Tribune News Network
Doha
Media City Qatar, in collaboration with Doha Film Institute (DFI) and SCALE7, successfully completed the Geekend Game Jam 2024, a pivotal event fostering local gaming talent and innovation.
The four-day challenge, held from November 20 to 23 at the Geekdom Building on Lusail Boulevard, showcased the creativity and skills of video game developers and enthusiasts from across Qatar, marking a major milestone for the country’s burgeoning gaming industry.
The Geekend Game Jam, part of Ajyal 2024’s popular Geekend event, brought together over a dozen participants, including aspiring and established game developers, for a unique opportunity to create original games within a limited timeframe under the theme of "Transformation.”
Attendees had the flexibility to work individually or in teams of up to three, fostering collaboration and creativity. Each project was evaluated by an expert jury based on creativity, technical execution, and adherence to the theme, highlighting the participants’ diverse skill sets and innovative ideas.
The event concluded with top-performing team, "Markaba”, led by Usama and Alony Hamed, honoured for their innovative contributions, with prizes totaling QR40,000. The coveted Game Launcher Package, presented by SCALE7, awarded QR25,000 in cash, while the Game Start-up Package, sponsored by Geekdom and Media City Qatar, offered QR15,000 along with a subsidised start-up package designed to help recipients establish themselves as professional game developers in Qatar.
The winning team is also given priority consideration for the SCALE7 Business Incubation Programme, a12-week initiative providing mentorship, workshops, and resources for new entrepreneurs.
Thair Al Anani, director of Business Development at Media City Qatar, said: "The Geekend Game Jam is a testament to Media City Qatar’s commitment to fostering innovation within our digital media landscape and empowering the next generation of creators. By supporting our youth in bringing their creative visions to life, Media City Qatar is contributing to the growth of a dynamic gaming sector that aligns with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Abdulla Al Mosallam, chief administrative officer of DFI and founder of Geekdom, shared his excitement, stating, "Geekend Game Jam has established a vital platform for our creative community, empowering developers to experiment, learn, and bring bold ideas to life. At Doha Film Institute, we are committed to nurturing this spirit of innovation, which is essential for building a dynamic and sustainable gaming industry in Qatar.”
This year’s Game Jam exemplifies Media City Qatar’s mission to advance Qatar’s digital media landscape, particularly within the gaming sector.
Through its continued support of initiatives like the Geekend Game Jam, Media City Qatar is positioning the country as a regional leader in digital media and gaming, empowering local talent to contribute to a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.