The Number One Educational Resource for the Game Industry
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Overview:
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The Arab indie game scene is witnessing a quiet yet powerful shift, driven by a rising generation of women founders, developers, and designers. While Arab women gamers are gaining attention, far less is known about the women creating the games. This session sheds light on women-led indie studios across the MENA region, revealing how they navigate cultural norms, under-resourced ecosystems, and gendered barriers to carve out spaces of autonomy and expression. Through rapid-fire microtalks, attendees will hear from developers blending folklore with interactive storytelling, experimenting with hybrid genres, and founding studios in unconventional settings. The session draws from field research, case studies, and lived experience to uncover how women in the MENA region are reshaping the indie landscape with values of care, community, and resistance. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on global game development and leave with ideas for supporting a more inclusive and visible MENA game ecosystem.
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