Your Journey in Game Development Begins Here

Train for Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming industry with NEOM’s six-month course for game developers and artists

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Turn Your Passion for Games into a Career

The NEOM Game Development with Unity Engine Program is a six-month, full-time online program designed to train aspiring Saudi game programmers and production artists to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the Kingdom’s gaming industry. Offered by the NEOM Media Industry Learning Team and taught by DigiPen Institute of Technology, a globally recognized academic institution, this program provides students with an immersive learning experience that covers foundational 2D and 3D game development skills.

The program begins with a two-week pre-program workshop, followed by two semesters of intensive study. Graduates of the program may then have the opportunity to participate in a separate three-month internship with a Saudi game studio, subject to availability. 

The program is open to Saudi citizens across the country, with applicants selected based on the strength of their submissions. There is no tuition fee for students to participate in this program. However, it is important to note that this is not a stipend-providing program. Students will be responsible for their own expenses during the course.

Program Objectives

Develop Core Game Development Skills

Equip students with foundational 2D and 3D development skills in programming or game art and animation, using the industry-standard Unity engine.​

Foster Real-World Experience


Provide hands-on experience through project-based learning, with the opportunity to apply for a three-month internship with Saudi game studios, subject to availability. This prepares graduates for real-world challenges in the gaming industry. ​

Encourage Collaboration and Teamwork

Promote a collaborative learning environment where students work in cross-disciplinary teams, mirroring the professional game development process.

Support Industry Readiness

Ensure that graduates are job-ready by offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes not only technical skills but also project management and game design principles.

Cultivate Industry Connections

Provide opportunities to build a professional network through interactions with industry mentors, guest lectures, and a potential internship experience, fostering valuable connections for future career growth.

Offer Accessible and Inclusive Learning

Make world-class game development training accessible to Saudi citizens across the country through an online, tuition-free program, open to individuals with a strong passion for entering the industry.

Program Overview

 (Please note that dates are subject to change.)

1

Pre-Program Workshop

December 15 – 26, 2024
2 weeks instruction

The program begins with a two-week introductory workshop designed to familiarize students with the Unity game engine and the fundamentals of game development. This workshop provides a solid foundation, ensuring that all participants, regardless of prior experience, are ready to dive into the main program. It covers key concepts such as game mechanics, design principles, and teamwork. Additionally, the workshop serves as an evaluation period, where students’ skills, commitment, and potential will be assessed. Based on their performance, the top candidates will be invited to continue into the main program, consisting of Semester 1 and Semester 2.

2

Semester 1

January 05 – March 27, 2025
12 weeks instruction

The first semester spans 12 weeks and focuses on entry-level skills and concepts essential to game development. Students are divided into two tracks: Game Programming and Game Art & Animation. Through a combination of academic courses and project-based labs, students learn 2D game development, with programmers focusing on foundational coding techniques, while artists delve into digital design and animation. Both groups collaborate on team-based 2D game projects, applying their skills in real-world production environments.

3

Semester 2

April 06 – July 01, 2025
12 weeks instruction

The second semester builds on the foundation from Semester 1 and transitions students to the basics of 3D game production. Game Programmers learn advanced coding techniques for 3D environments, physics, and tools development, while Game Art & Animation students expand their skills with 3D modeling, lighting, and materials. This semester culminates in the creation of a 3D sandbox, incorporating the functionality and content typically found in 3D games, further preparing students for their future roles in the industry.

4

Internship

After completing the coursework, graduates can apply for internships with a select group of participating Saudi game studios that prioritize our graduates for consideration. These competitive opportunities, while outside the main program and subject to availability, offer a powerful motivator for students to commit to their journey. By applying their skills on real game projects under industry mentorship, graduates gain valuable professional experience and build a network within the Saudi gaming community. This unique chance to connect with leading studios provides an inspiring goal for students to work toward, as they prepare to make an impact in the field.

Key Program Dates:  

 Please note that dates are subject to change.

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Information Session

November 14, 2024 at 7:00pm AST
Register here for Info Session on Zoom

Application Deadline

November  23, 2024

Pre-Program Workshop

December 15 to December 26, 2024

Semester 1

January 05 to March 27, 2025

Semester 2

April 06 to July 01, 2025

Breaks:

• December 27, 2024 to January 04, 2025
• March 28 to April 05, 2025
• June 05 to June 09, 2025

Daily Schedule:  

 A typical day, Sunday through Thursday.

• 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Academic Course

• 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Academic Course

• 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Lunch Break

• 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Project Lab

Game Programming Track

The Game Programming track is designed for students with basic computer science knowledge, focusing on training them specifically for game programming roles. Students will build foundational skills in 2D and 3D game development, covering essential concepts such as physics, coding techniques, and tools programming. By the end of the program, graduates will be proficient in using the Unity game engine to create games and will have the necessary skills to contribute to a professional game development team.

