Google has unveiled two new programs aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s gaming and app development industry. The announcement was made during a Google-hosted tech event, Think Apps 2024, held in Lahore, where over 350 top Pakistani developers gathered alongside global industry leaders and experts.
Introduction of Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy
The newly launched programs, Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy, are designed to equip local developers with the skills necessary to create high-quality games. These initiatives will be rolled out across major cities in Pakistan as part of a six-month effort to enhance the capabilities of the country’s talented game developers.
Empowering Developers through AI and Innovation
The Think Apps 2024 event emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving innovation, growth, and sustainability within Pakistan’s rapidly expanding app industry. The initiative is seen as a significant step toward empowering local developers to leverage AI in creating cutting-edge applications and games.
High Potential for Long-Term Growth
Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Director for Pakistan, highlighted the immense potential for growth within Pakistan’s app and gaming industry. He pointed out that several Pakistani studios, including Vyro, AI, Hazel Mobile, Games District, GeniTeam, and Finz Games, are already making significant strides. These studios generate millions of downloads daily, providing employment to hundreds of Pakistanis and attracting global attention.
Digital Exports and Revenue Potential
According to a report by Access Partnership, a global technology-focused public policy consultancy firm, Pakistan could achieve a $6.6 billion annual increase in revenue potential by 2030 by focusing on digital exports. The gaming and app industry is a key growth opportunity area for the country’s economic future.
Impressive Growth in Recent Years
Pakistan’s gaming and app industry has shown remarkable growth in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32 percent in global downloads of locally-made apps from 2018 to 2023. Despite a slight dip in overall app downloads in 2023, in-app purchase (IAP) revenue soared by 50 percent, placing Pakistan at number 17 globally.
Google’s Commitment to Pakistan’s Developer Ecosystem
Google’s initiative aims to help Pakistani developers create exceptional games and apps, drive profitability, and build sustainable businesses by providing access to its AI-powered products and resources. Qureshi emphasized that this will not only improve the country’s economy through digital export proceeds but also provide high-value employment opportunities.
Expanding Engagement with Pakistani Developers
Google has reached over 800 participants through various programs, including the Google Ads Academy and Google App Academy. In addition, the company has offered in-person offline hackathon workshops in Lahore and Islamabad. Google is also deepening its engagement with Pakistani developers at key events like the Google Developer Conference in the US, CXO meetups in the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), and APAC’s App Summit.
Through these initiatives, Google remains committed to investing in Pakistan’s developer ecosystem and supporting its journey toward global success.
