Abu Dhabi-based twofour54 launches gaming training and development centre

Abu Dhabi-based media and entertainment hub twofour54 is teaming up with Unity Technologies to develop a gaming ‘centre of excellence’ where local start-ups and students can learn the skills needed to succeed in the gaming industry.

The training initiative will be accompanied by a subsidy package for developers, according to a statement from twofour54.

The Centre of Excellence expects to house game development companies of all sizes from start-ups to established companies, all of whom could benefit from the technical and business support services provided by Unity.

In addition to game creation services, business development support and academic training, the centre will serve as a training and entrepreneurial platform for cultivating talent and launching new careers.

“This partnership with Unity demonstrates our shared and committed vision to establish Abu Dhabi as the leading gaming hub in the region. As one of the largest, most innovative and highly regarded companies in the gaming industry, Unity is at the forefront of the technology curve,” said H.E. Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chairman of twofour54.

Read: Livestreaming app Bigo Live to sponsor Saudi gamers

Unity Technologies owns Unity, a platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content.

“The Unity academic program will ensure a constant supply of skilled, trained and Unity-certified individuals are entering the industry to match the increased demand that will be driven by Abu Dhabi’s committed subsidy program for game development businesses,” said James Hartt, director of Gaming and Strategic Development at twofour54.

The gaming industry is booming. According to research by GlobalData, the video games market could become a $300 billion industry by 2025, spurred by the growth of mobile gaming and innovative offerings, like cloud gaming.