CODE NINE66

about
About The Program

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.

Program Sections
GameJam

A fast paced, immersive competition that takes place over 3 days, bringing together aspiring game developers, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs in a collaborative and highly creative environment.

At the beginning of the event, a specific theme will be announced, and all participating teams must develop their games around that theme. Throughout the three-day challenge, teams will design and build a completely new playable game prototype, without using any pre-existing assets or content created before the Game Jam. This ensures fair competition while encouraging creativity, innovation, and original thinking.

Participants will receive guidance and feedback from industry experts throughout the event, and projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as creativity, execution quality, and adherence to the announced theme. At the conclusion of the Game Jam, the top-performing teams will be selected to advance to the Incubation Program and continue developing their projects into commercially viable games.

Incubator

A specialized 3-month incubation program designed to help the top teams selected from the Game Jam transform their game concepts and early prototypes into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that are ready for testing, validation, and market exploration.

The program provides a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, training, and hands-on guidance from experienced game industry professionals and startup experts. Teams will receive support in game development, gameplay refinement, production quality, business model development, and market validation to help them build sustainable and commercially viable gaming ventures.

Throughout the incubation period, participants will benefit from one-on-one mentoring sessions, specialized workshops, and networking opportunities with industry experts, publishers, investors, and ecosystem partners. These resources are designed to accelerate product development and strengthen each team's readiness for commercial growth.

At the conclusion of the program, teams will showcase their MVPs to a panel of industry experts, publishers, investors, and key stakeholders, creating opportunities for partnerships, investment, and future business growth.

Program tracks
Game Programmer

Game Programmers transform game concepts and designs into interactive gameplay experiences by using game engines and programming languages to develop the systems, mechanics, and features that power a game. They are responsible for building and refining the game throughout the development lifecycle, from early prototypes to the final product, while also creating and maintaining the tools and technical infrastructure that support the production process.

Their primary role is to ensure that the game functions reliably and efficiently, delivering a seamless player experience that aligns with the creative vision. They are responsible for implementing gameplay mechanics, optimizing performance, resolving technical issues, and ensuring the game runs smoothly across the intended platforms and devices.

Game Artist

Game Artists shape the visual identity of a game, transforming creative concepts into engaging and immersive player experiences. They are responsible for designing and creating all visual elements, including characters, environments, user interfaces, visual effects, and animations, ensuring consistency with the game's artistic vision and overall design direction.

By combining creativity with technical expertise, Game Artists define the look, feel, and atmosphere of the game, creating compelling visual experiences that enhance player engagement and bring the game world to life.

Game Designer

Game Designers transform creative ideas into engaging and enjoyable player experiences by designing gameplay mechanics, systems, progression loops, and interactions that form the foundation of a game.

They continuously refine and balance these elements to ensure the game delivers the right mix of challenge, engagement, and fun. Game Designers are also responsible for defining and documenting the game's vision, communicating design requirements, and collaborating closely with artists and programmers to bring that vision to life as a cohesive and compelling product.

Entrepreneur or Marketer

Marketing and Entrepreneurship professionals lead the business side of the project, transforming a creative game concept into a sustainable and commercially viable venture. Their role is to understand the target market, analyze player needs, identify competitive opportunities, and develop strategies that maximize the game's reach and impact.

They are responsible for building and executing marketing plans, shaping the game's brand identity, planning product launches, and driving long-term growth. They also explore partnership, publishing, and investment opportunities that can accelerate the success of the project. From concept development to launch and beyond, marketing and business decisions play a critical role in ensuring the game's commercial success and market sustainability.

Program requirements
عقل
Applicants must possess basic knowledge or experience in at least one of the program tracks, enabling them to contribute effectively to the project and collaborate as part of a team
عمر
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
يتكلم
Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of English, enabling them to communicate effectively and fully engage with the program’s training content, mentors, and industry experts throughout the program
حضور ورش
All team members are required to attend in person and actively participate in all program activities, including the Game Jam, Incubation Program, workshops, mentorship sessions, game testing sessions, and the final Demo Day
لاب توب
All team members must have access to a laptop capable of running the software and tools required for game development, including Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and other relevant applications.
فريق عمل
Team members must demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment and maintain strong communication, teamwork, and mutual commitment to ensure the continuity and success of the project throughout the program
سعودي
The program is open exclusively to Saudi nationals. All team members must hold Saudi nationality
فريق
Each participating team must consist of a minimum of two (2) members and a maximum of five (5) members
Program Benefits
Expert Mentorship

Receive guidance from leading local and international game industry experts who will support your team throughout the development journey and help you make informed decisions.

Specialized Workshops

Access a comprehensive series of workshops covering both the creative and business aspects of game development, from production and design to commercialization and growth strategies.

Strategic Guidance

Develop the skills and mindset needed to build a sustainable game studio, make strategic business decisions, and successfully navigate the gaming market.

Playtesting Day

Showcase your game to real players and gather valuable feedback to refine gameplay, improve user experience, and strengthen your product.

Pitch Development

Learn how to effectively present your project to publishers, investors, and industry stakeholders through professional pitch training and presentation coaching.

Timeline
1

1 July 2026

Applications Open
2

29 August 2026

Applications Closed
3

17 to 19 September 2026

GameJam

3 Days event

4

1 October 2026

Announcement of Selected Teams
5

11 October 2026

Incubation Program start

3 Months program

6

January 2027

Playtesting Day
7

13 January 2027

Demo Day

End of the incubator 

10
MVPs Developed
72
Hours of Workshops & Training
12
Industry Experts & Mentors

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.

Our Partners

Find more

Program Partner

Savvy
Exel