8 November 2024, Fri |
3:39 AM
The UAE Game Makers Competition, backed by Tawazun Council and Space 42, and organized by Endless Studios, successfully concluded its second on-ground Game Jam event from October 5-7, 2024, at Pixoul Gaming, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi. This event marks a key milestone in the larger UAE Game Makers Competition, which was launched in May 2024 to foster digital innovation among the nation’s youth.
Aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2031, the competition highlights digital education and innovation as cornerstones of the country’s growth. The Game Jam serves as a platform for UAE residents aged 17-27 to demonstrate their creativity, game-making skills, and cultural understanding, bridging the gap between education and the professional world.
Participants in the competition benefit from hands-on experiences and mentorship from industry experts in disciplines such as design, engineering, art, and project management—skills essential for game development and the broader digital economy.
At the heart of the competition are the Game Jam events—intensive, three-day challenges where young innovators collaborate to create games inspired by UAE’s cultural heritage. These events offer participants the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, gain exposure to advanced technological tools, and develop essential teamwork skills.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, remarked, “The Game Jam is a vital part of our commitment to inspiring UAE youth to explore creative fields like game development. These events not only advance technological skills but also instill a sense of pride and belonging in our younger generations by drawing on our rich cultural heritage.”
Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Space42, added, “Our partnership with Tawazun Council and Endless Studios is about leveraging technology to inspire the next generation. We are helping youth develop gaming content that is culturally relevant and educational, preparing them to lead future technological advancements.”
For many participants, the UAE Game Makers Competition has been a transformative experience. Duaa Al-Rifa’i, a graduate of the Capstone program at Abu Dhabi University, shared, “The mentors and collaborative environment helped me realize my dream of working in game development.” Similarly, Ajaz Khan from Abu Dhabi University said, “What began as a hobby has now become a potential career, thanks to the guidance I received from Endless Studios.”
As the competition moves towards its final phase in May 2025, the nation awaits the announcement of the winning projects. The standout projects from the Game Jam events will be nominated for the final stage, where the winners will share a prize pool worth AED 100,000, alongside tech prizes like Nintendo Switch consoles, keyboards, and headphones.
Matt Dalio, CEO of Endless Studios, emphasized, “The Game Jam events are more than just contests—they are crucial for nurturing exceptional talent in the UAE. Participants gain technical skills and discover new pathways for growth and future careers, ensuring that UAE youth can shine both regionally and globally.”
The UAE Game Makers Competition continues to cultivate the next generation of digital leaders, aligning with the nation’s vision of youth empowerment, technological advancement, and cultural pride.
