Business
Gaming: Morocco Levels Up!
The Kingdom shifts into turbo mode and aims for the high score. With the Morocco Gaming Industry, it bets on a strategy focused on training, incubation, and massive investments. The ambition is to make Rabat the Mecca of video games, with a Gaming City ready to welcome the best talents. Here’s everything you need to know about this solid game plan.
Morocco pulls out its joystick and dreams of scoring in the video game arena. With its Morocco Gaming Industry (moroccogamingindustry.ma), the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication is going all in: training at all levels, incubators for startups, tax incentives, and a Rabat Gaming City, set to make Rabat the Mecca of pixels by 2026. Behind the 4K promises are solid figures and impressive partnerships. Dive into this ambitious game plan. Victory is in the air.
Game on!
The future is being played seriously. “The first focus is training,” emphasizes Ali Rguigue, Vice President in charge of the gaming and animation division at the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (FICC), and one of the driving forces behind the Morocco Gaming Expo (MGE), in a passionate tone.
And things are moving quickly: a deal with ISART Digital (based in Paris, Montreal, and with a partnership in Tokyo, this international school specializes in video games and 3D-FX animation), sealed during the visit of Emmanuel Macron and Rachida Dati, has already launched a first group of students into orbit since January.
The French Minister of Culture, visiting Salé on February 18, did not hide her excitement: “Morocco is making great strides in gaming,” she remarked, impressed by the pace. Starting in September, Mehdi Bensaïd, the supervising minister, is rolling out university courses in game art and development – from Bac+2 to Bac+5, no less.
But the real stroke of genius is aimed at kids: Unity for ages 12-16, Jobintech to train operators in a flash. “Structuring the industry through talent is the key,” insists Rguigue. In a country where digital was still a mirage for many, this is a giant leap. Moroccan kids are no longer just playing FIFA; they’re coding the next hit.
The New Art Of Gaming
Second round, the incubation. “Nine startups already in the game,” announces Rguigue, proudly. On March 10, Rabat launched its “Video Game Incubator” with the French Embassy: seven months of coaching, networking, and open doors to the global market.
Guided by Moroccan experts – studio directors, concept artists – and soon by Korean experts, these gems are polishing their games and pitches. G. Round is testing their creations, Huawei is lending its cloud for free, and subsidies are expected to pour in soon.
“We’re betting on production and communication,” adds Rguigue.
A master card: in a still young ecosystem, this boost can change the game. Today, Morocco talks about a “springboard” for new technologies. The creative desert? It’s over; Morocco is planting its oases.
JACKPOT
Third round, the funds. “Ready startups will attract big fish,” promises Rguigue. And Morocco is deploying heavy artillery: 360 million dirhams for Rabat Gaming City, tax exemptions for 36 months, 30% subsidies, and employment bonuses (17%) and training bonuses (3.5%).
TA Publishing, a Franco-Moroccan company, has already signed on for a AAA studio in the future Gaming City. Major publishers are eyeing it, and we understand why: it’s a fiscal paradise with a view to the future.
The Kingdom is betting on a “gaming zone” to attract investors. The message is clear: get your bags packed, we have the talent and the rebates.
Gaming Hub: Rabat’s City Showcase
The centerpiece is Rabat Gaming City. “The nerve center of Moroccan gaming,” according to Rguigue. On 3 hectares in Yacoub El Mansour, construction began last month for a completion in 2026.
On the menu: smart towers, a 1,000-seat e-sports arena, AAA and indie studios, all sprinkled with eco-chic. It’s more than a project; it’s a showcase. Research, creation, publishing, the entire ecosystem passes through there. Morocco is building a dream.
And what about e-sports? A gem. MGE in July, a brand-new arena, a booming community: Morocco is establishing itself as the African boss of a still-virgin sector.
Bonus or future jackpot? We’re betting on both.
Game Over For Skeptics
“In less than a year, we have concrete results,” Rguigue boasts, and he has reason to. Significant investment, nine eager startups, a AAA studio on the way, Rachida Dati thrilled: Morocco is not joking. Training, incubation, investments, infrastructure, the four pillars are solid, and it’s moving fast.
Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s culture, it’s the future. Morocco presses ‘Start’ and challenges the world. Ready to play with the digital Atlas Lions?
