Boss Bunny Games COO Hammam Alahmadi talks upcoming mobile games and the endless opportunities in the MENA region

Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan returns on November 9th and 10th, 2024, offering you a chance to gain insights into the world’s fastest-growing games market, MENA.

As part of our MENA coverage and run-up to the event, we caught up with Boss Bunny Games COO Hammam Alahmadi to discuss the company’s focus on hypercasual games, localisation efforts and how government initiatives are the primary form of support for the MENA games industry.

PocketGamer.biz: Can you tell us about Boss Bunny Games and what you’re up to right now?

Hammam Alahmadi: Our journey began in 2014, and Boss Bunny emerged after a successful track record in publishing. During that time, we introduced the first FPS mobile game to the region, Almuajaha (The Kill Box). Building on that success, we ventured into developing our own casual and hypercasual games.

We then explored creating IP-based games, including Freej animation and an educational game for DPWorld. Boss Bunny has also developed games for celebrities such as Hassan Rush for renowned Saudi actor Hassan Assiri, CZN Burak for TikTok star Chef CZN Burak, and Fade Fit for Kris Fade, a radio host and star of the Netflix show Dubai Bling. 

We are now focused on publishing and collaborating with studios that develop a variety of mobile games for a wider audience and are preparing to launch eight new games while simultaneously developing our own first triple-A title.

How many staff do you currently employ and where are they based?

Our team currently comprises approximately 20 members across our offices in UAE, Abu Dhabi, Orlando, and China.

What are you doing to foster collaboration and recruit local talents?

We work closely with several universities and educational institutions, allowing us to directly engage with local talent. Additionally, we recruit through staffing firms when necessary.

How have you ensured a culturally relevant experience for players, and how have your games been received internationally and outside the MENA region?

At Boss Bunny Games, every decision is carefully calculated and studied under the leadership of our CEO Aly Yip. We develop and publish games based on data, analysis, and industry experience, ensuring we select titles that resonate with our audience. This approach allows us to strategically focus our marketing efforts, maximising results.

How have you ensured a culturally relevant experience for players and how have your games been received internationally outside the MENA region?

Our team is composed of highly educated local professionals who deeply understand the region’s culture. They conduct extensive research before designing and developing our games.

The feedback we’ve received on our efforts to represent local games while maintaining international standards has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.

What changes have you observed in the local games industry and consumer behaviour towards games? 

Players in the region have a refined taste, with only well-developed games gaining popularity. Over time, the need to continuously improve games and provide better player experiences has become increasingly essential.

What are the current opportunities and challenges facing the games industry in the MENA region?

The opportunities here are endless; however, the main challenge for international companies lies in understanding the culture and behaviour of local customers. This can only be achieved when local talent works hand in hand with experts to design experiences tailored to the region’s needs.

In terms of funding and support for gaming studios in MENA, what has been your experience navigating the funding landscape?

Support for the games industry in the MENA region primarily comes from government initiatives. In the UAE, various government-sponsored agencies and departments provide extensive backing and are always eager to collaborate with businesses to enhance infrastructure and meet industry needs. 

Abu Dhabi Gaming has successfully brought together diverse talents, fostering an environment that accelerates innovation. By providing a dynamic and inclusive experience, they ensure we have access to valuable resources and services. Boss Bunny has been able to network with tech companies, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and staying up to date with the latest developments in the games industry. 

Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, the Vision 2030 initiative has introduced an unprecedented wave of funding for the gaming sector, creating more opportunities than ever before.

These initiatives provide companies like ours with immense global potential that extends beyond just the regional market while also attracting world-leading investors to explore opportunities in the MENA region. This positive momentum is inspiring, and we are committed to playing a key role in these developments both locally and across the GCC.

What are your plans for the coming year? Will you be exploring new platforms? Are there any specific initiatives or projects on the horizon that we should look forward to? 

Our primary focus will remain on developing exceptional mobile games for the international market. However, with the exciting developments across the GCC, especially those fueled by Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, we are open to exploring new opportunities, including expanding into other platforms if we identify strong market demand.

We are optimistic about the region’s growth prospects and look forward to contributing to and being part of the industry’s remarkable advancements.