Abu Dhabi Media Company Enters Gaming Sector

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Media Company has entered into a 50:50 joint-venture agreement with U.S.-based Gazillion Entertainment to create the first massively multiplayer online games (MMOG) studio based in the region.

The JV is intended to develop the path towards creating content in Arabic for the Arabic gaming market, as well as create employment opportunities in the technology arena. The new facility will serve as an incubator for the region’s young talent, who can learn skills from U.S. gaming entertainment experts. Students and graduates from the Emirates will be the first to be offered a chance to engage their creativity and skills at the new studio.

The first game from the new studio in Abu Dhabi is the development of an Arabic-language MMOG based on the popular character Majid.

“This particular initiative takes one of ADMC’s most famous and enduring brands in to the digital age and adds to the excitement at our overall efforts to develop the online gaming sector,” said Ricky Ghai, the executive director of the digital media group for Abu Dhabi Media Company.

"Abu Dhabi Media Company continues to evolve and maximize the potential of its incredible portfolio of brands, on a global scale, well beyond traditional media outlets," commented Edward Borgerding, the company’s CEO. "We believe this is the right time for us to take the next step into this and other new digital platforms."

Borgerding continued: "The combined assets of our companies—ADMC’s and Gazillion’s—along with the Higher College of Technology, provide a compelling case for making this partnership a long term success, and building a trusted digital media brand that engages an enthusiastic and growing gaming audience across the Arab world."

"MMO games are becoming an increasingly significant part of the media landscape worldwide, and premium MMO experiences have the potential to command wide audiences in the Arabic gaming market in the years to come," added Robert Hutter, the CEO of Gazillion. "We are highly pleased to have the chance to collaborate with ADMC on this joint venture, which will help ensure that the vision of exceptional online games for the region is fully realized."