NEOM selects five Saudi studios for latest Level Up game accelerator
News • January 12, 2026
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NEOM has selected five Saudi game studios to fund under its flagship Level Up, following an initial mentoring phase for 18 studios, making it the largest program cycle to date. Selected studios will receive funding, seven months of mentorship totaling 600 hours per studio, and access to NEOM’s global publisher network, including Kwalee and Tamatem Games. Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector aims to contribute R50 billion ($13.33 billion) to GDP by 2030, and the five studios that will be expanding are Aiqona Productions, Forcast Studio, Makera, OFF BOX Studios, and Phys.
press release:
NEOM, the embodiment of sustainable regional development in northwestern Saudi Arabia, today announced five game studios selected to receive funding as part of its annual flagship game accelerator, Level Up. Coupled with an initial mentorship phase supporting 18 more studios, this announcement makes the latest cycle the largest in Level Up history.
Powered by NEOM Gaming, Level Up is Saudi Arabia’s longest-running gaming accelerator and a cornerstone initiative of the National Gaming & Esports Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. With the gaming sector expected to contribute more than R50 billion ($13.33 billion) to the national GDP by 2030, the accelerator is designed to incubate and scale Saudi startups for long-term success through customized programs that address the unique challenges of operating a game studio.
After the first stage of the competition, where over 23 studios received instruction across a variety of topics, the five strongest studios have now been selected. They will receive significant funding to accelerate product launches, plus a total of 600 hours of mentorship per studio for seven months, and access to NEOM’s growing global publisher partner network. The network includes UK-based game publisher Kwalee and Tamatem Games, MENA’s leading mobile game publisher.
The five Saudi studios selected for the next phase of the program are:
Aiqona Productions: A creative studio that combines animation, storytelling, and interactive game design to create engaging experiences. Fourcast Studio: A pioneer in the Kingdom’s indie gaming scene, they are currently developing social PC multiplayer games that introduce unique gameplay mechanics. Makera: A user-generated content studio that enables communities to create and shape unique gaming experiences through tools and interactive platforms. OFF BOX Studios: An emerging Saudi game development studio focused on creating innovative and immersive gaming experiences. Phys: A studio dedicated to creating high-quality gaming experiences with a focus on technology, design, and encouraging physical activity and physical activity in children.
Toby Evan-Jones, Executive Director and Head of Games at NEOM, said: “For the past three years, NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator has supported Saudi Arabia’s first generation of game developers through pre-seed funding and mentorship. The new cycle builds on that success and reflects NEOM’s commitment to empowering talented studios that bring fresh thinking to the Saudi gaming ecosystem. We are proud to play a key role in promoting it.” As part of Saudi Vision 2030, advance the national gaming and esports strategy to build a sustainable and globally competitive business. ”
“The Level Up Accelerator powered by NEOM is a pillar of our gaming ecosystem, providing startups with tools for growth, mentorship and global exposure. From 2023 onwards, MCIT’s incubator will “It’s an ideal next step for teams graduating from the VC program, building a seamless pipeline to transform early ideas into globally competitive studios. The results speak for themselves. A young Saudi startup is now winning.” It has won numerous awards, attracted investment and emerged as a successful company. ”
To date, the program has created over 170 jobs and achieved 100% portfolio viability and significant growth in portfolio companies. Several startups from previous cycles have achieved further global recognition and success. This includes Fahy Studio, which signed the first international publishing deal for Kwalee and the emerging Saudi game developer, along with a $1.75 million investment from Impact46 and Merak Capital. Other Level Up alumni, Starvania Studio and Majestic Mind Games, won back-to-back “Best Game Startup” awards at the 2024 and 2025 MENA Game Industry Awards.
