Deconstructor of Fun 295. Pakistan’s Unexpected Rise in Gaming with Saad Hameed, CEO of Game District
Jul 14, 2025
Saad Hameed, CEO of Game District, shares fascinating insights into Pakistan's rapidly evolving gaming industry. He discusses the rise of Lahore as a significant player in the global market and the potential of the ecosystem, comparing it to Turkey and Vietnam. The conversation explores challenges faced by local studios, the vital role of education and talent development, and innovative monetization strategies. Saad also highlights the unique strengths of Pakistan's gaming sector and pathways to overcoming bottlenecks for future success.
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Early Mobile Gaming Success Story
- The Pakistani studio Tapfish was a divine early success with mobile games in 2010, but its founders left Pakistan after acquisition. - This success did not spawn an immediate local gaming industry, putting Pakistan on the back foot initially.
Pakistan's Gaming Workforce Reality
- Pakistani studios often started as service-based companies working for global clients rather than standalone game developers. - Despite Pakistan's perceived smallness, it actually has a large, unique, and growing gaming talent pool that impresses international visitors.
Educational Talent in Pakistan
- Pakistani universities produce strong IT talent with good English skills, which is valuable globally. - Young Pakistani workers prefer game development over traditional IT services because it's more engaging and fun.