ISLAMABAD: Google launched two new programs aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s gaming and app industry by training local developers to create high-quality games, as reported by state-run media.
The initiatives, Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy, were introduced in major cities across Pakistan as part of a six-month effort to enhance the skills of the country’s game developers. The programs were unveiled at a Google-hosted tech event, Think Apps 2024, in Lahore, which gathered nearly 350 of Pakistan’s top developers along with global industry leaders and experts.
The event focused on empowering developers to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in Pakistan’s expanding app industry, according to the APP news agency.
“Pakistan’s app and gaming industry holds significant potential for long-term growth,” said Google Director for Pakistan Farhan Qureshi. He highlighted that several Pakistani studios, such as Vyro, AI, Hazel Mobile, Games District, GeniTeam, and Finz Games, are leading the way in mobile app development, generating millions of downloads daily, employing hundreds of Pakistanis, and attracting global attention.
According to a report by Access Partnership, a global technology-focused public policy consultancy firm, Pakistan could see a $6.6 billion annual increase in revenue potential by 2030 by focusing on digital exports, with the gaming and app industry identified as a key growth area.
Pakistan’s gaming and app industry has shown impressive growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32 percent in global downloads of locally-made apps from 2018 to 2023. The industry demonstrated resilience as in-app purchase (IAP) revenue surged by 50 percent, despite a slight decline in overall app downloads in 2023, placing Pakistan at 17th globally.
Qureshi emphasized Google’s commitment to helping Pakistani developers create exceptional games and apps, drive profitability, and build sustainable businesses by providing access to AI-powered products and resources. “This will unlock opportunities to boost the country’s economy through digital exports and provide high-value employment,” he added. “Google remains dedicated to investing in Pakistan’s developer ecosystem and supporting its journey to global success.”
To date, programs like Google Ads Academy and Google App Academy have reached over 800 participants, with additional in-person hackathon workshops held in Lahore and Islamabad, according to APP.
Google is also deepening its engagement at key events such as the Google Developer Conference (US), CXO meetups in Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and APAC’s App Summit, connecting leaders of Pakistan’s top gaming and app studios with global peers, as noted by state media.
