Game Monetization Workshop and Competition
Summer Virtual Workshop Series
Join us online for the Game Monetization Workshop and Competition. In this seminar series, you will learn from leading experts in Game Business Success, ESports, and Game Marketing.
In each of these interactive workshops, games industry experts Mike Fischer, Jordan Whitaker, and Jon Hanson will not only teach the industry's best practices but follow up with interactive activities that help cement your understanding of each topic.
Learn how to set up your game, and your studio, for Commercial Viability, develop Persuasive Pitches, design successful ESports Competitions, and create Marketing Strategies that help your games Define, Reach, and Engage your target audience.
Mike Fischer. XYZ. Seminar One. Description here.
Mike Fischer. XYZ. Seminar Two. Description here.
Jordan Whitaker. XYZ. Seminar One. Description here.
Jordan Whitaker. XYZ. Seminar Two. Description here.
Jon Hanson. XYZ. Seminar One. Description here.
Jon Hanson. XYZ. Seminar Two. Description here.
Speakers
All Saudi GFX Program speakers are seasoned developers with deep experience in the games industry in the US and around the world.
Schedule
- Week 1 - 19-21 July 2026
- Week 2 - 26-28 July 2026
- Week 3 - 2-3 August 2026
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Week 1 Workshops - 19-21 July 2026SUNDAY 19 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Business Success for Game Creators
Business Success for Game Creators
Instructor : Mike FischerMONDAY 20 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Game Pitch Interactive WorkshopGame Pitch Interactive Workshop
Instructor : Mike FischerTUESDAY 21 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Fundamentals of ESportsFundamentals of ESports
Instructor : Jordan Whitaker -
Week 2 Workshops - 26-28 July 2026SUNDAY 26 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Structure of Competition Design in ESports
Structure of Competition Design in ESports
Instructor : Jordan WhitakerMONDAY 27 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Planning a Marketing StrategyPlanning Your Marketing Strategy
Instructor : Jon HansonTUESDAY 28 July 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Workshop: Executing a Marketing StrategyExecuting Your Marketing Strategy
Instructor : Jon Hanson -
Winners Announced - 2 August 2026MONDAY 2 August 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Announcement: The Winners
WINNER and FINALIST certificate winners posted on www.saudigfx.org
MONDAY 3 August 2026 - (7:00 PM KSA) Announcement: Certificates EmailedAll certificates mailed
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I attend even if I don't have a game in progress?
Yes. You do not have to submit workshop assignments to attend the workshops. Participate in the workshops, learn from the experts, and use what you learn on your next game.
Who can participate?
All are welcome.
What will I learn?
See the seminar descriptions above in the workshops section.
THE 2025 MASTERCLASS WINNING TEAMS
FIRST PLACE
RENAD ALHARBI
RANDA ALJOHANI
RAZAN ALJOHANI
DENIZ CETINALP
MELISA CETINALP
MOHAMMAD NOOR
SECOND PLACE
SAIF ABUSETTA
RAZAN ALBALHARETH
FAISAL ALMUSHARAF
DAREEN ALOUFI
MASHAEL ALSALEEM
LUJAIN FELEMBAN
YAHYA SENDI
RUNNERS UP
ABDULLAH AJAM
NASSER ALMOHAMMADI
TEAF ALMATROUK
REEMA ALOTAIBI
SALEM ALRADDADI
ASIM ALREHAILI
SAWSAN DABAN
ABDULRAHMAN HELAL
Saudi GFX
Saudi GFX is a project funded by the US Embassy in Riyadh, led by the Purdue University School of Applied and Creative Computing, and delivered by a cadre of seasoned US game developers.
Goals
- Nurture the game development ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region
- Create commercially viable, Saudi-based, interactive games and media
- Establish new game development companies in the Saudi/MENA region
- Strengthen existing game development companies in the Saudi/MENA region
- Encourage people from around the world to come to live and work in Saudi Arabia/MENA
- Build relationships between the Saudi and US game developer ecosystems
- Create games that celebrate and share with the world elements of culture, history, geography or life in general in the Saudi/MENA region
- Craft narrative experiences that highlight women and minority empowerment in the region
Saudi GFX Events
All Events Delivered By Seasoned US Game Developers
- 2026/07 - Game Monetization Workshop and Competition
- 2026/03 - Trip to Game Developer Conference (GDC) 2026
- 2025/07 - Four Weeks of MasterClasses at Purdue University in the US
- 2025/04 - Riyadh Portfolio Workshop
- 2025/03 - Trip to Game Developer Conference (GDC) 2025
- 2025/01 - Pitch Competition
- 2024/12 - Free webinars led by US games industry professionals
Global Partnership
