactive design to craft engaging gaming experiences.
- Fourcast Studio: An indie game developer currently working on a social multiplayer PC game featuring innovative gameplay mechanics.
- Makera: A studio specializing in user-generated content, providing platforms and interactive tools for players to shape their own experiences.
- OFF BOX Studios: An emerging Saudi game development company focused on creating innovative games that offer new forms of entertainment.
- Phys: A studio dedicated to designing high-quality gaming experiences that encourage physical activity and movement in children, integrating advanced technology and design.
Powering Vision 2030’s Gaming Ambitions
The Level Up program is a key initiative under Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, a cornerstone of Vision 2030. With the gaming sector projected to contribute over SAR 50 billion ($13.33 billion) to the national GDP by 2030, the accelerator is designed to fuel this growth by empowering local startups.
“Over the past three years, the Level Up accelerator has played a pivotal role in supporting the emerging generation of game developers in the Kingdom, through both initial funding and specialized mentorship programs,” said Toby Evan-Jones, Executive Director of Gaming at NEOM. “We are proud to be active contributors to the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, building sustainable and globally competitive companies in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Sultan Al Otaishi of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology added, “NEOM’s Level Up accelerator is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem. It equips startups with the tools and guidance needed for growth and success, offering exceptional opportunities to connect with and learn from global game publishers.”
Since its launch in 2023, Level Up has supported over 45 startups and invested in 15. Previous cohorts have achieved notable success, including Fahe Studio, which secured the first international publishing deal for a Saudi developer with Kwalee and raised a $1.75 million investment from Impact46 and Merak Capital.
About NEOM Level Up
Overseen by NEOM’s Gaming division, Level Up is the most established and continuous accelerator program for the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is a central part of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, aiming to support and scale local gaming studios. The program provides funding, extensive mentorship, and access to a global network of publishing partners to help Saudi startups compete on the world stage and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals. To date, the program has helped create over 170 specialized jobs for Saudi youth in the gaming sector.
Source: Al Hadath
