Game Changers Program

The Game Changers Program is a Saudi initiative for the electronic games industry launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in 2021. The program aims to help Saudi entrepreneurs launch independent gaming companies and create a suitable environment for Saudi male and female game developers. The program subjects game developers of both genders to training that leads to employment or incubation. The program is offered by the Digipen Institute of Technology, one of the world-renowned institutes specializing in game development, in addition to the initiative's development company.

The Game Changers Program is divided into specific phases, each with a set duration. It begins with an introduction phase, which lasts for six weeks and provides an overview of game development, serving as an introduction to the entrepreneurial path for establishing an independent gaming company. This is followed by a skill development phase that lasts for sixteen weeks and includes three tracks: Art and Animation, Computer Science, and Design Science. Next is the MVP production phase, which also lasts for sixteen weeks and includes building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). After this, the participating ideas are evaluated by experts in preparation for the incubation phase. The incubation phase itself lasts for sixteen weeks and is dedicated to the accepted projects, which are being developed to reach the final product form.

The work environment in the Game Changers Program is fast-paced and collaborative. Trainees are guided by veteran developers in the gaming industry and specialists in business incubation, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills in technical, creative, and commercial aspects to achieve their goals.

The Game Changers Program is designed with three tracks. The first track focuses on game design, covering the fundamental elements of game design and creating engaging experiences for all applications and games. The second track is for game art and animation, emphasizing innovative processes related to visual elements such as characters, environments, props, animations, visual effects, and even user interface components. The third track is game programming, where programmers prepare to realize the visions of game designers.