Sep 09, 2026

From Gaming+ to the Global Stage

What began with the students’ participation in a gaming event at KFUPM grew into an entrepreneurial journey that took them to one of the world’s largest gaming industry events.

KFUPM students Abdulaziz Sultan Alamri and Amer Ibrahim Dighriri, founders of ByteVectors, participated in Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, alongside Anas Thabet Hakami, their marketing partner.

Where the Journey Began

The journey began at Gaming Plus, a gaming event hosted at KFUPM. Abdulaziz and Amer participated in the Gaming+ Game Jam and emerged as winners, earning the opportunity to join the CODE Gaming Incubator as part of the event’s development pathway. Through the incubator, they continued developing their game, refining its commercial potential, and preparing ByteVectors to move from a student project toward a promising gaming startup.

Following their success, KFUPM’s Deanship of Student Affairs supported and facilitated the students’ participation in Gamescom 2026, enabling them to take a project developed through a university activity and introduce it directly to key decision-makers in the global gaming industry.

The students adapted their pitch for different audiences and explored opportunities related to publishing, distribution, investment, and international partnerships. They held numerous meetings with potential investors and established promising connections with publishers and other industry representatives from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Brazil.

More Than Building a Game

Participating in a global event challenged the students to develop capabilities beyond game development. They had to ensure that their game was technically ready for an international audience, communicate its value clearly, understand different business cultures, and distinguish serious commercial opportunities from general interest.

KFUPM encourages students to explore interests across diverse fields and develop habits that complement their academic education, from entrepreneurship and self-reliance to multidisciplinary work and international exposure. Through student activities and opportunities supported by the university, they can test ideas, build new skills, and pursue experiences with real-world impact.

Their journey reflects entrepreneurship, one of the seven habits that shape the KFUPM student experience. At KFUPM, students are encouraged not only to develop ideas, but also to explore how those ideas can evolve into real-world ventures and opportunities.