We are beyond excited to announce that Tamatem will be attending ChinaJoy 2024, the premier gaming and digital entertainment expo in China, from July 26 to 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. This year, CEO Hussam, COO Eyad, Managing Director of Tamatem Plus, Faisal, VP of Operations, Rami, and China Country Manager, Will,  will be present to represent our company and highlight our latest achievements and future plans.

ChinaJoy 2024 is set to be a thrilling event with its theme “Stay True, Game On,” celebrating over two decades of innovation and dedication in the gaming industry. It is the perfect platform for Tamatem to showcase our expertise in strategy and role-playing games (SLG & RPG) and connect with industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the globe.  At ChinaJoy, we aim to explore new publishing and business development opportunities for Tamatem Plus, our innovative payment method, and continue to expand our presence in the global gaming market.

We are particularly excited to showcase our latest hit game, “Rage of the Brave,” developed by NEOCRAFT, which has achieved significant success in the MENA region. This action-packed RPG has captivated players with its immersive storyline, stunning graphics, and engaging gameplay. The game’s rapid ascent in popularity has solidified its status as a favorite among gamers in the MENA region. During ChinaJoy, we will be presenting exclusive insights into “Rage of the Brave,” highlighting what makes this game a standout success and demonstrating its innovative features.

Tamatem’s expertise in SLG & RPG games has positioned us as a leading publisher in the MENA region. Our commitment to bringing high-quality, localized content to our audience has driven our success and solidified our reputation in the industry.

ChinaJoy 2024 promises an unforgettable experience with a diverse range of exhibitors, interactive sessions, and keynote speeches from industry pioneers. The event’s focus on “game + IP” highlights the integration of gaming with other digital content fields, creating new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. For Tamatem, this is a unique opportunity to showcase our achievements, discuss our strategic goals, and connect with potential partners and collaborators.

Join us at ChinaJoy 2024 and visit our booth to meet Hussam, Eyad, Faisal, Rami, and Will and learn more about “Rage of the Brave” and our other exciting projects. We are eager to share our vision for the future of gaming and explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you in Shanghai for an exhilarating journey into the world of gaming!

At Tamatem, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best in mobile gaming, and this year has been defined by some incredible releases that have kept our players engaged and entertained. Join us as we shine a spotlight on our top mobile games that have captivated audiences and set new standards in the gaming industry. From epic adventures to strategic challenges, here’s a look at the games that have made their mark this year.

 Rage of the Brave: Embark on an Epic Journey

Our newest launch “Rage of the Brave” stands tall as one of our flagship titles, offering players an immersive RPG experience set in a fantastical world of heroes and villains. Dive into a rich narrative, engage in tactical battles, and uncover the mysteries of a kingdom in turmoil. With stunning visuals and deep gameplay mechanics, “Rage of the Brave” continues to captivate RPG enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

VIP Baloot: A Card Game Classic

Step into the world of competitive card gaming with “VIP Baloot,” where skill, strategy, and social interaction converge. Join thousands of players across the region in this popular card game that combines traditional gameplay with modern features. Whether you’re playing solo or challenging friends, “VIP Baloot” offers an authentic Baloot experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Fashion Queen: Rule the Runway

Become a fashion mogul in “Fashion Queen,” where style meets strategy in a glamorous world of haute couture. Design stunning outfits, manage your fashion empire, and compete in fashion shows to showcase your creativity and trendsetting skills. With its vibrant visuals and addictive gameplay, “Fashion Queen” has become a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and aspiring designers.

 Wanas: Voice Chat Ludo Fun

Introducing “Wanas,” our latest addition to the Tamatem lineup. This innovative game combines the classic fun of Ludo with the excitement of voice chat, allowing players to connect and strategize in real-time. Roll the dice, move your tokens, and engage with friends or opponents through voice chat for a truly interactive gaming experience. Stay tuned as we unveil more about “Wanas,” which promises to redefine mobile gaming with its social and engaging gameplay.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As we look forward to the future, Tamatem is committed to pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming with innovative new releases and updates to our existing titles. Whether you’re drawn to epic RPGs, classic card games, fashion simulations, or immersive adventures, there’s something for every gamer in our diverse portfolio.

Conclusion

The past year has been marked by excitement and innovation at Tamatem, and our top mobile games reflect our dedication to delivering quality, engaging experiences to our players. Thank you for being part of our gaming community, and we look forward to bringing you more unforgettable adventures in the year ahead.

Stay tuned for updates, new releases, and exciting announcements from Tamatem!

At Tamatem Games, our players are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the best games are created through collaboration and continuous improvement. User feedback is essential in our game development process, providing valuable insights that shape our games and enhance the gaming experience. Let’s take a closer look at how player insights drive our development and ensure our games resonate with our audience.

