Saudi Neom plays key role in deal between Fahy
Studios and Kwalee
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. This deal, facilitated by the Level Up
Accelerator, marks a significant milestone for the Saudi gaming sector,
showcasing its global potential. As part of Neom’s strategic plan, Neom Media
Industries aims to establish the region as a hub for content creation across
gaming, film, television, and digital publishing.
The agreement will enable Kwalee to bring Fahy Studios’
upcoming mobile games to a worldwide audience, underscoring Neom’s commitment
to fostering growth in the regional gaming industry.
Building on this success, Neom’s second cohort of the Level
Up Accelerator has been launched, offering similar opportunities for the next
generation of regional game developers. This 12-month program, in collaboration
with DigiPen, an institute specializing in video game technology and
development, is designed to support innovative Saudi gaming startups through
comprehensive resources, personalized mentorship, and funding.
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For its inaugural 2023 cohort, Level Up selected four gaming
startups, with 75% of them led by female CEOs. This year, the program has
expanded, accepting up to 16 studios, which will be narrowed down to six to
eight through an internal pitch day.
Hani Hashem, CEO of Fahy Studios, expressed excitement about
the partnership: “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
recognized prestige.”
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Wayne Borg, Managing Director of Media Industries at 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 personalized 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.”
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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.
Source: https://www.broadcastprome.com/
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