The Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) organized the inaugural Dubai Playtest Night on Friday, creating a structured environment for local developers to receive direct feedback on their unfinished projects. The event featured ten locally developed two-dimensional and three-dimensional games, ranging from university student projects to titles preparing for festival submissions. Gaming enthusiasts attended to play these titles and provide honest critiques to the creators, mirroring the test audience model used in the film industry.
Maryam Lootah, Executive for Talent Development at the DFGC, reported that the turnout included a significant number of both developers and interested gamers. She noted that the variety of games showcased was impressive, with many titles drawing on Arab culture, folklore, or specific UAE settings. Some games were created in Arabic or featured Emirati villages, reflecting a natural desire among creators to share their cultural heritage through interactive media. Lootah compared the event to movie test screenings, explaining that developers can see what mechanics work and what does not before final publication.
Ibrahim Hindawi, a developer who spent four years building an action roguelike RPG called Sange, attended to gather insights on his custom-engineered game. He stated that the opportunity to receive immediate feedback was valuable, noting that participants seemed to enjoy the experience. The event also served as a networking hub for programmers, artists, and students. Nada Khalifa and Haziqa, two 3D artists and classmates at the Saudi Arabian German University, attended to connect with developers directly. They described the local scene as growing steadily, with increasing opportunities for startups and creative professionals.
Faisal Kazim, the Games Commissioner at the DFGC, described the enthusiastic response as a reinforcement of the commission’s commitment to supporting homegrown studios. He emphasized that the platform is designed to connect the community and contribute to the long-term growth of the industry. The DFGC plans to host a series of Playtest Nights to provide greater visibility for local games and strengthen collaboration between creators and players. Lootah advised aspiring developers to push themselves across different design disciplines and to prioritize testing to identify what resonates with audiences.