Listening to Our Players

We start by actively listening to our players. Through forums, social media, in-game surveys, and direct feedback channels, we gather a wealth of information about what players love, what they find challenging, and what they wish to see improved. This open line of communication helps us understand the needs and preferences of our community.

Beta Testing and Early Access

Before a game’s official release, we involve our community in beta testing and early access programs. This allows us to gather feedback on gameplay, mechanics, and overall user experience from a real-world perspective. Players become co-creators, helping us identify bugs, balance issues, and areas for enhancement.

Iterative Development

We believe in iterative development – continuously refining our games based on player feedback. This agile approach allows us to make incremental changes, test them, and gather further feedback. It’s a cycle of constant improvement, ensuring that our games evolve with the needs and expectations of our players.

Community Engagement

Engaging with our community is a priority. We host regular Q&A sessions, live streams, and community events where players can interact with our development team. We have a 24-hour support team managing technical issues and customer relations to guarentee the highest level of user satisfaction. This fosters a sense of community and provides direct channels for feedback and discussion.

Data-Driven Decisions

In addition to direct feedback, we use data analytics to understand player behavior and preferences. By analyzing in-game data, we can identify trends, preferences, and areas that need attention. This data-driven approach complements qualitative feedback, giving us a comprehensive view of player experiences.

Recognizing Player Contributions

We recognize and celebrate the contributions of our players. Whether through shout-outs in patch notes, special in-game rewards, or community spotlights, we ensure that our players know their voices are heard and valued. This recognition strengthens the bond between our team and the community.

Conclusion

User feedback is the cornerstone of our game development process at Tamatem Games. By actively listening to our players, involving them in testing, iterating based on their insights, engaging with the community, making data-driven decisions, and recognizing their contributions, we create games that truly resonate. Our commitment to incorporating player feedback ensures that we deliver high-quality, enjoyable experiences tailored to the preferences of our Arabic-speaking audience.

Thank you to our incredible community for your invaluable feedback and support. Together, we continue to shape the future of mobile gaming in the Arabic-speaking world. At Tamatem Games, your voice matters!

The Arab world has a rich culture and heritage that has inspired many video games over the years. Here is a list of the best Arab-inspired games for all platforms:

Battle of Kings

Battle of Kings is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Tamatem. The game features a variety of Arabic-inspired characters and environments, and it has quickly become one of the most popular games in the Arab world.

VIP Baloot

VIP Baloot is a multiplayer card game developed and published by Tamatem. The game is based on the popular Middle Eastern card game Baloot, and it features a variety of social features, such as chat and voice chat.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins is an action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. The game is set in Ptolemaic Egypt, and it follows the story of Bayek, an Egyptian Medjay who is seeking revenge for the murder of his son. Assassin’s Creed Origins is known for its stunning visuals, its massive open world, and its engaging story.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ubisoft. The game is set in ancient Persia, and it follows the story of the Prince, who must use the Sands of Time to prevent the evil Vizier Jaffar from taking over the kingdom. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is known for its innovative gameplay, its unique art style, and its epic story. 

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is an action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is set in the Arabian Peninsula, and it follows the story of Nathan Drake, who is searching for the lost city of Ubar. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is known for its stunning visuals, its thrilling action sequences, and its charming characters.

These are just a few of the best Arab-inspired games for all platforms. With their rich culture and heritage, the Arab world is a great source of inspiration for video games. I hope this list has helped you to find some new games to enjoy.

About us:

Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.

The Arab world is home to a thriving video game industry, with a growing number of high-quality games being developed and released each year. Here is a list of the top 10 Arab games that you should play in 2023:

Battle of Kings

Battle of Kings is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Tamatem. The game features a variety of Arabic-inspired characters and environments, and it has quickly become one of the most popular games in the Arab world.

VIP Baloot

VIP Baloot is a multiplayer card game developed and published by Tamatem. The game is based on the popular Middle Eastern card game Baloot, and it features a variety of social features, such as chat and voice chat.

Fashion Queen

Fashion Queen is a fashion simulation game developed and published by Tamatem. The game allows players to create their own fashion designs, and it features a variety of real-world fashion brands. In addition, Fashion Queen is one of the Arab World’s most downloaded games of all time.

VIP Jalsat

VIP Jalsat is a multiplayer chat app developed and published by Tamatem. The app allows users to create their own chat rooms and invite friends to join. VIP Jalsat is one of the most popular chat apps in the Arab world.

Girls’ Secrets

Girls’ Secrets is a social media game developed and published by Tamatem. The game allows players to create their own avatars and interact with other players. Girls’ Secrets is one of the most popular social media games in the Arab world.

About us:

Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.

