DMCC Gaming Centre

The gaming industry continues to explore Web3. @Ubisoft and @Immutable are partnering to advance blockchain-powered gameplay. Immutable, known for its layer-2 platform Immutable X, enables NFT integrations in titles such as Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians. The collaboration explores new possibilities for digital ownership and Web3 gaming experiences. The DMCC Gaming Centre forms part of a wider technology ecosystem alongside the DMCC Crypto Centre. Member companies can explore Web3 gaming opportunities through industry networks, partnerships and advisory support. Dive in: dmcc.ae/gaming

The DMCC Gaming Centre is a dedicated ecosystem for gaming and esports companies looking to grow globally. It brings together startups, studios and service providers within one of the world’s leading business districts. Members gain access to licensing support, industry events, a collaborative community and connections to capital through global partners. The Gaming Centre package supports sustainable growth, with a 50% discount on the second-year renewal fee. The entire application and company setup process is fully digital. This allows businesses to establish remotely from anywhere. Explore more: start.dmcc.ae

Sometimes the future of gaming begins in the past. Many new projects draw inspiration from earlier titles. The original @MarathonTheGame, released in 1994, introduced a darker science fiction shooter with strong narrative elements. Decades later, developers have returned to the universe with a new interpretation. This approach appears across the industry. @MetalGear Solid: Snake Eater is another example, with the classic stealth game recreated for modern platforms while keeping its core ideas. DMCC Gaming Centre keeps a close eye on trends in the gaming industry. We support emerging studios and startups as they enter the market and contribute to the next generation of gaming ideas. Explore more: dmcc.ae/gaming

Immersive technologies are changing how stories are told in games. In virtual reality, players experience the narrative from within the world itself. Traditional tools such as cinematic camera angles and cutscenes become less effective. Developers instead rely on environmental cues, spatial sound and interaction to guide players without breaking immersion. Players uncover the narrative through movement and observation rather than fixed sequences. At DMCC Gaming Centre, startups such as @imm3world work with emerging technologies including VR. They develop new concepts within an expanding gaming ecosystem. Explore more: dmcc.ae/gaming

Drake Star Partners’ 2025 Global Gaming Report states that the global gaming industry recorded USD 161 billion in mergers and acquisitions in 2025. The figure reflects several large transactions alongside continued investor interest across the sector. Investment remains particularly active in AI, user-generated content, and tools and technology platforms. M&A activity across games and related technologies is expected to remain steady in 2026. For founders, this may create additional pathways to funding and potential exits. At the same time, investors continue to focus on traction, differentiation and scalable business models. DMCC Gaming Centre supports companies looking to grow through access to funding opportunities and dedicated acceleration programmes: dmcc.ae/gaming

MENA is fast becoming a key hub for blockchain gaming talent, now accounting for 19.8% of the global workforce, up from less than 1% in 2021, marking the largest regional shift in the industry. With 64.4% of leaders calling for clearer regulation, the sector is entering a more mature phase, and MENA is taking on a far greater role. Tap into this growing pool of specialist talent, dedicated support and a strong partner network with DMCC: dmcc.ae/gaming

GameFi remains the most active sector in Web3. In Q3 2025, gaming recorded 4.66 million daily unique active wallets, representing 27.9% of total dApp activity. The market has moved beyond early play-to-earn models, with leading titles focusing on gameplay first. Studios including Ubisoft, Square Enix and Nexon have introduced Web3 games built to traditional production standards. Located alongside the DMCC Crypto Centre, the DMCC Gaming Centre enables collaboration and cross-sector support, simplifying entry into a high-demand market. Join the DMCC Gaming Centre: dmcc.ae/gaming

The Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality market was valued at USD 20.43 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 106.42 billion by 2031, driven by adoption across healthcare, manufacturing, retail and enterprise. Lighter hardware and cloud-based XR platforms are accelerating scalability, while gaming, e-sports and social worlds continue to drive engagement. Build your VR solution with the support of the DMCC Gaming Centre. Explore more about funding, partnerships and education: dmcc.ae/gaming

Strong government alignment underpins the DMCC Gaming Centre’s value proposition. Based in Dubai, we operate within a policy environment where gaming and esports are recognised as priority growth sectors. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Dubai Gaming Program 2033 and the establishment of the Dubai Gaming Committee in early 2026. The DMCC Gaming Centre’s vision and activities are fully aligned with these national strategies, giving companies the assurance of long-term government support and a clear, stable strategic direction. Join us to accelerate the growth of your gaming business: dmcc.ae/gaming

DMCC will be attending @4YFN_MWC in Barcelona this March. As a leading platform within the global startup ecosystem, 4YFN connects emerging ventures with investors, partners and opportunities for growth, with a strong focus on AI and other transformative technologies. We look forward to presenting the advantages available through the DMCC AI Centre and our integrated technology ecosystem. Visit us at booth # 8.1A58 to connect and explore how we can support your business ambitions.

