Investment News
Tag: MENA
Funding News
Qwacks secures $480,000 to advance game development and live ops technology
Marvellous Mena
Steer Studios CEO Yannick Theler on Tom and Jerry Blast, building talent, and next year's ambitions
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Market Growth
Asia and MENA games revenue set to hit $88.97bn in 2025
The regional gamer population is also set to reach o 1.7bn this year
New Offerings
Gamez Quest launches to deliver premium Arabic localisation for global publishers
The studio provides localisation services across PC, console, mobile and VR
Acqusitions
Saudi Arabia’s PIF set to own 93.4% of EA in proposed takeover
The transaction is expected to close within six to nine months
New Partnerships
Xsolla and HP launch global ecosystem to train and support future game developers
Pilot programs will roll out in Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and the UAE, targeting over 100,000 young creators
New Partnerships
Savvy Games Group and King Saud University team up to develop future talent for Saudi Arabia's games and esports sector
The MoU creates a framework for joint initiatives in skill development, knowledge exchange, and industry exposure
Possible Acqusition
Report: ByteDance is exploring the sale of Moonton to Savvy Games Group
The talks revive a previously paused plan to offload the Mobile Legends maker
Esports Tournament
Chess.com, Moonton and SNK join publisher lineup for Esports Nations Cup
Seven major publishers now shape the ENC’s structure, formats and qualification paths
Hackathon
Tamatem Games launches new Content Creator Hackathon for emerging talent
All winners secure a guaranteed three-month internship or contract alongside cash prizes
Ambition Check
Saudi Arabia’s PIF reportedly short on fresh capital for new investments
Insiders say much of the fund’s wealth is tied up in illiquid megaprojects like Neom
Funding News
SuperGears Games raises $2.1m to power its next growth phase
Funding fuels expansion of the Racing Kingdom mobile racing universe
Accelerator Program
Maliyo Games launches Creator Academy Accelerator to help aspiring creators in games
The 4-week programme includes curated learning materials, weekly challenges, and peer feedback
Arabic Games Conference
The Arabic Games Conference 2025 is just days away: Here's what’s in store for game makers
The Arabic Games Conference showcases games and interactive projects created by Arab developers across the region, and it returns online on November 29th
New Partnerships
Exel by Merak and Saudi Bridge partner to support international startups entering the kingdom
The cooperation forms part of the Biban 2025 initiatives to boost global collaboration
Marvellous Mena
Exel by Merak welcomes 19 startups for Cohort 2 accelerator
Cohort 2 spans mobile, PC, and console projects with completion set for February 2026
Podcast | Episode 72
Why is Google policing how the world's top mobile games monetise? | Week in Mobile Games podcast
The PocketGamer.biz podcast team give you the state of play every week. Here's where to get it and what's inside this week's episode 72...
Investment News
Chickmania secures investment from Singapore’s WeJoy to accelerate global growth
The deal aims to expand Chickmania’s reach across Asia, the Middle East, and global markets
Best Of Mena 2025
The Top 30 MENA Game Makers of 2025
The publishers and developers to watch in the Middle East and North Africa region
Expansions
Yalla Group to open new regional headquarters in Riyadh as part of Middle East expansion plans
The new HQ is expected to open in the first half of 2026
New Partnerships
Spoilz signs MoU with AI 3D asset company AssetHub
The collaboration focuses on empowering developers and studios across the region
Strategic Growth
My.Games extends publishing program to MENA as part of global expansion
The program offers funding, marketing, and development support across mobile, PC, and console
Marvellous Mena
DaFluffs Games founder on leveraging early funding to scale global mobile games
“We see a huge appetite for games that feel global but carry subtle local touches”
New Partnerships
Savvy Games Group signs MoU with Humain to advance AI adoption across its operations
The partnership focuses on developing tailored AI tools for key business functions, including game development
Expansions
ESL FACEIT Group opens new regional headquarters in Riyadh
The venue will act as an esports venue and talent development hub for Saudi nationals
Market Report
