MYGAMES-in-the-UAE: Exclusive-Interview-with-Executive-Director-Nikita-Matsokin
The gaming industry in the Middle East is entering an exciting growth phase, driven by rising talent and expanding regional investments. MY.GAMES has strengthened its presence by establishing a dedicated hub in Abu Dhabi, reflecting its commitment to long-term regional development. This strategic move supports game creators who want global reach without losing their cultural identity.
In this interview, Nikita Matsokin, Executive Director at MGVC, discusses MY.GAMES’ vision, its support programs, and the growing opportunities for young developers are shaping the future of gaming in the MENA region.
Can you tell us more details about MY.Games?
MY.GAMES is one of the leading international game developers and publishers, creating games across mobile, PC, and console platforms. Our portfolio includes titles such as War Robots, Rush Royale, Hustle Castle, and Left to Survive and others. We operate through 10 development studios and an international team spread across multiple countries.
In 2023, we expanded into the Middle East by establishing a regional hub in Abu Dhabi’s YAS Creative Hub. The team there focuses on game development, research, and localization, and is now also taking on a strong publishing role in the region.
Through the MY.GAMES Publishing Program, which unites the expertise of Knights Peak for PC and console games and MGVC Publishing for mobile titles, we help developers in the MENA region grow globally by offering funding, marketing support, design mentorship, analytics, and worldwide distribution.
Can you give a little background about how you thought of starting such a company in this region?
Our decision to expand into the MENA region was driven by the tremendous momentum of one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world. Today, the region is home to more than 595 million gamers, and its market is projected to reach $7.1 billion by the end of 2025. This growth—combined with the region’s unique creative potential—made it the right time for us to invest locally.
Governments across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are heavily supporting the gaming sector, creating modern ecosystems, talent pipelines, and innovation hubs. Establishing our hub in Abu Dhabi in 2023 allowed us to be closer to emerging talent, collaborate more deeply with developers, and contribute to building a sustainable regional gaming industry that can reach global audiences.
Regarding the expansion in the MENA Region, what kind of talent are you looking at from this region?
We are interested in working with creators who bring together strong technical capabilities and a deep understanding of regional culture. The MENA region has a growing pool of professionals who excel in areas such as game design, programming, narrative development, technical art, and production management. We also see rising expertise in live operations and localization.
What truly distinguishes local talent is their ability to blend innovation with culturally inspired storytelling. This creates unique concepts that can stand out regionally while also having strong global appeal, and we aim to support and amplify these strengths.
How will it benefit young talent or youth inclined towards gaming and development?
Talented game developers in the region can benefit directly from the MY.GAMES Publishing Program, which brings together the expertise of Knights Peak for PC and console and MGVC Publishing for mobile. The program offers funding for development and marketing, as well as hands-on guidance in game design, live operations, monetization, and user acquisition.
Developers also gain access to advanced tools such as Business Intelligence systems and Predictive ROI Analytics, helping them make smarter decisions and scale their games more effectively.
One of the biggest advantages is the program’s ability to open doors to global markets, giving regional creators reach far beyond their local audience while still allowing them to retain ownership of their IP. Combined with the strong regional support from initiatives like Abu Dhabi Gaming, the MY.GAMES Publishing Program helps developers build sustainable careers and elevate their projects to international standards.
Do you organise events to encourage game developer to come and showcase their games and talent?
Yes, we collaborate closely with partners such as AD Gaming to participate in and support regional events, workshops, and developer meet-ups. These initiatives give creators the opportunity to showcase their games, receive expert feedback, and connect with industry professionals. As we expand our publishing program in the region, we plan to introduce even more activities designed to help developers present their work and explore new partnership opportunities.
As you have been present since 2023, what kind of interest have you seen in gamer developers from this region? Are they interested in PC gaming or mobile gaming?
Since establishing our presence in 2023, we have seen enthusiastic interest from developers across the region. Many creators are actively exploring both PC and mobile platforms. Mobile gaming remains particularly popular due to the region’s high smartphone adoption, which makes it accessible to a broad audience.
At the same time, PC and console development is growing quickly, supported by strong government initiatives, an expanding esports scene, and increasingly sophisticated training and development programs. Overall, developers in the region are ambitious and eager to create games that can succeed globally.
Which is the most popular game developed in this region on your game portal?
At MY.GAMES, we develop our projects through a fully distributed team model, which means our teams collaborate from many different parts of the world — including our hub in the UAE, where our colleagues contribute directly to several of our top titles.
If we look specifically at the most popular MY.GAMES titles among players in the UAE, the leaders are our three mobile games: War Robots, Rush Royale, and Left to Survive. Each of these games has tens of thousands of registered players in the region.
Is there demand for Arabic-language games in this MENA region?
There is a very strong demand for Arabic-language games in MENA. With 595 million gamers in the region, localization has become an essential factor for success, and players increasingly seek content that reflects their language, culture, and identity. Developers who can deliver Arabic-first or Arabic-inclusive experiences have a clear advantage in capturing this fast-growing audience.
What is the advantage for talent who would work with you – support, financial gain, etc?
For developers working with us, the advantages build on the support already outlined in our publishing program. We help bring regionally relevant, Arabic-language games to a global audience by providing the right guidance, resources, and pathways to scale. Our partnership model ensures creators maintain control of their IP while benefiting from the reach and expertise needed to grow sustainably.
Any closing line you would like to add?
The MENA region is one of the most dynamic and creative gaming markets in the world, and we believe its developers have the talent and vision to transform the global industry. Through our regional hub and our publishing program, we are committed to supporting creators, empowering youth, and helping studios build games that resonate with audiences worldwide.
We look forward to continuing our journey in the region and invite developers to collaborate with us as we shape the future of gaming together.
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