Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy to Launch in Major Cities Over the Next Six Months
Google Launches New Initiatives to Boost Pakistan’s Gaming and App Development Sector
LAHORE: Google has introduced two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at advancing Pakistan’s gaming and app development industry. Announced at the Think Apps 2024 event in Lahore, the new programs—the Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy—are set to roll out across major Pakistani cities over the next six months. These initiatives are designed to equip local developers with the skills and knowledge needed to create top-tier games and applications.
The Think Apps 2024 event, held on Wednesday, gathered nearly 350 developers from across Pakistan, alongside global industry leaders. This high-profile event marked the official launch of Google’s new programs, which are expected to significantly impact the growth and innovation of the country’s burgeoning app sector.
The Game Design Masterclass will offer in-depth training on game design principles, development techniques, and emerging trends in the gaming industry. Participants will learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in creating engaging and successful games. The Google Ads Academy, on the other hand, will focus on empowering developers with the skills to effectively use Google Ads to promote their apps and drive user acquisition.
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Director for Pakistan, emphasized the immense potential within the country’s app and gaming industry. He highlighted the achievements of local studios such as Vyro, AI, Hazel Mobile, Games District, GeniTeam, and Finz Games. These studios have gained recognition on the global stage, with millions of daily downloads and significant job creation.
According to a recent report by Access Partnership, Pakistan’s gaming and app sector is poised for substantial growth, with a projected revenue increase of $6.6 billion annually by 2030. This growth is expected to be driven by a focus on digital exports and continued innovation in app development. The industry has already demonstrated remarkable progress, with a 32 percent compound annual growth rate in global downloads of Pakistani-made apps from 2018 to 2023. Despite a slight dip in overall app downloads in 2023, in-app purchase revenue surged by 50%, placing Pakistan 17th globally in terms of app revenue.
Qureshi noted that Google’s goal is to support Pakistani developers in creating exceptional games and apps, enhancing profitability, and fostering sustainable business practices. By providing access to AI-powered tools and resources, Google aims to boost the digital economy in Pakistan and generate high-value employment opportunities.
To date, Google’s various programs have engaged over 800 participants across the country. The company has also conducted offline hackathons in Lahore and Islamabad, further promoting innovation and collaboration within the tech community. Additionally, Google is strengthening its connections with global industry leaders through key events such as the Google Developer Conference and APAC’s App Summit.
The Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy represent a significant step forward in supporting Pakistan’s tech industry, providing local developers with the expertise and resources needed to compete on the global stage. As the country’s app and gaming sector continues to expand, these initiatives will play a crucial role in driving future growth and success.