NEOM supports 5 Saudi game studios to reach global audiences
In a strategic move reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the technology and digital entertainment sector, NEOM today announced the selection of five promising Saudi studios to receive funding and specialized support through its annual accelerator program, Level Up. This step reinforces NEOM’s position as a global hub for the electronic games industry and underscores the rapid growth of this vital sector.
Strategic context and ambitious national vision
This announcement cannot be viewed in isolation from the significant progress being made in the Kingdom under Vision 2030, specifically the National Strategy for Gaming and Esports launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Kingdom aims to transform this sector from a mere form of entertainment into a powerful economic driver that contributes to diversifying non-oil revenue streams. NEOM initiatives are an integral part of this direction, striving to create an attractive environment for talent and developers, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness in the rapidly growing global gaming market.
Details of the biggest version of "Level Up"
This year's Level Up program was highly competitive, launching with over 23 studios in its first phase, which included intensive mentorship programs covering all aspects of game development. Following a rigorous and meticulous evaluation process, the five most outstanding studios were selected, having delivered innovative visions that align with global aspirations.
Winners will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Major funding to accelerate the launch of their products in the markets.
- Mentoring and guidance sessions that extend for seven months, at a rate of 600 hours per studio.
- A golden opportunity to join NEOM’s global publishing partners network, which includes giants such as British “Quali” and the leading Middle Eastern company “Tomato Games”.
List of selected studios and their areas of excellence
The selected studios varied in their specializations to reflect the richness of Saudi talent in this field:
- Aiqona Productions studio: It is distinguished by combining animation with storytelling and interactive designs to deliver stunning visual experiences.
- Fourcast Studio: Focuses on developing unique independent video games (Indie Games).
- Makera Studio: Specializes in developing user-generated content, a growing global trend in the gaming industry.
- OFF BOX Studios: A startup company working to create new, out-of-the-box entertainment experiences.
- Phys Studio: Presents a healthy concept through the design of games that encourage children to move and be physically active.
Economic and future impact
Toby Evan Jones, Executive Director of Gaming at NEOM, explained that the Level Up accelerator has played a pivotal role over the past three years in supporting the next generation of developers. The gaming sector is expected to contribute more than SAR 50 billion (approximately USD 13.33 billion) to the GDP by 2030, highlighting the importance of these investments in creating quality jobs for Saudi youth. To date, the accelerator's programs have provided more than 170 specialized positions.
Since its launch in 2023, the accelerator has supported more than 45 startups and invested in 15 of them, achieving global success stories such as "Fahi Studio," which signed an international publishing agreement, and "Starvania Studio," which won regional awards, confirming that Saudi studios are now ready to go global.
