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"Harwel Ya Wahesh", a 2D smartphone game developed by Na3M Games , based in Amman, Jordan; saw an unexpected success as the game was listed among the "best new games" in the Apple App Store, Middle East; and it was the third most downloaded game in KSA.

Gaming industry in the Middle East

With expectations of growing from 49% of total revenues to 57% by 2017, smartphone gaming is the fastest growing sector in the video-game industry.  A report about the importance and size of smartphone gaming in the MENA region, published by the[a]listdaily, says there are about 11.8 million users every day.  The revenues are expected to grow from 900 million dollars, in 2011, to a staggering 3.2 billion by 2016, a 26% yearly growth rate.

Na3m Games

Na3m Games was founded in early 2013 in Amman, Jordan.  The company is set out to fulfill the need for fun games with a local identity.  With local talents and expertise, Na3m produces entertaining video-games aimed at regional and international markets.

The company has been developing a large group of products in categories ranging from education to adventure.  Na3m focuses on designs that reflect the culture of the region.  The company will also develop, in association with the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, an educational entertaining game that helps gamers explore the different cultural attractions in KSA, learn about its history, and preserve the country's heritage.  According to Chris Jackson, the Project Manager at Na3m: "There's a new game that will be launched soon, and we're planning for many things this year."

Harwel Ya Wahesh

"Harwel Ya Wahesh" is an endless 2D 'run-and-jump' game with no levels. You control a camel called Faisal that runs automatically, and all you have to do is get him to jump over obstacles  on different surfaces or avoid weird enemy creatures.  The camel can also blow fire on enemies and fly using a flying carpet where he might face rockets.

You can also collect gold and dates to use it later.  Gold is used in the game's store to buy aids such as the flying carpet and power-ups that help the camel travel for a longer distance.  In case you lose, you can use dates, that are also available for sale in the game's store, to revive Faisal and get a high score.  You can also share your score on social media and challenge your friends!

Road to success

"Using a camel as the main character in the game was a suggestion made by our CEO, Fahd Al Saud, who loved camels so much that he used to spend the summer with his relatives in the desert to play with camels," said Chris Jackson on how the idea of 'Harwel Ya Wahesh' was created.  

The biggest obstacle was to "convince people in the Middle East that there are video-game companies in this region creating games that can compete with those by Western companies," explains Chris.  "We are trying to correct that perspective with what we offer."

According to Chris, there are several important factors to consider when developing a smartphone game. First,  "you have to develop a simple, yet entertaining game.  Fun is the most important part.  You can add a lot to a game, but if it wasn't basically fun, no one would download it," he explained.  Second, "you have to keep in mind that this is a smartphone game. It's quite easy to be tempted to add complex elements that you see in console or PC games, but you simply cannot do that in a smartphone game."

I personally played the game, and I can't deny that it is addictive despite its simplicity. But, perhaps, simplicity is what made it so successful, think FlappyBird for instance. What I found most appealing is the design of the interface. The developers have succeeded in showing the Arab identity in all elements of the game, from design, music, sound effects and Faisal, the comic camel character.  'Harwel Ya Wahesh' is available, free of charge, on Android  and iOS.  An English version of the game will be launched for the international market soon.