The Sandbox, a decentralized virtual gaming world subsidiary of Animoca Brands, has officially announced its collaboration with Riyadh-based game developer Sandsoft. The partnership aims to fuel The Sandbox’s growth in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East while simultaneously nurturing local talent in the gaming industry.
A Two-Fold Mission: Expansion and Education
Sebastien Borget, the COO and co-founder of The Sandbox, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will allow brands and creators across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to discover the creative opportunities The Sandbox provides.” Furthermore, he emphasized that the alliance would integrate Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural history into The Sandbox’s global ecosystem.
Similarly, David Fernandez, the CEO of Sandsoft, shared his optimism. He commented, “We’re pleased to announce this collaboration, which will drive opportunities for vibrant and diverse communities in Saudi Arabia and beyond.” Sandsoft aims to extend its existing initiatives to cultivate talent in the local gaming ecosystem, supported by its global team of more than 60 members.
Exploring the Metaverse and Real-world Opportunities
The collaboration has distinct goals that range from business to social impact. It aims to build a team of Web3 gaming experts who will partner with local public and private industry actors, entertainment firms, and even celebrities. This is to explore opportunities for gamified social experiences within The Sandbox. Additionally, the alliance will focus on educating and onboarding developers and artists into its ecosystem.
Moreover, Sandsoft’s ‘Press Start’ internship program seeks to enhance the game development skills of young people in Saudi Arabia under the mentorship of industry veterans like VP Studio Yahsir Qureshi and CTO Ahmed Sharif.
Sandsoft’s ‘Press Start’ Program
The program aims to facilitate the development of a fully functional mobile game within six months. Aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030, Press Start is designed to cultivate a variety of local skills and give a lift to the area’s gaming sector. Participants in the program will benefit from the expertise of Sandsoft’s industry leaders in various fields, offering specialization in either design, art, or coding.
Those accepted into the program will operate out of Sandsoft’s primary Riyadh Studio, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and resources. Oversight for Press Start comes from a group of respected veterans in the gaming industry who have been involved in high-profile games like Candy Crush Saga, FIFA, World of Tanks, and Need For Speed.
The Sandbox is not just a gaming platform but a part of the larger metaverse concept. It has over 400 partners, including notable names such as Warner Music Group, Ubisoft’s Rabbids, and Atari, each contributing to a shared digital space full of diverse experiences.