Game developers from around the world will be taking part in a hackathon in Bahrain to test their skills and discuss key issues facing the gaming industry.
The second edition of the Bahrain Game Jam, from tomorrow until Saturday, is being held at the Bahrain Polytechnic, Isa Town.
It is organised by the Bahrain Internet Society (BIS) in partnership with the university, the French Embassy and the Arab International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment.
Game developers will work with artists, story writers and other talents to develop games based on a theme within 48 hours.
The event features special panel sessions focussing on video games and violence and talks on gaming disorder as classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Turnout
“This year, we expect a good turnout of game developers who will share their skills and learn during the event,” said BIS vice-chairman and Unreal Bahrain founder Yousef Buhazza.
“We need to focus on the organic growth of the gaming industry in Bahrain that will attract big names to come here and set up companies.
“The video games industry is valued at $151 billion globally and game development hackathons are an important part as they nurture young talent and encourage experimentation and innovation in the creative and technical fields.”
He explained that independent video game development, or indie studios, were expanding to the Middle East.
“For example in the UK, there are about 2,800 gaming development companies that employ about 180,000 people.
“Some of the new indie studios have had amazing success like Rocket League game which made more than $70 million and games like Goat Simulator which made over $12m.
“We believe that through strategic stakeholder partnerships Bahrain can establish its name in this industry.”
Mr Buhazza explained the event will feature panel discussions which will be attended by experts from the industry.
“The debates will cover topics such as video games and violence, especially when recent studies have shown there is no link between the two.
“The other topic will be on WHO recognising that gaming addiction is a disorder.”
Following mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, that claimed 31 lives, US President Donald Trump in August called out “gruesome and grisly video games” for contributing to the “glorification of violence in our society”.
However, a recent compelling report from the Oxford Internet Institute found no connection between violent games and aggressive behaviour in teenagers.
The Middle East is the world’s fastest growing gaming market by population, with over 336 gamers and the estimated gaming market in the Middle East and North Africa region is valued to be $4bn by 2022.
For more information visit BahrainGameJam.com
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