- Starvania, an indie game studio based in Saudi Arabia, is currently working on their project, Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree.
- The studio has been experiencing increased opportunities in the MENA region, thanks to growing support from investors and funding programs.
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Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan is returning on November 9th and 10th, 2024, offering valuable insights into the rapidly growing games market in MENA.
As part of our coverage leading up to the event, we had the opportunity to speak with Meaad Aflah, the CEO and founder of Starvania Studio. He discussed their partnership with Naphora and their efforts to build a supportive community for young developers in Saudi Arabia.
PocketGamer.biz: Tell us a bit about Starvania Studios and your current projects.
Meaad Aflah: Starvania is an indie game studio in Saudi Arabia that creates unique entertainment experiences inspired by Arabian mythologies. Our current focus is on our upcoming game, Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree, which will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and consoles soon.
How many staff do you currently employ and where are they based?
We have a team of 12 members working remotely from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, and the United Kingdom.
Why did you choose a career in games? And if not games, what would you have been doing?
Gaming has been my passion since childhood, and creating a game studio to bring my imaginative worlds to life was a dream come true. If not in games, I would still be involved in creative storytelling or gamification technologies.
What are you doing to promote collaboration and recruit local talents?
We offer internships at our studio in collaboration with local organizations and provide coaching and mentoring to youth interested in game development.
Are you exclusively focused on PC/console games? What are your thoughts on cross-platform gaming?
While our current focus is on PC and consoles, we are open to exploring other platforms. Cross-platform gaming appeals to us as it can expand our audience and bring players together.
“While mythologies in games are trending worldwide, Arabian myths are less familiar to many gamers.”
Meaad Aflah
What are the challenges and opportunities in localizing your games for a global audience?
One of our challenges is making Arabian mythologies appealing to a global audience. However, the positive reception we’ve received internationally proves that there’s potential to introduce these mythologies to a wider market.
What are the current opportunities and challenges in the games industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region?
The games industry in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region is growing, with increased support from investors and funding programs. However, challenges such as a shortage of publishers and stereotypes affect the industry’s perception.
What are your thoughts on emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR in games? Do you plan to incorporate AI into your game development process?
We are enthusiastic about AI, AR, and VR in gaming and see the value they bring to gameplay. While we plan to incorporate AI into our development process, we make sure it enhances our creative vision without overshadowing it.
“There’s growing support from investors and funding programs including accelerators and incubators, which are really helping to drive the scene forward.”
Meaad Aflah
How has your experience been navigating the funding landscape for game studios in MENA?
The funding landscape in the MENA region, especially in Saudi Arabia, is promising with support from VC and angel investors and initiatives dedicated to the games sector.
What are your plans for the rest of 2024?
For the remainder of 2024, we are focused on releasing Bahamut and the Waqwaq Tree and exploring new platforms. We are also prototyping our next game, with details to be revealed in the future.
