The Best Middle Eastern-inspired Games for All Platforms

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.

Top 10 Arab Games You Should Play in 2023

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: A Forgotten Arab Tech Legacy from the 80s

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.

Best stories of Nintendo

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.

Discovering the Middle East in Video Games

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.

Ah, the 90s! If you know, you know.

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.

Iconic Middle Eastern Characters in Video Games

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. 

A Farsi-language guide for Warrior Within

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.

Your comprehensive guide to “battle of kings”

Greetings, lords and ladies! Welcome to the world of Battle of Kings, also known as Clash of Empires in some regions. As new kingdoms emerge, it’s crucial to quickly upgrade your castle and barracks. In these early stages, fighting may be limited, so it’s important to focus your efforts wisely.

To help beginners get started swiftly, we have some essential tips for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to play the game:

1. New Kingdom Events:
Every day, a new task tab opens for the New Kingdom event. These tasks offer incredible rewards, and upon completion, you’ll receive a special chest with gear corresponding to the number of tasks accomplished. Strive to complete as many tasks as possible to obtain high-grade rewards, including 20,000 gold coins, 50-hour accelerations, and other useful items. Seize these opportunities for early development and gain a competitive edge.

2. Two Packs Suitable for Beginners:

  • New Lord Pack: This pack provides you with 10 permanent workers, which will set you far ahead of other players. Workers are crucial for building upgrades and efficiency.
  • Castle Construction Pack: By purchasing this pack, you can reduce construction time and consumption by 50%! Within just 2-3 days, you can upgrade your castle to level 16 while saving 800H acceleration and 200M resources.

Monthly Sign-in Event:
Sign in to the game for 30 consecutive days and unlock a multitude of rewards, including Advanced Recruitment Cards, Hero’s stamina, VIP points, speedups, and abundant resources. Make sure to participate in this event to enhance your progress and growth.

New Kingdom Sharing:
Share our game on your own page and receive massive rewards. Invite your friends to join and grow together. Ally with friends to defend against attacks or launch strategic assaults on other alliances.

Invitation Event:
Invite friends using your unique codes and earn rewards such as gold and hero shards. You can invite up to 10 friends, and when one of them reaches level 30 in their castle, you’ll receive 31,000 gold, 50 Advanced Recruitment Cards, and 150 Class S shards. Keep expanding your network and reap the benefits.

New Kingdom Events:
These events offer various activities, including treasure trials, gold events, magic mines, kingdom monsters, and devils’ befall. Actively participate to acquire abundant rewards and don’t miss out on valuable developmental opportunities. Aim for high rankings, as the rewards can even be worth a $99 gift pack. Remember to keep an eye on the event centre and reach out to customer service if you have any questions.

Troop Combinations:
Today’s strategy revolves around troop combinations. Each camp in the game allows you to train infantry, cavalry, archers, and sieges. As the camps level up, you unlock higher-tier troops. Each troop has its unique attributes and advantages, and understanding the right combination is crucial for victory on the battlefield. Dive deeper into troop strategies to optimise your battle results.

Phase One: Building Upgrade and Research

The first phase begins at 8 o’clock on Monday server time. Your task during this phase is to focus on upgrading your buildings and conducting research. Upgrading your buildings not only improves their functionality but also rewards you with 10 points for each increase in combat power. To maximise your ranking, it is advised to save your building upgrades for this phase. Additionally, activate the talent skills of development to increase the speed by 20%. Utilise the research institute by assigning workers to reduce research time.

Phase Two: Gathering

The second phase, which starts on Tuesday, is all about gathering resources. Upgrading troops and buildings require a substantial amount of resources. There are four types of resources, each granting different points. During gathering, it is crucial to optimise your Lion by changing it to a gentle one. Adjust your equipment and talents to maximise the benefits of gathering attributes. Furthermore, take advantage of buffs that reduce gathering time.

