Film And Gaming Forum Highlights Gaming's Role In Education And Social Responsibility Across Sectors

The final day of the Film and Gaming Forum, part of the Arab Media Summit 2025, highlighted gaming's role in innovation and education. Organised by the Dubai Films and Games Commission, the event showcased how gaming is becoming a significant global force. A session titled ‘Gaming Across Industries: Education, Government & the Private Sectors’ explored Dubai's efforts to build a gaming ecosystem through talent development and partnerships.

Faisal Kazim discussed the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The programme aims to position Dubai among the top 10 global gaming cities and create 30,000 jobs. Kazim noted that while regional consumption is rising, contributions as developers are limited. "The MENA region contributes less than other parts of the world to the $200 billion global gaming industry," he said.

Rob Auten highlighted how AI is transforming gaming beyond traditional play. "Historically, games had fixed outcomes. But now, with AI, we can create open-ended experiences shaped by player choices," he explained. Auten shared examples from his studio’s work where game development tools are applied in finance and wellness sectors.

Sophie Boutros from MBRSC spoke about integrating gaming into academic curricula. The Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Development was developed with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. "Our aim is for students to graduate with a playable game as a capstone project," Boutros stated. She emphasised changing public perception to recognise gaming as a legitimate career path.

Another session titled ‘Beyond the Screen: The Future of Drama and Media in Creating Impact’ featured prominent Arab actors discussing drama's societal influence. Moderated by Neshan Der Haroutiounian, it included Kuwaiti actress Huda Hussain, Egyptian actor Ahmed El Sakka, and Lebanese artist Georges Khabbaz. They explored drama’s responsibility in addressing social issues.

Huda Hussain described drama as soft power that enters homes and hearts uniquely. Addressing criticism of her series Zawja Wahida La Takfi (One Wife Is Not Enough), she explained it tackles social issues across societies. "We set the story in a school...reflective of real dynamics in the region," she said.

Social Responsibility in Media

Laila Abdallah participated in a session on social media's truthfulness moderated by Rodolph Hilal. The discussion focused on artists' roles in maintaining social responsibility online.

Georges Khabbaz stressed that impactful drama should reflect society without dictating solutions. "Art must raise questions, not provide solutions," he said, highlighting storytelling's role in exploring identity and diversity.

Ahmed El Sakka emphasised balancing realism with influence in drama. He argued against claims that depicting issues like drug use promotes them, suggesting instead that drama can serve as a warning or lesson.

The forum concluded with an emphasis on drama’s potential to spark dialogue and connect people through shared stories across borders.

With inputs from WAM