UAE hosts game design contest for young talent – Campaign Middle East

UAE’s Tawazun Council has collaborated with geospatial intelligence company Bayanat and Endless studios to launch a game design contest, UAE Game Makers Competition 2024.

The contest, to be held nationwide, aims to help young people discover, display, and further develop their talent and digital skills through gaming.

The contest will emphasize on the integration of UAE cultural elements into their games, with a prize pool of AED 100,000.

“Our engagement in this initiative reflects our broader goal to inspire the youth of the UAE to venture into creative and technological fields such as game development,” said, Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council.

By integrating gaming and geospatial technologies, Tawazun, Bayanat, and Endless Studios aim to teach employable skills across multiple disciplines, including art, design, engineering, management, and marketing,  within the context of game design.

“This is pivotal not only for the technological progression of our region but also for nurturing a sense of pride and belonging among our younger generations,” adds Al Hashmi.

Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, commented: “Our collaboration with Endless Studios and Tawazun is more than a partnership; it’s a shared journey towards harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and data science.

The competition focuses on developing gaming content that is engaging and entertaining and also educational and steeped in cultural relevance.

“We are laying the groundwork for a future where technology serves as a bridge between generations,” adds Al Hosani.

Matt Dalio, CEO of Endless Studios, said: “The UAE Game Makers Competition goes far above being a typical game-building contest; it’s a celebration of the exceptional talent present in the UAE.

“It signifies our unwavering dedication to nurturing this talent, recognising the innovative spirit of the UAE youth, and providing them with the right tools and the opportunities to shine on both a regional and global stage.”