Russia has launched the Moscow Game Hub, a full-cycle development centre aimed at supporting gaming companies from the Middle East and North Africa. The facility offers access to the Russian gaming market, modern development tools and international collaboration opportunities.
The hub opened on 28 November during Moscow International Game Week. Representatives from more than 20 countries, including the Middle East, Latin America, China and CIS nations, attended. The facility supports a wide range of studios, from independent developers to established organisations, by providing infrastructure and guidance for development and market entry.
Dubai, UAE, 8 December 2025: Moscow Game Hub has been introduced as a full-cycle gaming and animation development space, offering support from concept development to global distribution. The site includes motion capture and facial capture studios for animation, photogrammetry resources for 3D modelling, sound studios for audio production, screening rooms for testing and an esports arena for tournaments and competitive play. The hub also provides coworking areas, conference space and a high-capacity data centre to support production and technical processes. In addition to the physical space, the hub offers publishing support, mentorship and guidance for entering global markets.
Companies from the Middle East can apply to become resident members. Residents are eligible for reduced rent and direct access to the Russian player base. Russia has an estimated 88 million active gamers and generates around $4.5 billion each year in gaming revenue. Industry assessments indicate that development costs in Russia are significantly lower than in the United States, Europe and Cyprus.
Alongside financial benefits, the hub’s Moscow location offers access to public transport, healthcare services, security and a broad cultural environment. These factors support businesses planning regional operations and relocation for development teams.
The opening event included participants from studios and industry bodies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Argentina and Chile. Representatives from the Middle Eastern gaming sector attended, including Mustafa Yaya, CTO and co-founder of Blackburne Games, MJ Fahmi, CEO of Digital Dunes in Qatar, and Egyptian industry voices such as Wael Elemam from Saudisoft.Co and Ziad Toukhy, Art Director at Rawa Games.
More than 40 companies have already joined as residents, ranging from small studios to major gaming organisations. The hub intends to support development teams seeking access to equipment, networking and wider promotion.
The initiative reflects increased demand for gaming content. Russian gamers spend an average of three to five hours per week playing games, with around 73% of players aged under 24.
“Developing the gaming industry is a key priority for Moscow’s Creative Industries Agency, and MENA region represents a strategic partner in this effort,” said Gulnara Agamova, head of the agency leading the project. “MENA companies are our priority partners. The entire game creation cycle from concept to international market release is now concentrated here in Moscow, creating a platform where Middle Eastern and Russian studios can collaborate, co-develop, and access each other’s markets.”
The hub offers structured support for the full development cycle. Early-stage companies receive guidance on concept development, prototyping and investor access. Active development teams can use technical infrastructure, testing support and marketing assistance. Established organisations receive help with monetisation, performance evaluation and community management. Expansion services include rebranding, international publishing, sale preparation and access to acquisition opportunities.
Moscow Game Hub also supports export activity and talent growth. It enables participation in global trade events and conferences, helping studios present their work and build international connections. The hub is equipped to support production of video games and 3D animation of varied scale and complexity, while operating as a networking point for industry professionals.
Moscow International Game Week took place from 27–30 November. The event hosted developers, companies and specialists from more than 20 countries. Discussions focused on international collaboration and building new working relationships between regions including the Middle East, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the CIS.
The event was organised by Moscow’s Creative Industries Agency with support from the Department of Culture. Its purpose was to present the country’s game development capabilities and highlight Moscow’s role as a base for global gaming activity.