September 2026 - January 2027
Code NINE66 is a game development program that combines a Game Jam and a Game Incubator, designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, artists, and innovators who are passionate about creating video games and building successful gaming startups. The program is brought to you by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in partnership with Savvy and Exel.
The journey begins with an immersive Game Jam, where participants come together to form teams, develop innovative game concepts, and build playable prototypes within a limited timeframe. Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals, receive valuable feedback from industry experts, and refine their ideas into compelling game projects.
At the conclusion of the Game Jam, all projects will be evaluated, and the top 10 teams will be selected to advance to the Incubation Program.
During the incubation phase, teams will receive specialized mentorship, training, and business support to transform their game concepts into market-ready products. Participants will work closely with industry professionals to enhance gameplay experiences, strengthen production quality, validate business models, and gain insights into market trends and commercial opportunities.
The program culminates in a final showcase where the selected teams will present their projects to leading industry experts, publishers, investors, and key stakeholders from the gaming ecosystem, opening doors to potential partnerships, investment opportunities, and future growth.
This is your opportunity to turn an idea into a game, a team into a company, and your ambition into the next success story of Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry.
1 July 2026
29 August 2026
17 to 19 September 2026
3 Days event
1 October 2026
11 October 2026
3 Months program
6 January 2027
13 January 2027
End of the incubator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The deadline to submit applications is August 29, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The program targets individuals interested in the video game industry who possess knowledge or experience in at least one of the following tracks:
- Programming
- Art
- Design
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
Applicants must:
- Be Saudi nationals.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have basic knowledge or experience in one of the program tracks.
- Demonstrate a strong command of the English language.
- Have access to a laptop capable of running the software required for game development.
- Commit to attending and actively participating in all program activities.
- Be able to work effectively within a team environment.
The program begins on September 17, 2026, with the Game Jam.
Email is the official communication channel for the program. Applicants are responsible for providing a valid email address and checking it regularly for updates.
Acceptance notifications will be sent no later than October 1, 2026.
The Incubation Program starts on October 11, 2026, and runs for 3 months.
The top 10 teams from the Game Jam will be selected to join the Incubation Program.
No.
Applicants are not required to have a game idea or prototype before applying. Participants may develop ideas and form teams during the Game Jam.
Yes.
Individual applications are welcome. Participants will have opportunities to meet other applicants and form teams during the Game Jam.
Yes. Teams may apply; however, each team member must submit an individual application and meet all program requirements.
No.
Participation in the Game Jam does not guarantee advancement to the Incubation Program. Projects and teams will be evaluated, and only the top 10 teams will be selected.
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the program criteria. Interviews may be conducted when necessary.
Applications will be assessed by a selection committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and industry experts.
No.
Attendance is mandatory for key program activities, including:
- Game Jam: September 17–19, 2026
- First week of the Incubation Program: October 11–15, 2026
- Playtesting Day: January 6, 2027
- Final week of the Incubation Program: January 10–14, 2027
- Demo Day: January 13, 2027
All remaining mentorship sessions and program activities will be conducted remotely according to the official schedule.
No.
Participation in workshops, mentorship sessions, and all program activities is restricted to officially accepted and registered team members. Delegating or substituting another individual is not permitted.
Active participation and attendance are essential requirements of the program.
No. Participation in the program is free of charge. However, participants are expected to comply with attendance and engagement requirements throughout the program.
No. Participants are responsible for providing their own laptops and equipment and ensuring they can run the software and tools required for game development.
Yes. Participants retain ownership of their ideas, projects, games, and intellectual property developed during the program. Participation in the program does not transfer any intellectual property rights to the organizers or partners unless otherwise agreed upon through a separate written agreement.
Teams are responsible for maintaining project continuity throughout the program. The program management reserves the right to assess each situation and determine the appropriate course of action, including allowing the team to continue, restructuring the team, or removing the project from the program.
Any request to change team members is subject to review and approval by the program management. The program reserves the right to approve or reject such requests based on the program's objectives and participation requirements.
Yes.
The program management reserves the right to remove any participant or team that fails to comply with the program's terms and conditions, misses mandatory activities, provides inaccurate information, or experiences significant internal conflicts that negatively affect the project's progress or the program's objectives.
No.
The program is designed to support teams in developing their projects and connecting with potential investors and publishers. However, participation in or graduation from the program does not guarantee investment, publishing agreements, or any specific commercial opportunities.
Yes. The program management reserves the right to amend the program schedule, activities, or operational requirements when necessary. Participants will be notified of any significant changes in a timely manner.