Sony Launches the MENA Hero Project: Nurturing Game Devs from the Middle East and North Africa
Sony Interactive Entertainment has officially announced the MENA Hero Project, a new incubator initiative aimed at empowering game developers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
What Is the MENA Hero Project?
This initiative is part of Sony’s global Hero Project family—previously rolled out in China and India—with a mission to discover and support emerging game development talent in underrepresented regions. The MENA Hero Project is focused on creators from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.
The program offers mentorship, training, and development funding to help local teams create games that reflect their unique cultural backgrounds while appealing to a global audience.
Who Can Join?
- Game development teams based in one of the eligible MENA countries can apply.
- International teams may also qualify if at least 50% of development takes place in a MENA country and they have a legally registered entity there.
- The project supports games targeting PS5, PC, and PS VR2, with mobile titles being considered depending on platform features.
- Sony will provide recoupable development funding, disbursed according to project milestones rather than upfront.
First Wave of Games
Four standout titles have already been revealed under the MENA Hero Project:
- Red Bandits (Saudi Arabia, Team Agenda)
A fast-paced cover-based shooter set in a hyper-capitalist dystopia.
- Enci’s Solution (UAE, Dark Emerald)
A 2.5D hand-painted narrative platformer featuring a young girl and her robotic companion. - The Perfect Run (Tunisia, Lanterns Studios)
An action RPG with time-loop mechanics and branching storylines.
- A Cat’s Manor (Bahrain, Happiest Dark Corner)
A puzzle horror adventure blending rhythm gameplay, atmosphere, crafting, and full PS5 DualSense support.
All four games will be released on PS5 and PC, representing a new wave of culturally rich titles from the MENA region.
Final Thought
The MENA Hero Project is more than just a development initiative—it’s a celebration of untapped creativity and regional storytelling. Sony’s investment in MENA game creators demonstrates a growing recognition that great games aren’t confined by geography. As more voices from diverse backgrounds find a platform, the gaming world becomes more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring. This project could be the spark that launches the next breakout success—and the beginning of a new era for MENA’s presence in global game development.
