“We envision Hitseeker as a platform that enables Kwalee to publish games with minimal human involvement”

• “This platform is by no means an automation for everything”
• Kwalee is also considering Hitseeker expansion in regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America

Stay Informed

Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan returns on November 9th and 10th, 2024, offering you a chance to gain insights into the world’s fastest-growing games market, MENA.

As part of our MENA coverage and run-up to the event, we spoke to Kwalee’s lead technical product manager Waqas Khan to learn how the latest update to their Hitseeker platform will transform the games landscape for Arabic-speaking developers and help them to compete globally.

Designed to bridge the gap between regional talent and global success, Hitseeker is offering MENA developers a toolkit to test, publish, and monetise their mobile games. 

PocketGamer.biz: How do you see the Arabic-language edition of Hitseeker impacting the MENA games market?

Waqas Khan: With its simplicity, Hitseeker allows mobile game developers to test their games at an early stage and get feedback from the experts at Kwalee. The Arabic version is a step towards allowing the developers to interact with the platform with ease and also read through the vast articles in the Knowledge Base section in their native language. 

Hitseeker’s Arabic launch signals Kwalee’s strong commitment to the MENA region, highlighting our confidence in the talent and potential within Arabic-speaking countries. By providing a platform tailored to local developers, Kwalee is not only expanding its presence but also demonstrating that top-tier publishers recognise the value of nurturing talent in this region.

This move reflects the growing interest from global games giants in the MENA market, reinforcing the region’s status as a rising hub for mobile game development.

The mobile games market is highly competitive. How does Hitseeker assist MENA developers in optimising their games for global success? 

This platform is by no means an automation for everything. But what differentiates this is that Kwalee is fully committed to it and has a dedicated team behind it that treats every game as a prospect to be the next big hit. With no commitment, Hitseeker gives all the tools developers need to transform their game with the hope that we’re ‘Making The Most Fun Games For The World’s Players’.

With Hitseeker, MENA developers not only gain direct access to Kwalee’s experienced publishing team, who provide personalised and serious feedback, but they also benefit from Kwalee SDK integration. This integration offers developers basic stats about their game, allowing them to track performance and understand player behaviour. 

Also, Hitseeker allows developers to test their games and receive initial results, giving them critical insights early in the development process. These features ensure that MENA developers have the tools and support they need to refine their games for global success.

How does Hitseeker’s data influence game development and publishing decisions for MENA developers?

Hitseeker offers critical insights throughout the development process. The majority of studios in MENA need a platform that keeps them connected with European market trends and feedback. This platform is a bridge between MENA studios and the European market.

Also, with Kwalee’s SDK integration, developers gain access to basic stats about their games, allowing them to monitor performance and player engagement. This data helps developers make informed decisions on gameplay adjustments and design improvements, ensuring their games are optimised for both regional and global audiences.

With personalised insights from Kwalee’s publishing team, this data-driven approach empowers MENA developers to align their strategies with market demands, boosting their chances of success across the globe. 

Is there a community among Arabic-speaking developers using Hitseeker? Will there be opportunities for collaboration and networking?

With features like “Discussion Forum” on Hitseeker, MENA developers will have the opportunity to ask questions & share insights, participate in joint efforts, and connect with global industry professionals, enhancing both learning and partnership possibilities.

Are there plans to include more region-specific content?

We plan to develop a learning module specifically tailored to the needs of regional developers. This module will focus on delivering content that addresses the unique requirements of local developers. To ensure we accurately understand their needs, we will include a request form for direct feedback on the skills and knowledge they seek.

Also, we aim to implement more automation and streamline access to tools, complemented by targeted training on their usage and data interpretation. This will provide indie studios in the region with greater exposure to modern technologies and best practices.

Does Kwalee aim to grow Hitseeker’s presence in other regions outside MENA? What regions are you considering? 

Yes, we plan to expand Hitseeker’s presence beyond the MENA region. The company is considering regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, where there is a growing games community and potential for collaboration with local developers. 

This expansion aims to support a broader range of developers and tap into emerging markets with unique needs and opportunities. The next immediate languages and regions that I would target from the broad regions specified above are:

• South Korea
• China (Mandarin localisation)
• Japanese
• German

What is the long-term vision for Hitseeker? And do you have plans to publish games from other platforms outside mobile? 

We envision Hitseeker as a platform that enables Kwalee to publish games with minimal human involvement, allowing us to deliver more entertaining games to players. This platform will extend Kwalee’s reach to areas with limited human capital. 

It will ensure that indie developers working independently in remote locations can access the same resources and opportunities as those in large studios. Hitseeker will bridge the gap where Kwalee’s physical presence cannot, providing equitable support and resources to developers worldwide.