LOCAL GEMS
Race in style with UMX Studio
In Riyadh, Ali Alharbi started a journey that changed mobile gaming in Saudi Arabia. As the founder of one of the country’s first game developers, UMX Studio, Alharbi’s story is one of passion, perseverance and cultural inspiration.
“In 2014, we developed a small game <Climbing Sand Dune> rooted in Saudi culture in three months. Surprisingly, it topped the charts in multiple countries,” Alharbi says.
This success laid the foundation for the studio, which was established without prior knowledge of the industry and now has millions of active players and more than 70 employees.
There have, of course, been some bumps in the road. “Finding talent locally was our biggest challenge. To overcome this, we implemented training programmes for fresh graduates,” says Alharbi.
These programmes focused on technical and soft skills, and enabled the founder to build a skilled team who are passionate about game development.
Racing ahead
The studio’s notable games include King of Steering and Climbing Sand Dune Offroad, both of which were inspired by Saudi Arabia’s culture and environment.
King of Steering offers street racing with realistic physics, customisable cars and dynamic weather. Players engage in a trading system with social elements, participating in auctions for unique items.
Climbing Sand Dune Offroad, meanwhile, captures the beauty of Saudi deserts. Here, players must navigate sand dunes and rocky terrains, testing their skills while enjoying stunning graphics.
Keys to success
Alharbi and his team consistently draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.
“Being based in Saudi Arabia has contributed to our success by utilising our cultural identity and local content,” Alharbi explains. This authenticity resonates with players, and has created a loyal fan base.
And when it comes to advice for aspiring developers, Alharbi suggests starting small, moving fast and learning from experience.
“Entering the gaming industry is an exciting journey, but it requires patience and learning from successful peers. Rather than starting with a big project, consider building 10 games – knowing that one might succeed while the others fail,” he says.
The UMX Studio team is dedicated to continuous improvement. From refining mechanics to enhancing graphics, their games have evolved since their launch.
“We are committed to updating and supporting our live games, and ensure they evolve alongside player preferences and industry standards,” Alharbi says.