Level Up
KSA’s Leading Gaming Accelerator!
Building Strong Foundations, Driving Lasting Success
World Class Mentorship
- Expert mentors specializing in business, production, and marketing
- Tailored guidance to tackle each studio’s unique challenges
- Supported by DigiPen’s world-class expertise in game development
Extended Support
- 12-month hybrid program designed for real studio growth
- Flexible mentorship delivered online and in person
- Exclusive industry insights and access to the Level Up Publisher Partner Network
High-Impact Funding
- Game-Changing Support to Accelerate Your Growth
- Milestone-based to drive progress and accountability
- Covers key costs from production to launch
Holistic
- Sharpening analytical thinking and risk management skills
- Navigating publishing, marketing, and audience engagement
- Building strong business operations for lasting success
Level Up Dual Phase Program Approach
Register Interest
Register to attend mandatory info session
Application
Applicants will receive a unique application link to fill in additional information about the company
Readiness Phase
- Self learning platform access
- In person bootcamp and online mentoring
- Game design and commercial opportunity validation
- Business, financial and production plan validation
- Preparation for in person Pitch Day
Pitch Day
Selected studios pitch to NEOM selection committee for entry into the Studio Acceleration Phase
Acceleration Phase
- Eligible to receive cash incentive payments
- Online and face to face mentoring
- Production support
- Publishing and marketing mentorship
- Access and introductions to publishers and investors
Application Requirements
Info Session Dates
April 27, 2025
May 4, 2025
May 11, 2025
Registration Deadline
May 8, 2025
Program Readiness Phase
- Open to Saudi-based game development studios
- MVP and/or vertical slice
Studio Acceleration Phase
- Dedicated individuals filling the following key roles:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Financial Manager/Project Manager
- Marketing Lead
- Game Design Lead
- Art Lead
- Technical Lead
- LLC commercial registration, VAT registration, and a business bank account.
How To Apply
Ready to elevate your gaming studio with the Level Up Gaming Accelerator?
Follow these simple steps:
Register Interest
- Register to attend mandatory info session
- 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.
Saudi’s Longest-Running Gaming Accelerator
Work Hard. Push Forward. Aim Higher.
The Level Up Gaming Accelerator is different. With more time, mentorship, and funding than most, we provide a game industry-specific program that addresses the unique challenges of running a game studio, from development and publishing to monetization and live operations. We don’t just help you launch a game—we equip you with the skills to build a sustainable business in one of the world’s most competitive industries.
Saudi’s gaming scene is growing rapidly, many local gaming studios are just starting out in an advantageous environment created by the NGES vision.
Many global indie teams have spent years refining their production pipelines, monetization strategies, and business operations. Saudi’s game industry is still growing, and we embrace this challenge. That’s why this program exists—not to filter for those who already have experience, but to equip those who are committed to learning, adapting, and putting in the work. Success in this industry isn’t about where you start—it’s about your drive, humility to be coached, and commitment to excellence.
The Level Up Gaming Accelerator is a 12-month journey designed to push studios beyond their limits and prepare them for long-term success. With a differentiated approach tailored to each team, we provide the right mentorship, strategic insights, and industry connections to help studios grow—not just survive.
NEOM is investing in the future of gaming—driving innovation, creating opportunities, and building Saudi’s next generation of game studios. The foundation is set, the opportunity is here. NEOM is ready. Are you?
Level Up Dual Phase Program Approach
Building Strong Foundations, Driving Lasting Success
Establishing a successful indie game studio takes more than making a great game. Studios must master business, finance, legal matters, marketing, and leadership to stay competitive. Even the most talented teams risk failure without these skills. Studio leaders must also be able to decide what game to make next—choosing one that fits the market, aligns with their strengths, and has real commercial potential. Without strategic knowledge, even strong teams struggle to build a sustainable business.
Our program structure is designed to tackle these challenges head-on. The Level Up Gaming Accelerator follows a performance-based model, where studios are evaluated at critical milestones.
Through hands-on mentorship and industry insights, participants gain the skills to analyze trends, explore revenue models, manage budgets, and execute marketing campaigns. This two-phase approach ensures teams don’t just learn—they apply knowledge, adapt to challenges, and prove their ability to execute.
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
- Selected studios pitch to NEOM selection committee for entry into the Studio Acceleration Phase
- Selection for acceleration phase
Studio Acceleration Phase
Scaling Your Studio
Objective
Execute acceleration plan to game launch
How
- Eligible to receive cash incentive payments
- Online and face to face mentoring
- Production support
- Publishing and marketing mentorship
- Access and introductions to publishers and investors
Level Up Publisher Partner Network
Your Guides to Success
Level Up distinguishes itself from other accelerators by providing each studio with over 600 hours of tailored guidance from industry leaders boasting 150+ years of combined experience. This personalized support comprehensively addresses all critical aspects that indie studios need to succeed. DigiPen Institute of Technology, a globally renowned leader in game development education, has assembled and orchestrates this exceptional group of mentors, as well as its global network of faculty and experts, ensuring studios receive the differentiated guidance necessary to thrive in the competitive gaming industry.