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Game Art & Animation Track

The Game Art & Animation track is designed for aspiring artists and animators, providing a focused education on creating visual content for games. Students will develop foundational skills in 2D and 3D art and animation, covering essential areas like digital design, character animation, and environmental modeling. By the end of the program, graduates will have the skills needed to produce high-quality assets and animations that enhance the player’s experience in games.

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Application Details & Requirements

Application Details & Program Requirements

  • The deadline for applications is November 23, 2024.
  • Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the week commencing on December 2, 2024.
  • This program is offered free of charge to successful applicants.
  • Applicants must complete the application form accurately and provide all requested information.
  • Selected candidates will participate in a two-week Pre-Program Workshop, where their performance will be evaluated. Based on this evaluation, the top candidates will be invited to continue into the main program (Semester 1, Semester 2).
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  • Saudi citizen
  • Portfolio of relevant creative work (artwork, game projects, or software)
  • LinkedIn Profile or Professional CV
  • Because the program will be taught in English, students will need a high level of spoken and written English proficiency
  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Commitment to attend all the classes online and to complete the assigned work. Students will need to attend 6 hours of class per day, Sunday to Thursday throughout the program. An additional 2-3 hours per day outside of class will also be needed to complete homework and research.
  • Laptop with the minimum specifications to run the necessary software (listed below).
  • Stable high speed internet connection to participate in classes without disruption.
  • Intention to work in the gaming industry after completing the training.
  • Windows-based computer:
  • Intel i5 13th generation or Ryzen 7000+ processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20XX, 30XX or 40XX Series graphics card, or equivalent
  • 16GB of RAM (32GB recommended)
  • At least 500GB of storage
  • High-speed internet connection
  • A second monitor
  • A headset and microphone
  • A digital drawing/painting tablet (for Art track)
  • Unity 6
  • Visual Studio
  • Git
  • Trello
  • Blender (for Art Track)
  • Adobe Photoshop (for Art Track)

Software requirements are subject to change.

FAQ

The program is open to Saudi citizens across the country who have a strong interest in Game Programming or Game Art & Animation. Applicants are selected based on the strength of their submissions, including demonstrated passion, skills, and commitment to learning.

No, there is no tuition fee for students to participate in the program. However, it is important to note that this is not a stipend-providing program, and students will need to cover their own personal expenses during the course.

The program lasts six months and is divided into a two-week pre-program workshop followed by two semesters of intensive study. Each semester lasts 12 weeks. The first semester focuses on 2D game development, while the second semester transitions into 3D game production.

No, you must choose one track—either Game Programming or Game Art & Animation—based on your interests and experience. Each track offers specialized training tailored to those areas.

The pre-program workshop serves to introduce participants to the Unity game engine and key concepts in game development. It ensures that all students, regardless of prior experience, are equipped with the foundational skills necessary for the main program. It also acts as an evaluation period to determine which students will continue into the main program.

No, the internship is not guaranteed. After completing the coursework, graduates will have the opportunity to apply for a three-month internship with participating Saudi game studios. The availability of internships is subject to the participating studios, who will make the final decision on which graduates to accept.

It is recommended that students have access to a computer with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20XX, 30XX or 40XX Series graphics card (or equivalent), a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and at least 500GB of storage. These hardware requirements ensure that students can run the Unity game engine and complete all assignments effectively.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of November 23, 2024. Be sure to include all required materials, as applicants will be selected based on the strength of their submissions.

No, this program does not provide a stipend or financial assistance. Students are responsible for covering their own living and personal expenses during the six-month course.

In the Game Programming track, you will develop foundational skills in 2D and 3D game development, learning key concepts such as coding techniques, physics, and tools programming. By the end of the program, you will be proficient in using the Unity engine to develop games and will be equipped to join a professional game development team.

In the Game Art & Animation track, you will focus on 2D and 3D art and animation, learning skills such as digital design, character animation, and environmental modeling. This track prepares you to create high-quality assets and animations that enhance player experiences in games.

Students will be evaluated during the two-week pre-program workshop based on their performance, commitment, and potential. Top candidates will be invited to continue into the main program, which consists of two semesters of intensive study.

About DigiPen

DigiPen Institute of Technology, founded in 1988, is a trailblazer in specialized education, offering degrees that blend the art, engineering, and design aspects of video games and interactive media. With campuses in the United States, Singapore, and Spain, DigiPen has cultivated a global reputation, with alumni contributing to major game studios and driving innovations in interactive technology.

Aligned with NEOM Media Industry Learning Group, DigiPen Institute of Technology plays a key role in the Level Up Accelerator, bringing over three decades of experience in nurturing game development ecosystems. This partnership offers studios personalized mentorship, and the essential time needed to mature, ensuring a vibrant and innovative gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

About NEOM

NEOM is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built as a living laboratory – an accelerator of human progress. It will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for livability, doing business and environmental conservation. As a future global hub, NEOM will include cognitive cities, ports, research centers and tourist destinations. 

NEOM Media Industry Learning Team is preparing a workforce for the future of the Media industry. By collaborating with experts and leaders from around the globe it is working to ensure NEOM and KSA has world class talent to fuel the growth in content creation and Saudi storytelling.