Dubai hosts first Playtest Night showcasing 10 locally developed games

Dubai, 14th November 2026 - The Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) opened the doors to its inaugural Playtest Night event today, uniting local game developers, independent studios, and gaming aficionados for a hands-on experience with 10 newly developed games. Attendees tested a diverse range of 2D and 3D games, offering valuable feedback to help developers refine their creations.

The interactive session aimed to give creators insights into how players interact with their games, pinpoint areas for improvement, and gain valuable perspectives on gameplay mechanics and design.

Faisal Kazim, Games Commissioner at the DFGC, emphasized that Dubai's ambition to become a global gaming hub hinges on fostering local innovation and providing growth opportunities for the industry. The first Playtest Night played a crucial role in this strategy by showcasing homegrown talent and encouraging direct engagement between creators and their audience.

Maryam Lootah, Executive of Talent Development at the DFGC, highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of game creators. By providing developers with industry exposure and constructive feedback from gamers, the event helps developers enhance their games throughout the development process. The enthusiasm generated by the first Playtest Night reinforces the commitment to building a robust gaming community and supporting homegrown studios.

The participating developers and players expressed their appreciation for the initiative and acknowledged the support from the Dubai Media Council. They also recognized the significant growth potential of the gaming industry and its capacity to showcase Arab culture and heritage to a global audience. With Dubai Playtest Night set to become an annual tradition, the DFGC aims to provide greater visibility for locally developed games and foster collaboration between developers and players, further solidifying Dubai's position as a leading gaming destination.