Sakhr Computers was a Kuwaiti company (Al Alamiah co.) that was selling MSX computers imported from Japan in all of the Arab world. These MSX were localised by Al Alamiah and rebranded for the Arabic market. It was also a major part of the childhood of many of our colleagues in Tamatem Games.

The Sakhr AX-170 seems to be the Sanyo MPC-2 localised for Arabic countries. The PCB and components are not the same and a RGB output has been added on some versions. This model was the most popular in the Arabic countries. It has an Arabic QWERTY keyboard, but is also available in an Arabic/French version AX-170F (with AZERTY keyboard), where the English Word Processor is replaced by a French Word Processor.

Sakhr’s Expansion into Software Development

In the 1990s, Sakhr expanded its focus to include software development. The company released a number of popular Arabic-language software products, including word processors, spreadsheets, and educational software. Sakhr also provided Arabic language localisation services to major software companies such as Microsoft and Oracle.

In recent years, Sakhr has focused on developing innovative e-government solutions. The company has worked with governments across the Middle East to develop and implement online services that make it easier for citizens to interact with their governments. Sakhr has also developed a number of other innovative technology solutions, such as its Sakhr Mobile platform, which provides secure mobile access to e-government services.

Sakhr Computers has played a major role in the development of the technology industry in the Middle East. The company’s products and services have helped to make technology more accessible and affordable for people in the region. Sakhr is also a leader in the development of innovative e-government solutions.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sakhr Computers was one of the first companies to develop an Arabic-language version of the popular video game Tetris? The game was released in 1988 and was a huge hit with Arabic-speaking gamers.

Another Fun Fact: Sakhr Computers is also a pioneer in the development of Arabic-language educational software. The company’s educational software products are used by schools and universities across the Middle East to teach students about a variety of subjects, including maths, science, and history. However, most remember Sakhr for its 1980s computers, especially if they came with a copy of Metal Gear.

About us: Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.

Nintendo is one of the most popular gaming companies in the world, and it has a long history of producing games with compelling stories. Here are some of the best stories of Nintendo games according to our colleagues in Tamatem Games:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game set in the kingdom of Hyrule. The player takes on the role of Link, a hero who must awaken from a 100-year sleep to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon. Breath of the Wild is known for its vast and open world, its innovative gameplay mechanics, and its emotional story.

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platformer game that follows the adventures of Mario and his new companion, Cappy. Mario and Cappy must travel across a variety of kingdoms to collect Power Moons and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Super Mario Odyssey is known for its creative gameplay, its colourful visuals, and its charming story.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a JRPG game that follows the story of Rex and Pyra, a pair of Drivers and Blades who must journey to the World Tree to fulfill their destiny. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is known for its massive world, its complex combat system, and its epic story.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical RPG game that follows the story of Byleth, a teacher at the Garreg Mach Monastery. Byleth must choose one of three houses to lead and help their students prepare for a coming war. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is known for its deep character customization, its complex political intrigue, and its emotional story.

Metroid Dread

Metroid Dread is a 2D Metroidvania game that follows the story of Samus Aran as she explores the dangerous planet ZDR. Metroid Dread is known for its intense combat, its challenging platforming, and its atmospheric environments.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and it is one of the darkest and most atmospheric games in the series. The player takes on the role of Link, who must stop the Moon from crashing into Termina, a parallel world to Hyrule. Majora’s Mask is known for its unique time loop mechanic, its complex characters, and its thought-provoking story.

EarthBound

EarthBound is a JRPG game that follows the story of Ness and his friends as they travel across the United States to defeat the evil Giygas. EarthBound is known for its quirky sense of humor, its unique art style, and its heartwarming story.

Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a turn-based RPG game that follows the story of Mario and his friends as they try to save Princess Peach from King Olly, who has folded the Origami Kingdom into a paper airplane. Paper Mario: The Origami King is known for its charming characters, its creative puzzles, and its heartwarming story.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game that follows the player as they build a new life on a deserted island. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is known for its relaxing gameplay, its charming characters, and its heartwarming story.

These are just a few of the best stories of Nintendo games. There are many other games with great stories, so be sure to explore and find the ones that you enjoy the most.

About us:

Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.

By Rick W. Hindi

While the Middle East hasn’t been a prominent backdrop in gaming narratives, a growing number of games have begun making their mark in recent years. Gaming has become a significant industry in the region, with more developers featuring characters and settings from the Middle East in their video games.

From bustling urban centres like Istanbul to Casablanca, you’ll find video game cafés adorned with the familiar PlayStation logo or life-sized posters of heavily armed characters promoting games like Call of Duty. In gaming tournaments, competitors from the Middle East have excelled, with some earning substantial prize money, such as Saudi gamer Mosaad al-Dossary, who earned over $560,000 in FIFA tournaments.

