Applications Open For Saudi Arabia's Code NINE66 Program For Aspiring Game Developers And Entrepreneurs
Run by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in partnership with Savvy Games Group and Exel by Merak, the program aims to help participants transform game ideas into gaming startups.
Aspiring Saudi game developers and entrepreneurs have until August 29, 2026, to apply for Code NINE66, a program designed to support them in creating video games and building gaming startups.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through its Digital Entrepreneurship Center (CODE), is running the program in partnership with KSA-based gaming and esports company Savvy Games Group and KSA-based early-stage venture capital fund Exel by Merak. Running from September 2026 to January 2027, Code NINE66 is set to bring together programmers, artists, designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate across its technical, creative, and business tracks.
The program will begin with a three-day game development competition called Game Jam running from September 17 to 19. Participants will create original games based on a theme revealed at the start of the event, without using pre-existing assets or content. Gaming industry professionals will provide feedback, and projects will be assessed based on creativity, execution quality, and adherence to the designated theme.
The 10 highest-performing teams will be announced on October 1, and they will then advance to the program’s incubation phase, which begins on October 11. Over the following three months, the selected teams will develop their prototypes into minimum viable products for testing and market validation. Through this period, they will receive one-on-one mentorship, specialized workshops, and guidance spanning game development, production quality, business models, market opportunities, and commercialization.
The teams will also go on to receive pitch training and opportunities to connect with publishers, investors, and other gaming ecosystem stakeholders. A playtesting day is scheduled for January 6, 2027, allowing teams to gather player feedback before presenting their projects at the program’s Demo Day on January 13.
The Code NINE66 program covers four tracks: game programming, game art, game design, and marketing and entrepreneurship. Applicants must have basic knowledge or experience in at least one of these areas. Applications are open exclusively to Saudi nationals aged 18 or older who have a strong command of English. Participants must have access to a laptop capable of running game development software and commit to attending all activities in person.
Individuals can apply and form teams during the program, while existing teams are also eligible. Each team must comprise between two and five members, with every member required to submit a separate application and meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications for the program are now open on this this link.
