Gazillion partners with Abu Dhabi Media Company to create MMOG studio
New studio will focus on content for the Middle East gaming market
Gazillion Entertainment and the Abu Dhabi Media Company are to partner up to create a joint massively multiplayer online game studio, according to an announcement from the two companies.
The collaborative venture is expected to focus on the creation of Arabic content for the Middle East gaming market, beginning with an Arabic language MMOG based on popular character 'Majid', reports Middle East Events.
As well as the development of a purpose-built, world-class studio in Abu Dhabi, employment opportunities will be created for both students and graduates, with schemes to include overseas training at US Gazillion's studios.
"Riding on the global trends in the media marketplace, Abu Dhabi has leveraged its excellent infrastructure, talent and resources, to form a solid foundation for developing a thriving media industry," said H E Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, ADMC's chairman.
"Today, with the joint venture with Gazillion our company is charting new growth in the creation of digital media content and technologies, which champions Abu Dhabi's sustainable development vision and transformation into a global digital media hub."
Robert Hutter, CEO of Gazillion added: "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.
"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 realised."
Despite the economic downturn, online gaming ranks as one of the fastest growing media sectors worldwide, with the sector as a whole expected to be worth USD 13 billion by 2013.