MBC Game Studio Makes Waves in the Industry with New Action-Adventure Title and Independent Operations
In a bold move that’s got everyone talking at Gamescom 2026, Saudi media conglomerate MBC Studios has officially expanded into the video game industry with the launch of its new studio, MBC Game Studio. Led by CEO Daniel Engelhardt and COO Trevor Williams, this nascent subsidiary is already making waves with its upcoming action-adventure title, 1001 Threads of Mizan, set within the world of One Thousand and One Nights.
This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the Middle Eastern entertainment powerhouse, which has provided “significant” financial backing for the game studio. What’s more, MBC Game Studio is being led by industry veterans from top studios like BioWare, Hi-Rez Studios, Ubisoft Montreal, and Bungie, who have been brought on board to work on this ambitious project. According to Engelhardt, the fully-remote global development team has been a major asset in attracting top talent, allowing them to approach great people and say “you can stay where you are” – a testament to the flexibility of remote working.
One of the most intriguing aspects of MBC Game Studio’s story is its connection to the Middle East. Engelhardt emphasized that the studio aims to build a business for a media company, with a focus on creating a great game that can become a franchise. “When we wake up every day,” he said, “we ask ourselves ‘how do we build a great game that can hopefully become a franchise?’ If we hit our marks, I think we will have had an impact on the region and the ability to make games there.” This commitment to building a sustainable business in the region is music to the ears of VR enthusiasts who have long been interested in seeing more innovation from emerging markets.
But what’s also noteworthy about MBC Game Studio is its decision not to leverage generative AI technology. According to Engelhardt, the studio has a strong belief that AI is only as strong as the person using it, and they’re backing their creative teams to empower developers rather than relying on automation. While some might view this as an old-fashioned approach, fans of VR know that human creativity and ingenuity are still the most valuable assets in the industry.
As MBC Game Studio’s 1001 Threads of Mizan is being demoed at Gamescom 2026, there’s no release window currently in sight – but when asked about prioritizing sustainability to bring the project to market, Engelhardt was adamant that the studio is being “mindful” about how it allocates resources. “Taking a creative risk is incredibly important,” he said passionately. “We wanted to give the team 110 percent freedom to go and do something unique and different. Players will tell us if we achieve that, but [that was] our mission from the beginning.”
The implications of MBC Game Studio’s emergence are significant for the VR industry as a whole. With more studios setting up shop in emerging markets, we can expect to see even more innovative projects pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual reality. As Engelhardt so aptly put it, “It’s an extremely appealing market – it’s fast-growing and there are a lot of players.” One thing is certain: VR enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to with MBC Game Studio on the scene, and we can’t wait to see what this exciting new player brings to the table.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-27