Agenda

The Arab indie game scene is witnessing a quiet yet powerful shift, driven by a rising generation of women founders, developers, and designers. While Arab women gamers are gaining attention, far less is known about the women creating the games. This session sheds light on women-led indie studios across the MENA region, revealing how they navigate cultural norms, under-resourced ecosystems, and gendered barriers to carve out spaces of autonomy and expression. Through rapid-fire microtalks, attendees will hear from developers blending folklore with interactive storytelling, experimenting with hybrid genres, and founding studios in unconventional settings. The session draws from field research, case studies, and lived experience to uncover how women in the MENA region are reshaping the indie landscape with values of care, community, and resistance. Attendees will gain a fresh perspective on global game development and leave with ideas for supporting a more inclusive and visible MENA game ecosystem.

Takeaway

Attendees will discover emerging women-led indie studios in the Arab world, gaining insight into regionally-rooted game design, entrepreneurial strategies in emerging ecosystems, and creative responses to gendered industry barriers, offering new models for inclusive, culturally resonant indie development.

Intended Audience

This session targets game developers, studio founders, narrative designers, and diversity advocates interested in global indie ecosystems and inclusive design. No regional expertise is required, but familiarity with indie development challenges and gender equity discourse in games will enrich understanding. Attendees seeking cross-cultural insights and emerging talent will benefit most.