Phase Three: Hunting

The third phase introduces monsters and camps of up to level 30. Utilise your physical strength to defeat these monsters and claim considerable rewards. Make the most of this opportunity.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. prioritise development attributes such as research, as it allows you to study resource and development types early on. Prioritise resources and development skills in your talent tree to accelerate your progress.
  2. Online rewards: Periodically, you can claim online rewards, including 5x rewards and 3x rewards. Make sure not to miss out on these bonuses.
  3. Daily tasks: Complete your daily tasks, as they offer valuable rewards. The higher your castle level, the greater the rewards.
  4. Gold Mine: Upgrade the three gold coin mines in the suburbs to the highest level possible. They provide a cost-effective investment option with significant input-output ratios, while also boosting combat attributes.
  5. Resource fields: Utilise daily resource production and collection as a vital resource acquisition channel.
  6. Kill monsters: Exploit your physical strength to defeat monsters and earn considerable rewards.
  7. Resource tower trade: Take advantage of the opportunity for free resource transportation five times a day. Choose the type of resources that best suit your needs.
  8. Hero Recruitment: Make use of the five free common recruitments and one advanced recruitment available each day. Don’t miss out on recruiting new heroes.
  9. Polar Desert: This is where hero experience is produced. Collect the produced experience items in a timely manner and use energy to plunder other heroes’ experience.
  10. Participate in New Kingdom activities: Take part in various events such as the New Kingdom sign-in event where you can receive S-level heroes for free. Share the game with your friends, invite them to play, and bind your accounts to receive significant rewards in the form of gold coins and hero fragments.
  11. Stay alert for circular activities: The event centre offers various activities like treasure trials, gold events, magic mines, kingdom monsters, and devils befall. Stay updated on these events to maximise your rewards.

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Alliance Cooperation: Join an alliance and collaborate with your fellow lords. Together, you can conquer powerful enemies and share resources and knowledge. Participate in alliance events and rallies to strengthen your alliance and reap the rewards.
  2. Daily Deals and Special Offers: Keep an eye out for daily deals and special offers in the in-game store. These offers often provide great value for resources, items, and speed-ups. Take advantage of them to accelerate your progress.
  3. VIP Benefits: Consider investing in the VIP system. By purchasing VIP points, you can unlock various perks such as faster construction times, increased resource production, and other exclusive privileges. Evaluate the benefits and decide if it aligns with your gameplay style.
  4. Castle Defense: Build strong defences for your castle to ward off enemy attacks. Place your defensive structures strategically and continually upgrade them to deter invaders. Don’t forget to set up your hero to lead the defence and boost your castle’s combat power.
  5. Offensive Strategies: Develop effective attack strategies to defeat your enemies. Study the strengths and weaknesses of different troop types and adjust your formation accordingly. Pay attention to the enemy’s formations and utilise tactics such as flanking and focusing fire to maximise your chances of victory.
  6. Research and Technology: Continuously invest in research and technology to unlock powerful upgrades and bonuses for your kingdom. Prioritise research that enhances your resource production, combat capabilities, and construction efficiency. Stay up to date with the latest advancements to stay ahead of your competitors.
  7. Resource Management: Manage your resources wisely to ensure steady growth. Balance your resource production and consumption, and consider using resource items and buffs during critical development phases. Protect your resources from plundering by reinforcing your castle and utilising shield spells.
  8. Active Gameplay: Battle of Kings is a game that rewards active players. Log in regularly to collect rewards, complete daily tasks, and participate in events. By staying active, you’ll progress faster, acquire better rewards, and establish yourself as a formidable force in the game.
  9. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication with your alliance members is key to success. Coordinate your activities, share valuable information, and support each other to achieve common goals. Use the in-game chat and other communication channels to foster teamwork and coordination.

We hope these additional tips provide you with a comprehensive guide to excel in Battle of Kings. Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with different strategies. May your rule be prosperous and victorious!

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.