Islamabad, Aug 28: From 2018 to 2023, Pakistan saw a 32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the number of native apps downloaded globally. Globally, Pakistani-developed apps were downloaded 1.6 billion times in 2023.
Google has introduced new initiatives including Google Ads Academy and Game Design Masterclass in several major cities as part of its ongoing commitment to closely support Pakistan’s gaming and app industries. Nearly 350 of Pakistan’s best developers attended Google’s Think Apps 2024 in Lahore, which was organized by the company and brought together regional and international industry leaders and experts. This year’s Think Apps, the biggest in the industry, built on the success of Think Apps in 2023 by giving developers the tools they need to apply AI to propel innovation, expansion, and sustainability in Pakistan’s rapidly growing app market.
The most recent Economic Impact Report from Access Partnership states that by concentrating on digital exports, Pakistan can achieve an annual income boost of $6.6 billion by 2030. The gaming and app industries have been identified as one of the main development opportunity sectors. Pakistan’s software and gaming industries have grown remarkably in recent years. The nation ranked 17th in the world for overall app downloads in 2023, but despite this, the industry is still strong since in-app purchase (IAP) revenue increased by 50%.
Making durable, high-quality video games is one of Pakistani developers’ greatest opportunities. After that, reaching users worldwide continues to be of utmost importance. In an effort to strengthen its developer support initiatives, Google is introducing new initiatives in 2024:
Game Design Masterclass: During a rigorous 6-month curriculum, this program brings together Pakistan’s most gifted game developers from the finest studios in the nation to teach them how to make high-caliber games.
Google Ads Academy: Marketing experts from Pakistan’s top studios can attend in-person training sessions focused on app growth tactics at these offline hackathon workshops in Lahore and Islamabad.
Construct with Cloud and AI AI Study Jams: Through practical AI and Cloud training, developers can further their competence. Under this program, about 9,300 developers have received training to date.
These projects expand upon Google’s earlier efforts to assist Pakistani developers, such as Google App Academy, which has enrolled over 800 people to date. These Urdu-localized online classes for marketing professionals offer in-depth training on important marketing issues that maximize reach and revenue. Google is also expanding participation at important events such as the Google Developer Conference (US), APAC’s App Summit, and CXO gatherings in APAC, which link Pakistan’s leading talent in gaming and app studios with international counterparts.
Google thinks that having a balanced and forward-thinking attitude is essential for success in the app sector. Think applications 2024 showcased local and regional players who have used Google’s AI solutions to produce high-quality applications, achieve financial success, and establish long-term enterprises. The event focused on how AI is transforming game and app creation.
Google’s Director for Pakistan, Farhan S. Qureshi, stated:
“The gaming and app industries in Pakistan have a great deal of room to grow in the long run. Leading the way in mobile app development are a number of Pakistani studios: Vyro.AI, Hazel Mobile, Games District, GeniTeam, and Finz Games. These companies regularly produce millions of downloads every day, employ hundreds of Pakistanis, and attract international recognition”.