A DMCC Gaming Centre member company has secured AED 20 million in funding to complete development and support the launch of its third-person shooter, StrayShot. Designed as a mobile-first title, the game features Battle Royale, Team Deathmatch and Extraction modes. The investment will fund marketing, distribution, live operations, updates and planned console releases, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a hub for globally focused studios and DMCC’s role in supporting gaming business growth. Join us to access funding opportunities and global partnerships: dmcc.ae/gaming

To explore the intersection of AI and gaming, DMCC, in partnership with @FomentTreball and wowinX, will host the dedicated event “The Sovereign Sandbox: Engineering the Global Blueprint for Tech.” @SalmanAmirii, AI Centre Manager at DMCC, will discuss the shift from a “tax-free zone” narrative to one focused on infrastructure and ecosystem strength. @AdriaMir_, Business Development Vice President at wowinX, will share the company’s growth journey. The programme will conclude with a panel discussion titled “The Frontier Sandbox: Policy as a Competitive Advantage in 2026”, exploring how regulation is influencing where technology companies choose to build and scale. Join us for a discussion on policy, infrastructure and trust. landing.dmcc.ae/the-sovereign-…

The games market in 2025 has grown beyond expectations. Analysts at Newzoo expect the market to reach USD 208 billion in 2026 and to grow further to USD 227 billion by 2028. Trends in 2025 show that growth was driven less by the timing of major releases and more by long-term player engagement, pricing strength, and established franchises. The industry is increasingly shaped by sustained value rather than sheer volume. With these conditions in place, 2026 represents a strong opportunity to enter the gaming sector. Grow your business within a community focused on the future of gaming. Join the DMCC Gaming Centre: dmcc.ae/gaming

AI is transforming game design, moving beyond scripted actions to systems that learn and adapt through player interaction. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, illustrates this shift. Instead of fixed behaviour patterns, its robotic enemies are trained using reinforcement learning, enabling them to refine movement, balance and reactions over time. The result is more dynamic and less predictable gameplay, with machines responding instantly to damage rather than triggering pre-set animations. At the DMCC AI Centre, the AI Centre and Gaming Centre operate alongside one another, supporting advances in machine learning and interactive entertainment. Join us: dmcc.ae/gaming

The MENA region continues to attract strong momentum across the gaming industry, driven by a growing player base, rising investment and expanding studio activity. Based in Uptown Tower, Dubai, the DMCC Gaming Centre provides gaming companies with direct access to this high-growth market. Studios benefit from proximity to talent, investors and commercial partners, alongside flexible licensing and infrastructure designed specifically for gaming and esports businesses. Whether launching, expanding or relocating, companies can enter the market with clarity and focus, supported from day one. Learn more about joining the DMCC Gaming Centre: dmcc.ae/gaming

Building a major AAA game can take three to six years, as classical computing struggles with complex simulations, advanced visuals and large interactive environments. The combination of quantum computing and generative algorithms presents a novel and effective way to address these challenges. Quantum computing could drastically accelerate photorealistic rendering, enabling real-time, AAA-quality games without pre-loaded assets. For startups exploring quantum-powered gaming, the DMCC Gaming Centre provides the environment to build and scale. Join us: dmcc.ae/gaming

A long-established game franchise is seeing renewed growth through cross-media storytelling. Following the December 2025 release of Fallout Season 2 on Prime Video, player activity across the Fallout games rose sharply, with significant increases on Steam. Strong screen adaptations are extending the reach and longevity of gaming IP, highlighting cross-media storytelling as a key growth driver for the industry. At DMCC Gaming Centre, we support companies operating at the intersection of gaming, film, streaming and digital entertainment. Join us: dmcc.ae/gaming