Despite gaming’s widespread popularity as a hobby in the Middle East, representation within video games has been lacking. Non-white protagonists are still scarce in leading roles, but this is gradually changing with titles like Yakuza and Life is Strange. Characters and settings from the Middle East are even rarer, often reduced to two-dimensional villains or anonymous targets for players to engage with.

Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this trend. Here are five video games that draw inspiration from the Middle East:

Prince of Persia: This iconic game series, dating back to 1989, gained mainstream attention with its 2003 “Sands of Time” reboot. It stands out as one of the few games featuring a Middle Eastern protagonist and a storyline set in the region. Despite a long hiatus, the franchise remains noteworthy, with an upcoming remake and an interesting standalone release in 2008.

Journey: In this game, you control an unnamed character traversing desert landscapes, interacting with other players through non-verbal communication. The game is rich in religious symbolism, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Although not explicitly in the Middle East, I couldn’t help but wonder but link it to the terrain of Southern Jordan, from the desert steppes to the bitter mountains. 

Assassin’s Creed Origins: The series initially ventured far from the Middle East, but it returned in 2017 with “Origins,” set in ancient Egypt. The story follows a desert patrolman named Bayek of Siwa, entangled in a conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. It also features an educational “discovery tour” mode, transforming the game into an interactive museum.

Heaven’s Vault: This game takes place in a North African/Middle Eastern-inspired setting and follows archaeologist Aliya Elasra as she unravels a hieroglyphic script of a lost civilization. Choices you make mould the protagonist’s personality, adding depth to the narrative.

Civilization VI: This turn-based strategy game includes the historical character Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire. The game successfully incorporates Middle Eastern figures and history into its gameplay, providing a well-rounded experience. 

These games offer a glimpse into the potential for storytelling and representation in the gaming industry, highlighting the rich history and culture of the Middle East. 

About us:

Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.

By Rick W. Hindi

Video games have long been a popular form of entertainment, and with the rise of the internet and social media, they have become more popular than ever before. While video games have traditionally been dominated by Western characters and settings, recent years have seen a growing trend towards diversity and inclusion. This has led to the creation of a number of iconic characters in video games from the Middle East.

In no particular order:

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad

Video game: Assassin’s Creed series

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is the protagonist of the first Assassin’s Creed game. He is a master assassin who is tasked with recovering nine Pieces of Eden, powerful artefacts that could be used to control humanity. Altaïr is a skilled warrior and a complex character who is struggling to come to terms with his past. Although his nationality isn’t mentioned (the concept of sovereign nations wasn’t as established in the early 1100s), it’s heavily implied that he’s from the Levant, particularly modern day Syria, especially the very real, the very much there, and the very Assassin-lore heavy city of Masyaf, seat of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins. 

Prince of Persia

Video game: Prince of Persia series 

The fan-favourite and often nameless Prince of Persia is the protagonist of the Prince of Persia video game series (He’s named Dastan in the 2010 film). He is a skilled acrobat and swordsman who is often tasked with saving his kingdom from evil. The Prince is a classic video game hero who has been captivating gamers for decades. In no version of the game does the Prince however speak Farsi or any of the languages from modern day Iran. 

Fun Fact: In Iran, the iconic video game “Prince of Persia” is commonly referred to as شاهزاده‌ی ایران, which translates to “Prince of Iran.” The literal translation of the title would be شاهزاده‌ی فارس, signifying “a Prince hailing from the region of Pars or Persia.” However, it is worth noting that Westerners often employ the terms “Pars” and its Latin derivatives, such as Persia in English or Perse in French, to denote what we, as Iranians and Persian-speaking individuals, recognise as Iran. For additional information, read this amazing article. 

Saladin

Video game: Age of Empires II 

Saladin is a playable character in the Age of Empires II video game. He is a skilled military leader who led the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 1187. Saladin is a respected historical figure who is also a powerful video game character and needs no introduction. 

Rashid 

Video game: Street Fighter series 

Rashid Alazam is a playable character in the Street Fighter video game series. Possibly Saudi, most definitely a socialite (and a flirt) who is also a skilled fighter. Rashid is a unique and interesting video game character who has been praised for his diversity and representation.

These are just a few of the many iconic Arab characters in video games. These characters are helping to break down stereotypes and promote a more diverse and inclusive gaming industry.

About us:

Tamatem Games is committed to helping the Arabic mobile gaming market reach its full potential. By localising popular mobile games, publishing original Arabic mobile games, supporting eSports, and investing in Arabic mobile game development, Tamatem Games is playing a key role in shaping the future of Arabic mobile gaming. Our most popular games include Fashion Queen, VIP Baloot and Battle of Kings. In addition, card players from across the MENA region have been enjoying our in-depth card game, VIP Jalsat.