This certification training, organized in collaboration with the French Embassy in the Kingdom of Morocco, is part of the ministry’s strategy for the development of the gaming industry, with a view to training 40 young Moroccan girls and boys in this area, notes the ministry in a press release.
He specifies that this multidisciplinary program, which will be held over a full year (2025), also aims to strengthen the professional and managerial skills of young Moroccans, in order to support the development of the gaming industry in Morocco.
According to the ministry, the “Video Game Creator Program” will be carried out in partnership with three institutions, namely “ISART DIGITAL”, the second best electronic game development school in the world, which will be responsible for training with its academic team, the The International University of Rabat (UIR), which will house the training cycle on its campus, and the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions, which will provide the necessary logistical resources.
With the aim of reducing social and territorial disparities, young Moroccans will benefit from full coverage of tuition fees, usually very high for this type of training, thanks to partners, and will be offered employment opportunities and hosting solutions.
The Department of Communication within the supervisory ministry will be responsible for supervision and coordination between all partners within the framework of the “Video Game Creator Program”.
In order to benefit from this program, applications must be submitted, from November 1 to 30, via the platform: Candidates will be selected in December and the program will be launched in January 2025, concludes the press release.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Gaming Industry Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the latest developments across various sectors. Today, we have an expert in the gaming industry, Dr. Amine Alami, who is here to discuss recent initiatives in Morocco’s gaming sector. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Alami!
Dr. Amine Alami (DA): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. We recently learned about the certification training organized in collaboration with the French Embassy in Morocco. How significant is this initiative for local talent development?
DA: This initiative is a game changer, quite literally! By providing targeted training for 40 young Moroccans, we’re equipping the next generation of creators and developers with the skills needed to thrive in the gaming industry. It’s a strategic move that underscores the government’s commitment to elevate the gaming sector, which is rapidly growing worldwide.
TNE: That’s exciting! Can you elaborate on how this training aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy for the gaming industry?
DA: Absolutely. This training is part of a well-defined strategy that aims to position Morocco as a hub for gaming development in Africa. The government recognizes the potential of the gaming industry as a significant economic driver. By investing in education and skill-building, they are essentially laying the groundwork for future studios, innovation, and, ultimately, job creation in this field.
TNE: It sounds like an important step for both the industry and the individuals involved. What specific skills will these young gamers learn during their training?
DA: The training will cover a range of skills crucial for modern gaming, including game design, programming, digital art, and project management. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants not only learn how to create games but also how to understand the industry dynamics and work collaboratively in teams.
TNE: Collaboration is key in any creative industry. In your opinion, what are the potential outcomes of this initiative for the participants and the gaming landscape in Morocco?
DA: The potential outcomes are vast. For participants, this training can open doors to employment opportunities, whether in established companies or through launching their own startups. As for the gaming landscape in Morocco, nurturing local talent can lead to the development of distinct Moroccan narratives and experiences in games, increasing our visibility on the global stage.
TNE: That leads us to the question of cultural representation in gaming. How do you think this training will influence the kinds of games developed in Morocco?
DA: It’s crucial! When local developers are trained, they bring their unique perspectives and stories into their games. This means we can start seeing games that reflect Moroccan culture, history, and folklore, contributing to greater diversity in the gaming industry overall. Local narratives resonate well not just with national audiences but also with international players intrigued by different cultures.
TNE: Very insightful! Looking ahead, what would you like to see next in Morocco’s gaming strategy?
DA: I would love to see more partnerships with international studios to facilitate knowledge sharing and potential co-developments. Additionally, enhancing funding and resources for local projects can help bridge the gap between aspiring developers and the technology required to create high-quality games.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Alami, for sharing your expertise with us. It’s clear that Morocco is on an exciting path in the gaming sector, and we look forward to following its progress!
DA: Thank you! I’m excited to see where this journey takes us and to witness the talent that emerges from these initiatives.
TNE: And that wraps up today’s discussion! Stay tuned for more updates on developments in Morocco and beyond.