Jordan leading Arab region in game, app development — gaming task force

AMMAN — The number of digital games developed by Jordanians more than doubled in 2014 compared to 2013, according to Nour Khrais, chairman of the Jordan Gaming Task Force.

Individual Jordanian developers, companies and start-ups created more than 80 games and applications in 2014 that reached several markets and app stores across the world, Khrais told The Jordan Times in a recent interview.

Noting that this is more than a 100 per cent increase compared to last year, he added that “in terms of production of digital games and apps, Jordan is considered the first country in the Arab world in volume.”

“There is competition from Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, but we are still in the lead.”

Some 50 per cent of digital games in the region are developed by Jordanian companies or developers, and around 15 companies in the Kingdom work in the field of digital gaming, Khrais added.

In order for Jordan to remain in a leading position, continued support is needed for developers, not just start-ups but also individual developers, he said.

“Government support is needed to further develop the industry.”

Khrais attributed this year’s increase in game and app development to a drop in production costs, the availability of tools needed for the creation of such games and apps, and the frequent training activities offered for developers.

“We are witnessing a trend in Jordan where we see more indie game developers creating games and applications than before. These developers need support and training and their work should be facilitated.”

Founded in 2011, the Jordan Gaming Task Force seeks to develop the electronic gaming industry in the region.