Tribune News Network
Doha
Doha Film Institute (DFI), in partnership with Media City Qatar (MCQ) recently hosted the ‘Geekdom Game Development Workshop’, a key initiative designed to foster creative development among Qatar’s youth.
The collaboration between the two national organisations seeks to strengthen the foundation of a thriving creative industry and a robust media scene, aligning with the country’s vision for innovation and technological advancement.
The immersive game development workshop, in partnership with COREGAME and powered by Media City Qatar, was aimed at participants aged 13 to 17, and took place from August 12 to August 29, at Doha Film Institute’s headquarters.
The workshop’s modules were delivered by leading industry experts from Geekdom and COREGAME Technology Solutions.
Instructors included Fadi Soufiand Dave Andrew, who delivered intensive and varied sessions to aspiring creative participants. Instructors provided practical lessons to support participants with becoming more familiar with industry-standard software like Unity, Visual Studio Code and Aseprite.
Throughout the workshop, each participant demonstrated their passion for game development and their eagerness to bring their ideas to life.
One of the attendees, Thani Al Shibani, shared his experience, saying: “As a participant in the ‘Geekdom Game Development Workshop,’ I felt like I was finally able to turn my passion for gaming into something real. The sessions were incredibly engaging and taught us everything from the basics of game design to actually creating our own game levels. I can’t wait to keep building on these technical skills — this experience has truly inspired my parents and I to explore a future in the game development industry for me.”
Game development is a cornerstone of the creative industries, blending art, technology and storytelling in ways that engage and inspire audiences worldwide. As one of the fastest-growing sectors, it not only fuels creativity but also contributes significantly to the global economy, generating billions in revenue and creating jobs across multiple disciplines.
In 2024, the video games market is projected to reach a revenue of $282.30bn and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.76 percent between 2024 and 2027, resulting in a projected market volume of $363.30bn by 2027.
Abdulla Al Mosallam, founder of Geekdom and chief administrative officer of Doha Film Institute, stated: “Qatar’s creative industries have experienced significant growth over the years, driven by local talent that continues to lead the way in inventiveness and ingenuity. Geek culture has become a dynamic and integral part of our creative community, providing a space where imagination thrives and new ideas are embraced.
Media City Qatar’s efforts through initiatives like the “Geekdom Game Development Workshop” continue to support the ongoing growth and development of the nation’s diverse creative industries. This includes sectors such as broadcasting, traditional and digital news, gaming, user-generated content, AI, and other advanced technologies, ensuring Qatar remains at the forefront of innovation and creativity.
