Japan and Saudi Arabia Foster Gaming Talent through Tokyo Bootcamp
Emerging Saudi Arabian gamers receive specialized training in Japan to boost gaming talent.
TOKYO: Emerging Saudi Arabian gamers recently participated in a three-week 'Japan Game Business Bootcamp' held in Tokyo, organized by the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME) in collaboration with Saudi Digital Academy under the Kingdom's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
The program, which ran from Oct. 13 to 31, brought together 10 developers, including four women selected by SDA for their ambition to turn professional.
The bootcamp aimed to equip participants with the technical and business skills necessary to work independently in the gaming industry.
Training was led by prominent figures from Japan's game development and business sectors.
The event was officially recognized as a commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The program concluded with a final pitch session attended by Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Japan, during which participants presented their own game projects.
This initiative aligns with the 'Japan-Saudi Vision 2030' plan, emphasizing entertainment as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.
In line with this framework, Saudi Arabia launched its National Gaming and Esports Strategy in 2022, identifying gaming as a major national growth sector.
To support this goal, JCCME, working with Ludimus Inc., created the bootcamp to leverage Japan's expertise in gaming and train future generations of creators from Saudi Arabia.
The comprehensive program included lectures, studio visits, and hands-on mentoring across 20 sessions, covering topics such as game design, development planning, XR games, scenario writing, sound design, and esports.
Instructors comprised producers of hit Japanese titles, virtual reality pioneers, and university lecturers, fostering engaging exchanges between participants and mentors.
The developers toured leading gaming companies and startups in Japan, gaining valuable insights into the country's creative ecosystem.
Participants refined their game projects throughout the program and pitched their games and business plans at the Saudi Embassy in Tokyo on the final day.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting both technical learning opportunities and the value of networking provided by the bootcamp.
Participants expressed gratitude for the historical context shared about Japan's gaming industry and the chance to directly engage with developers.
The program was described as providing the best training received by some participants, who appreciated both the technical insights and professional connections established during the event.
The program, which ran from Oct. 13 to 31, brought together 10 developers, including four women selected by SDA for their ambition to turn professional.
The bootcamp aimed to equip participants with the technical and business skills necessary to work independently in the gaming industry.
Training was led by prominent figures from Japan's game development and business sectors.
The event was officially recognized as a commemorative event marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The program concluded with a final pitch session attended by Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Japan, during which participants presented their own game projects.
This initiative aligns with the 'Japan-Saudi Vision 2030' plan, emphasizing entertainment as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.
In line with this framework, Saudi Arabia launched its National Gaming and Esports Strategy in 2022, identifying gaming as a major national growth sector.
To support this goal, JCCME, working with Ludimus Inc., created the bootcamp to leverage Japan's expertise in gaming and train future generations of creators from Saudi Arabia.
The comprehensive program included lectures, studio visits, and hands-on mentoring across 20 sessions, covering topics such as game design, development planning, XR games, scenario writing, sound design, and esports.
Instructors comprised producers of hit Japanese titles, virtual reality pioneers, and university lecturers, fostering engaging exchanges between participants and mentors.
The developers toured leading gaming companies and startups in Japan, gaining valuable insights into the country's creative ecosystem.
Participants refined their game projects throughout the program and pitched their games and business plans at the Saudi Embassy in Tokyo on the final day.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting both technical learning opportunities and the value of networking provided by the bootcamp.
Participants expressed gratitude for the historical context shared about Japan's gaming industry and the chance to directly engage with developers.
The program was described as providing the best training received by some participants, who appreciated both the technical insights and professional connections established during the event.
