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Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan returns on November 9th and 10th, 2024, offering a chance to gain insights into the world’s fastest-growing games market, MENA.
As part of our MENA coverage and run-up to the event, we caught up with Rababa Games CEO and founder Hussam Alnatour who discussed prioritising mobile in MENA, integrating AI in games and Saudi Arabia expansion plans.
PocketGamer.biz: Could you tell us a bit about Rababa Games and what you’re up to right now?
Hussam Alnatour: We are a pioneering game development studio in the MENA region, and we’re known for creating unique racing games that blend cultural authenticity with modern gameplay.
HAJWALA has become Rababa Games’ flaghship titleRight now, we’re focusing on expanding our flagship title HAJWALA while exploring new genres that cater to both local and global audiences. We’re also pushing boundaries in terms of integrating cutting-edge tech like AI and AR into our games.
How many staff do you currently employ and where are they based?
We have a diverse team of approximately 15 employees, all based in Jordan. Our team is a blend of developers, artists, and creative professionals, all working closely to produce high-quality games that reflect the region’s unique culture.
What are you doing to foster collaboration and recruit local talents?
We prioritise creating opportunities for local talent by collaborating with universities and offering internship programs.
“While we don’t yet have an official office in Saudi Arabia, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand there.”Hussam AL Natour
We also participate in regional game development events and workshops to identify promising individuals.
Our goal is to nurture a collaborative environment where both experienced professionals and newcomers can thrive.
Do have offices in both Jordan and Saudi Arabia? If so, what has the experience been like operating in these regions and how do you maintain company culture?
Currently, our main operations are based in Jordan, where we’ve built a strong foundation. While we don’t yet have an official office in Saudi Arabia, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand there, given the dynamic growth of the games market in the Gulf.
In the meantime, we maintain close relationships with partners and talent across the region. To ensure consistency in our company culture, we focus on virtual collaboration, regular communication, and fostering a shared sense of purpose among our team, regardless of location.
How do you prioritise resources between developing mobile games and your other projects like motion capture and localisation?
We approach resource allocation based on project scale and market demand. Mobile games, especially in the MENA region, have a high demand, so they remain a primary focus.
“The growing demand for locally inspired content in the MENA region presents both an opportunity and a challenge for developers.”Hussam AL Natour
However, we also dedicate resources to our other projects like motion capture and localisation because we believe they can enhance the overall experience of our games. A balanced approach allows us to maintain quality across all fronts.
You’ve developed games for PlayStation, iOS, and Android. How do you decide which platform to target for a new game?
Platform selection depends on the game concept and its audience. For example, HAJWALA, with its wide appeal, made sense to release on both mobile and PlayStation platforms.
We assess factors like market trends, technical capabilities, and player feedback when deciding the platform. We aim to reach as many players as possible without compromising the gameplay experience.
HAJWALA boasts over 120 million downloads and 500,000 copies sold on PS stores. How have your games been received internationally outside the MENA region?
While HAJWALA has seen immense success in the MENA region due to its cultural relevance, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by its reception globally.
“We’ve primarily been self-funded, which has allowed us the flexibility to pursue our vision without external pressures.”Hussam AL Natour
The game’s unique driving mechanics and cultural flavour appeal to car enthusiasts worldwide, and we’ve seen a growing community in markets outside the Middle East such as Europe and Asia.
Can you tell us about the changes you’ve observed in consumer behaviour towards games?
Consumers are becoming more sophisticated, seeking games that are not just entertaining but offer immersive and culturally resonant experiences. The growing demand for locally inspired content in the MENA region presents both an opportunity and a challenge for developers. The market is expanding rapidly.
In terms of funding and support for gaming studios in MENA, what has been your experience navigating the funding landscape?
We’ve primarily been self-funded, which has allowed us the flexibility to pursue our vision without external pressures.
While we haven’t received external funding yet, we see a growing interest in the games industry across the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where governments and private investors are beginning to recognise the potential.
Though the funding landscape is still developing, we’ve managed to navigate it independently so far, focusing on creating culturally resonant content and sustainable growth.
What are your thoughts on emerging technologies such as AI, AR, and VR in games?
AI, AR, and VR are incredibly exciting for the future of games, and we are actively exploring ways to integrate these technologies into our development process. AI can improve everything from in-game characters to procedural content generation, while AR and VR offer new ways to engage players.
We believe these technologies will play a major role in the evolution of video games and we are keen on incorporating them in upcoming projects.
What are your plans for the rest of 2024 and the coming year? Will you be exploring new platforms? And are there any partnerships or projects on the horizon that we should look forward to?
Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding the HAJWALA universe and exploring new platforms, including potential VR adaptations. We’re also working on several exciting partnerships that we will announce soon, which will bring new IPs and collaborative projects into the spotlight.
Expect to see new features, gameplay mechanics, and perhaps even entirely new genres from Rababa Games in the near future.
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