As the gaming industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to grow rapidly, Tamatem Games stands out as a company embodying the region’s innovation and vision. Founded by CEO Hussam Hammo, Tamatem has become a key player in shaping the future of gaming in MENA.
As part of our MENA Month leading up to the Dubai GameExpo Summit powered by Pocket Gamer Connects on May 1st and 2nd, we had the opportunity to interview Hammo to learn more about the company’s plans for the future in 2024 and beyond.
From addressing challenges in localization to discussing the evolving landscape of the local games industry, here are the key issues influencing the MENA gaming scene today.
PocketGamer.Biz: Can you provide us with some insights into Tamatem and its current focus?
Hussam Hammo: Tamatem is the leading mobile games publisher in the MENA market. We collaborate with developers worldwide to tap into the region’s full potential by distributing games and enhancing their visibility.
Given your prominent role in the Middle East gaming community, how are you fostering collaboration and recruiting local talent?
We actively engage with regional universities and educational institutions to bring in fresh graduates and interns. Last year, we established our own gaming academy to provide workshops and training to aspiring individuals. Additionally, we participate in regional events to connect with industry peers.
Despite industry layoffs, Tamatem Games is actively hiring. What strategies have enabled your team to expand during challenging times?
By focusing on facilitating developers’ payments in local markets, we have secured more publishing deals, leading to our team’s growth. We are also launching new games that require additional resources. While last year presented challenges, it allowed us to optimize our workforce and operations.
With extensive experience localizing over 50 games for the Arabic market, what are the major hurdles you’ve encountered in the localization process, and how do you ensure a culturally relevant gaming experience?
Addressing code complexities and securing developers’ commitment to necessary changes are crucial for successful localization. Large games entail translating millions of words accurately and contextually. Comprehensive documentation eases the localization process.
This year, I am seeing a strong return to previous gaming behaviors, where users appreciate older genres and styles, which is intriguing.
Hussam Hammo
What prompted the decision to relocate your headquarters to Abu Dhabi, and how does this shift benefit your company’s growth? What will happen to your Jordan office?
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a gaming hub in the region, offering opportunities for companies like ours. By being in proximity to successful gaming enterprises, we anticipate growth and new possibilities. We have also opened an office in Riyadh and maintain a strong presence in Egypt.
How have you seen the local games industry evolve, especially in terms of consumer behavior, and what do you envision for the MENA region’s gaming industry in the future?
The pandemic altered consumer behavior, temporarily shifting focus away from gaming to social networks. However, there is now a resurgence in gaming engagement with users revisiting older genres and styles. The MENA gaming industry is still in its early stages, with significant investments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE expected to bring more attention and opportunities to the region.
What opportunities and challenges do you observe in the games industry in Jordan and the wider MENA region?
A challenge lies in the limited investment options for new gaming entrepreneurs. While not inherently capital-intensive, the industry requires initial funding for essentials like staffing, equipment, and marketing. Initiatives like grants and hackathons with substantial prizes could support aspiring developers. Emphasizing game development over esports alone is crucial for the region.
What are your plans for 2024, and are there any upcoming projects or initiatives to anticipate?
We are launching a new game titled ‘Revenge of the Brave’ in May, an action RPG featuring high-quality Arabic localization. Additionally, we are exploring innovative game concepts to offer enjoyable experiences to our players.
Join us at our next MENA event!
Following a successful inaugural year in 2023, The Dubai GameExpo Summit powered by PG Connects returns on May 1st to 2nd, 2024, alongside the Dubai Esports and Games Festival at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The summit will host over 100 industry speakers from around the world, delivering informative talks and panels across various themed tracks. Attendees can network with potential collaborators, whether seeking local publishers or global market opportunities.
