NEOM backs five Saudi game studios as Kingdom targets $13.33bn gaming GDP by 2030

NEOM has announced the five Saudi game studios selected to receive funding under its flagship Level Up gaming accelerator, marking the programme’s largest cycle to date.

Following an initial mentorship phase supporting a further 18 studios, the latest cohort represents the most expansive Level Up cycle yet, according to NEOM.

The accelerator is designed to support early-stage studios with funding, mentorship and access to international publishing networks.

NEOM funds Saudi gaming studios

After a competitive first phase that saw more than 23 studios receive mentorship across a range of topics, five studios were selected to progress to the funded stage.

Each will receive funding to accelerate product launch, seven additional months of mentorship totalling 600 hours per studio, and access to NEOM’s global Publisher Partner Network.

The network includes UK-based games publisher Kwalee and Tamatem Games.

The five Saudi studios selected are:

• Aiqona Productions: A creative studio blending animation, storytelling and interactive game design
• Fourcast Studio: An indie developer working on a social PC multiplayer game with unique gameplay mechanics
• Makera: A user-generated content studio enabling communities to create and shape gaming experiences
• OFF BOX Studios: An emerging developer focused on innovative and immersive games
• Phys: A studio specialising in technology-driven games that encourage movement and exercise among children

Executive Director and Head of Gaming at NEOM, Toby Evan-Jones, said: “Over the past three years, NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator has been instrumental in supporting Saudi Arabia’s first generation of game developers through pre-seed funding and mentorship.

“This latest cycle builds on that success and reflects NEOM’s commitment to empowering talented studios who bring fresh thinking to the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”

Gaming sector growth

Driven by NEOM Gaming, Level Up is the Kingdom’s longest-running gaming accelerator and a core initiative under Saudi Vision 2030’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

The gaming sector is projected to contribute more than SR50bn ($13.33bn) to national GDP by 2030.

To date, the Level Up programme has supported the creation of more than 170 jobs, achieved 100 per cent portfolio survivability, and delivered strong growth among participating studios.

Several graduates from previous cycles have gone on to gain international recognition. Fahy Studio secured the first international publishing deal for a Saudi start-up game developer with Kwalee, alongside $1.75m in investment from Impact46 and Merak Capital.

Other graduates, including Starvania Studio and Majestic Mind Games, won the “Best Games Startup” award at the 2024 and 2025 MENA Games Industry Awards.