With a specific focus on developing games designed for a Middle East audience, UAE-based media firm Abu Dhabi Media has launched studio Karkadann Games.

The developer has already picked up the rights to the ICC Cricket licence – a World Cup tie in on PC – though ADMC CEO Ed Borgerding said it has far wider ambitions for the developer in terms of releases and supported platforms. 

No Middle East middle ground

"Our aim is to lead the development of the media industry in the region, from a business, innovation and audience engagement perspective," Borgerding commented.

"Gaming is currently the fastest growing entertainment sector worldwide.

"Karkadann Games represents a strategic addition to our existing media entertainment offering and a new milestone of audience engagement."

Gaming on the grow

Well, there's certainly money in the Middle East.

Last year, Wireless Intelligence estimated the total number of mobile subscribers in the region topped 260 million – 6 percent of the world's total.

It'll be newly appointed general manager David Ortiz's job to see if Karakadann can exploit this growing userbase, taking charge of the studio's strategic development.

"We're excited about the games in development," Ortiz added.

"We want to bring original titles to the market with new and entertaining gameplay that fans of all ages and all levels can enjoy. We're also excited about building an incredible team in Abu Dhabi, discovering and developing home-grown talent."

The studio's first mobile release will be Manny Pacquiao Pound For Pound (working title), due out in mid 2011.

You can see what Karkadann Games gets up in future via its website.