NEOM Picks Five Saudi Game Studios for Next Level Up Accelerator
NEOM has selected five Saudi game studios to receive funding under the latest cycle of its flagship Level Up gaming accelerator. The initiative supports the growth of local talent while strengthening the national gaming ecosystem.
At the same time, the program has completed an initial mentorship phase for 18 additional studios. As a result, this cycle has become the largest in the accelerator’s history. Moreover, the program continues to align closely with broader gaming and digital economy goals under Vision 2030.
Expanded mentorship and global access
As the gaming sector is projected to contribute more than $13.33 billion to national GDP by 2030, the accelerator focuses on long-term scalability. Therefore, it delivers a tailored structure that addresses both creative and operational challenges faced by emerging studios.
Following a competitive first phase that supported more than 23 studios with structured mentorship, five finalists were selected. They will now receive funding to accelerate product launches. In addition, each studio will benefit from seven months of mentorship totaling 600 hours. They will also gain access to a global publisher partner network that includes international and regional publishers.
The selected studios are Aiqona Productions, Fourcast Studio, Makera, OFF BOX Studios, and Phys. Together, they represent a diverse mix of animation-led storytelling, indie multiplayer development, user-generated content platforms, immersive game design, and technology-driven experiences that encourage physical activity among children.
Track record and ecosystem impact
To date, the accelerator has contributed to the creation of more than 170 jobs while maintaining full portfolio survivability. Furthermore, participating studios have demonstrated consistent growth and increasing international visibility.
Several graduates from previous cycles have gone on to secure global publishing deals, attract significant investment, and win regional industry awards. As a result, the program continues to play a key role in transforming early-stage ideas into commercially viable and globally competitive game studios.
