Video game exec encourages independent developers in Mideast
Hussam Al-Natour, founder of Rababa Gaming, describes the challenges and potential of the Mideast’s video game industry.
Globally, the video game industry has evolved exponentially since its inception in the 1970s and is expected to expand in the Middle East as well. Yet a dearth of government support in some countries, along with local investors’ lack of awareness and other factors, are slowing the industry’s progress in the region.
Al-Monitor recently sat down with Hussam Al-Natour — CEO and founder of Rababa Games, a gaming studio based in Amman, Jordan — to hear his story and the difficulties he has faced through the years.
Like many e-entrepreneurs, Natour started his business at home, in 2013. By 2017 he had opened an office and hired more people. Now, with a team of 18 employees, Rababa Games has developed and released numerous games such as Snake and Ladder and is currently working on a sequel for the Hajwala (“Drift”) auto racing game for Android, iOS and PlayStation 4.
When asked which platform he thinks is the best for independent developers, he said, “Mobile phones [Android and iOS devices] are the easiest to develop for and have the biggest audience.”