Jordan’s $312.8m games market could nearly double by 2030
The sector is expanding at an annual growth rate of 11.5%
New Partnerships
Mad Hook partners with Audiomob to expand in-game audio monetisation
Mad Hook said the partnership has boosted revenue and opened new opportunities
Pulling The Plug
IOC parts ways with Saudi Arabia on Olympic Esports Games deal
The split comes 14 months after announcing a 12-year deal for the Olympic Esports Games
Pgc Aqaba
PGC Aqaba 2025 schedule revealed featuring Epic Games, ID@Xbox, Xsolla, Unity, Maysalward, Tamatem, and more
Master the MENA market with these eight conference tracks at PGC Aqaba
Marvellous Mena
Gbrossoft CEO Mudathir Giwa on Outliver: Tribulation, creative resilience, and expanding to new platforms
"The key lies in incentivising games and building awareness among Africa’s young and tech-savvy population"
Buyout Concerns
CWA urges federal review of $55bn PIF-led EA buyout
CWA President Claude Cummings Jr warned the deal could harm workers, consumers, and the wider US games industry
New Offerings
Saudi Arabia launches Riyadh Season-themed entertainment experiences on Roblox
Developed with UGC creator The Gang, the experience brings Boulevard City and Boulevard World to life in Roblox
Make-a-wish
Steer Studios joins Make-A-Wish International’s Infinite Wishes Initiative to help grant wishes for children
Donations were unlocked through player activity in Steer’s debut mobile game Grunt Rush
New Partnerships
Sega signs MoU with Media City Qatar to tailor games for Arab audiences
The partnership will support local talent, production, and Arabic localisation across Sega’s global titles
Xbox Discovery Day
Don't miss Xbox Discovery Day at PGC Aqaba next month
Connect with ID@Xbox in person for practical insights into every stage of the development journey
Pgc Dubai
MENA region is open to global IPs but players want games "made for them"
Niko Partners analyst Mohamed Zaher spoke at the PGC Dubai GameExpo Summit 2025 about trends, stats and investment outlooks in the MENA region
Marvellous Mena
HYS Games CEO Husam Suwaid on growing beyond mobile and pursuing triple-A creativity
"We’re pursuing our lifelong passion by developing our first large-scale flagship title for PC and console"
Funding News
Istanbul-based Pax Animi Games raises $250,000 to expand mobile operations
The studio will use the funds to scale its titles, enter new markets, and enhance its tech stack
Online Safety
Update: Iraq bans Roblox over child safety concerns
The government said Roblox’s chat features exposed children to exploitation and cyber-extortion
New Partnerships
Saudi Esports Federation signs MoU with Riot Games to boost Saudi Arabia’s games and esports ecosystem
The collaboration focuses on empowering young gamers and fostering new opportunities for creators and fans
Pgc Aqaba
Pocket Gamer Connects Aqaba agenda reveal and last chance to grab Mid Term savings
Discover the conference agenda connecting you with the world’s fastest growing games sectors, November 8th and 9th
Buyout Concerns
US senators raise national security concerns over $55bn Electronic Arts buyout
Open letters cite the PIF’s history of using investments to expand Saudi cultural influence
Marvellous Mena
Copa Fantasy CEO Abdullah Eid on building MENA’s football super-app for global fans
“We’ve created a platform that feels culturally relevant while also appealing to global audiences”
Mena Market
UAE launches The Emirates campaign to become ‘Startup Capital of the World’
The initiative aims to cement the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation
Africa Is Mobile
Android Port Challenge backs African developers in bringing PC and console games to mobile
Three standout indie studios were selected for the prototype grant
Hackathon
Second edition of Arab Youth Hackathon launches to empower young talent in games
Participants will create five games inspired by Arab culture under the theme “Arab Identity”
Gamathon Takeaways
Five takeaways from Gamathon 25: Game dev realities, funding hurdles, XR hopes, and room for optimism
We analyse some of the top stories and trends from one of Africa's biggest games events
Pgc Aqaba
How MENA is proving to be the next games powerhouse
Connect with one of the world’s fastest growing games markets at Pocket Gamer Connects Aqaba, November 8th-9th
Industry Recognition
Maliyo Games featured by Apple to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day
Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter were spotlighted