Level Up Gaming Accelerator
Cultivating Sustainable Saudi Indie Game Studios
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Level Up Gaming Accelerator
Cultivating Sustainable Saudi Indie Game Studios
Transforming Vision Into Reality for KSA Indie Gaming Studio Start-Ups
The Level Up Program accelerates the growth of independent gaming studios by providing tailored mentorship and funding. By supporting these studios, NEOM is fostering innovation, creating jobs, and solidifying NEOM’s position as a leading gaming destination.
Holistic
- Focussing on commercial viability
- Boosting production and development skills
- Publishing and marketing support
World Class Mentorship
- More than 150 years of collective gaming experience
- Personalized and supportive
- Delivered by DigiPen, world leading gaming academy
Extended Support
- 12 month duration
- Delivered online and face to face
- Support from game idea to launch
Financial Support
- Cash incentives
- Based on milestone achievements
- Sufficient funding to game launch
Level Up Dual Phase Program Approach
Laying Foundations and Accelerating Success
Building a commercially viable indie game studio requires more than just a capable production team; it demands a robust business development and operations team to navigate industry changes and implement a dynamic marketing strategy to build and sustain a vibrant community. The NEOM Level Up Accelerator provides holistic support, ensuring studios evolve from hobbyist ventures into sustainable businesses. The program empowers studios to adapt to industry challenges by fostering a deep understanding of business operations, financial management, legal considerations, and strategic marketing. Participants receive rigorous training in evaluating market data, exploring various business opportunities, and developing the best strategies for producing successful games.
Program Readiness Phase
Laying the Foundations
Objective
Prepare the studio for acceleration and pitch day
How
- Self learning platform access
- In person bootcamp and online mentoring
- Game design and commercial opportunity validation
- Business, financial and production plan validation
- Pitch preparation support for entry to phase 2
- Selection for acceleration phase
Studio Acceleration Phase
Scaling Your Studio
Objective
Execute acceleration plan to game launch
How
- Access to regular incentive payments
- Online and face to face mentoring
- Production support
- Publishing and marketing mentorship
- Access and introductions to publishers and investors
Meet Our Mentors
Level Up is driven by industry leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in game development, business strategy, marketing, and more. Through personalized mentorship and hands-on support, our mentors provide invaluable insights and expertise, so participating studios can learn to thrive in the competitive gaming industry.
Level Up Publisher Partner Network
News & Events
Starvania signs publishing deal with Singapore-based Soft Source
Starvania has officially signed a publishing deal with Singapore-based Soft Source, the gaming powerhouse of Asia, for Bahamut and The Waqwaq Tree. Bahamut and The Waqwaq Tree releases on Steam the 8th of May. View LinkedIn Announcement
NEOM Media partners with global game publishers to boost Saudi startups
NEOM Media’s Gaming division has unveiled its ‘Publishing Partner Network’ as part of its ‘Level Up’ accelerator program – an initiative designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem. With four publishing partners already commited to the network, including Kwalee, Sandsoft,…
DigiPen and Advanced Initiative Partner for the Annual True Gaming Awards, Announcing the Best Saudi Game and Emergent Game Studio Awards
True Gaming announces partnership with the DigiPen and Advanced Initiative to celebrate pioneers in Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry.
Application Requirements
Registration Closing Date
February 2, 2025
Saudi Leadership
Founders must be Saudi nationals
Key Roles/Skills Filled
Studio has designated leads in key disciplines such as game design, production, finance, business development
Commitment
Willing and able to commit to working full-time on building your studio
Game
Already have an MVP, game demo or vertical game slice
How To Apply
Ready to elevate your gaming studio with the Level Up Accelerator Program?
Follow these simple steps:
Register Interest
- Click “Register Interest”
- Fill in basic details of your company
- Sign the non – disclosure agreement (NDA)
Learn More
- You will be invited to attend a program information session
- Learn more about the program mentorship structure, incentives & studio commitments
- Receive application link
Apply
- Fill in the online application form
- DigiPen will review & let you know next steps
Take the First Step Today
We look forward to supporting your studio in innovation and growth.