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• Unique initiative aims to foster the growth of the gaming industry in Qatar with special incubation and start-up packages along with cash incentives
• Developers are invited to join the challenge to create video games from scratch within a limited timeframe under a special theme
• Be part of the Geekend community and discover the opportunity to push creative boundaries, strengthen collaboration with peers and enhance skills

Doha, Qatar; November 11, 2024: Video game developers and enthusiasts have gained a strong new platform to push their creative boundaries, collaborate with the like-minded, and develop their skills, with Doha Film Institute, Media City Qatar and SCALE7’s Geekend Game Jam.

The four-day challenge, from November 20 to 23, coincides with popular Geekend activities at Ajyal 2024, which brings together the community for the country’s premier pop-culture event. The activities aim to foster the skills of homegrown gaming talent and strengthen the foundations of the rapidly evolving gaming economy, which is projected to reach a global growth of US$363bn by 2027.

To be held at the Geekdom Building on Lusail Boulevard, the Geekend Game Jam will challenge the country’s most talented gaming developers and enthusiasts to create original video games from scratch within a limited timeframe. The special theme for the inaugural edition will be announced on the first day of Geekend, right before the Game Jam kicks off.

The four days of non-stop game development serve as the ideal environment for participants to test their skills, learn new techniques, and let their passion for gaming shine through. Participants can either work individually or in teams of up to three members, offering developers creative flexibility and freedom to create compelling video games. The games will be evaluated by an expert jury for creativity, technical execution, and adherence to the theme.

In addition to the excitement of being a part of the game creation challenge, up to five teams in the Game Jam will get the priority to apply for SCALE7 Business Incubation Program a 12-week, designed incubation period that provides mentorship, workshops, and curated programs. This package is tailored launchpad for entrepreneurial growth in game development, offering participants guidance from industry experts and resources to advance their creative and business skills.

There are two additional prizes to be won; a Game Launcher package which includes cash prize of QAR 25,000 presented by Scale7 – the Creative and Culture Industry Hub under Qatar Development Bank – and a Game Start-up Package which includes a cash award of QAR 15,000 presented by Geekdom and a subsidized start-up process from Media City Qatar, allowing the recipient to establish themselves as a professional company.

Abdulla Al Mosallam, Chief Administrative Officer of DFI and Founder of Geekdom said, “The launch of Qatar’s Game Jam is a monumental step for game developers, offering a platform to innovate, collaborate, and showcase their talents. It marks the beginning of important collaborations here in Qatar that will create a thriving gaming ecosystem vital to the advancement of a local community of creators who will shape the future of a sustainable digital industry in our region. We are grateful to our collaborators at Media City Qatar and Qatar Development Bank for their support in paving the way for growth and new opportunities in the gaming economy.

Thair Al Anani, Director of Business development at Media City, Qatar added: “Over the years, Qatar has built a strong digital media landscape which includes a growing gaming industry. Led by our digital-savvy youth and the global popularity of gaming, we have been investing in promoting talent to foster a robust games industry in the country. Through our start-up package and other initiatives, we are establishing an exciting launchpad for digital content creators that will anchor Qatar as a hub for digital innovation and creative entrepreneurship.”

Aysha Khalifa Al Romaihi – Scale 7’s Acting Senior Manager of Culture and Creative Industries Hub (CCI Hub) under Qatar Development Bank, said: “Having been at the financial forefront of the startup ecosystem of Qatar, we are proud to partner on the Geekend Game Jam, which underlines our commitment to nurturing the next generation of gamers and contribute to a world-class gaming industry. Our Business Incubation Program is one of our various investments in strengthening homegrown assets in Qatar’s digital economy. Gaming stands at the intersection of storytelling, technology and creative expression, and the event will contribute to strengthening another aspect of Qatar’s burgeoning creative industry.”

The Geekend Game Jam is open for seasoned developers as well as emerging talent. Teams can participate as solo developers or with up to 3 members. At least one team member must be 18 years old or older.

All teams must follow the theme of the Game Jam, develop the game within the allocated time and can use their own equipment and any software or engine of their choice. They can also work remotely during the Game Jam allocated time, provided they report on their progress and have proof of development. All the team members must be present during the Game Jam Theme announcement, and during the Game Jam Winners Announcement.
Registration for the Geekend Game Jam is now open. Interested participants can find more information and register at Geekend Game-Jam – Blog | Doha Film Institute