NEOM has announced the selection of five promising Saudi game studios for its flagship gaming accelerator, 'Level Up', marking the program's largest and most ambitious cycle to date. This initiative, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, aims to cultivate local talent and solidify the Kingdom's position as a global gaming hub. The announcement follows an intensive mentorship phase that initially supported 23 studios, underscoring NEOM's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable gaming ecosystem.
Fostering a Thriving Gaming Ecosystem
As the Kingdom's longest-running gaming accelerator, Level Up is a cornerstone of the National Gaming & Esports Strategy, designed to propel the sector's growth. The program is strategically aligned with national goals to see the gaming industry contribute over USD 13.33 billion to the GDP by 2030. It provides a tailored framework to help Saudi start-ups navigate the unique challenges of game development and scale their operations for long-term success.
The selection process for this latest cycle was highly competitive, beginning with a broad mentorship phase that engaged more than two dozen studios in various developmental topics. From this initial cohort, five studios were chosen for their exceptional potential and innovative concepts. This structured approach ensures that the most promising ventures receive the focused support needed to transition from early-stage ideas into commercially viable products with global appeal.
The Selected Studios and Their Path Forward
The five studios selected for the accelerator's next phase are Aiqona Productions, Fourcast Studio, Makera, OFF BOX Studios, and Phys. Each brings a unique vision, from Aiqona's blend of animation and interactive design to Phys's focus on encouraging physical activity through gaming. These companies represent a new wave of Saudi creativity, poised to introduce fresh gameplay mechanics and user-generated content platforms to the market.
These chosen studios will now receive a comprehensive support package designed to fast-track their growth and product launches. This includes critical pre-seed funding, an additional seven months of intensive mentorship totaling 600 hours per studio, and invaluable access to NEOM’s global Publisher Partner Network. This network features industry leaders such as UK-based Kwalee and MENA's leading mobile games publisher, Tamatem Games, opening doors to international markets.
A Strategic Pillar for National Growth
Toby Evan-Jones, NEOM's Head of Gaming, emphasized the accelerator's instrumental role in nurturing Saudi Arabia's first generation of game developers over the past three years. He stated that the latest cycle builds on this success, reflecting a deep commitment to empowering studios that bring innovative thinking to the ecosystem. This initiative is a key driver in building sustainable, globally competitive businesses aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
Echoing this sentiment, Sultan Alobaishi of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology described the accelerator as a pillar of the gaming ecosystem. He noted that since 2023, the program has become a vital next step for graduates of MCIT's incubation programs, creating a seamless pipeline for development. The tangible results are evident as young Saudi start-ups increasingly win awards, attract investment, and emerge as successful companies.
A Legacy of Success and Job Creation
The program's impact is already significant, having led to the creation of more than 170 jobs while maintaining a 100% portfolio survivability rate. This demonstrates not only the viability of the supported start-ups but also the substantial growth of the investee entities. The accelerator has proven effective in transforming nascent ideas into robust businesses that contribute directly to the national economy and workforce development.
Previous graduates of the Level Up program have achieved notable global recognition, setting a high bar for the new cohort. Fahy Studio, for instance, secured the first-ever international publishing deal for a Saudi developer with Kwalee, alongside USD 1.75 million in funding. Furthermore, alumni like Starvania Studio and Majestic Mind Games have earned the 'Best Games Startup' award at consecutive MENA Games Industry Awards.
Ultimately, NEOM's Level Up accelerator stands as a powerful catalyst for innovation within Saudi Arabia's burgeoning gaming and esports sector. By providing critical funding, world-class mentorship, and global networking opportunities, the program is successfully transforming local talent into international contenders. The progress of these five newly selected studios will be watched closely as they contribute to the dynamic and ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.