Lahore, In a significant development for the digital gaming industry in Pakistan, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a new partnership with Mindstorm Studio, a leading Pakistani game developer. This collaboration is aimed at empowering the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) by offering them opportunities to excel in the burgeoning field of digital gaming, a sector recognized for its potential to drive economic growth and innovation.

According to Embassy of The United States of America, the initiative seeks to tap into the creative potential of the youth in KP by introducing game development-focused curricula in universities and positioning game development as a promising career path. Through engaging activities such as the Game Jam competition and various capacity-building workshops, USAID and Mindstorm Studio intend to cultivate a dynamic gaming ecosystem. This ecosystem is expected to significantly contribute to the development of KP’s digital economy, aligning with broader efforts to foster innovation and skill development in the region.

USAID Mission Director V. Kate Somvongsiri highlighted the transformation of gaming from a niche hobby to a multi-billion dollar global industry, underscored by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The partnership with Mindstorm Studio underscores the United States’ commitment to fostering digital skills and opening new career avenues for the youth in KP. This effort is also aligned with a broader five-year, $24.7 million initiative aimed at collaborating with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the private sector to enhance economic opportunities within the province, including its Merged Districts.

This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to economic empowerment, leveraging the global digital gaming industry’s growth to create new opportunities for the young population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.