Day three of ITCN Asia featured focused industry dialogue as P@SHA hosted the Games and Publishing Roundtable on January 19, bringing together key stakeholders from Pakistan’s growing games ecosystem. The session reflected the increasing attention being given to interactive entertainment and publishing as part of the country’s broader technology landscape, with an emphasis on collaboration, shared learning, and long term sector development.
The roundtable was led by P@SHA Vice Chairman Raheel Iqbal and was attended by P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed along with several prominent leaders from the local games and publishing community. Participants shared insights drawn from their professional journeys, offering perspectives on how the sector has evolved in recent years and where opportunities and challenges currently exist. Discussions highlighted the changing dynamics of game development, publishing models, and market access, particularly for studios and creators operating from Pakistan. Speakers also reflected on the importance of building sustainable pipelines for talent and ensuring that local developers are equipped to compete in international markets while maintaining a strong domestic foundation.
From the P@SHA Secretariat, Aleem Abbas, Manager Skills Development, and Syeda Safa H., Associate Skills Development, played a central role in organizing and coordinating the session. Aleem Abbas opened the roundtable with a detailed presentation that set the context for discussion by outlining current trends within the games and publishing industry. His presentation addressed growth potential, workforce readiness, and the skills gap that continues to shape hiring and training decisions across studios. By grounding the conversation in data and practical observations, the presentation created space for a constructive exchange of ideas among participants, allowing them to openly discuss industry needs and possible areas for collaboration between academia, private studios, and industry bodies.
The roundtable functioned as an open forum rather than a formal panel, encouraging candid discussion and knowledge sharing among attendees. Participants spoke about challenges related to talent retention, access to publishing platforms, funding constraints, and the need for stronger mentorship structures for emerging developers. At the same time, the discussion highlighted positive momentum within Pakistan’s games sector, including a growing pool of skilled professionals and increasing interest from global publishers. By facilitating dialogue among experienced leaders and emerging voices, the session aimed to strengthen connections within the community and support a more cohesive approach to industry growth. The Games and Publishing Roundtable at ITCN Asia underscored P@SHA’s ongoing role in supporting sector specific conversations that contribute to a more connected and resilient technology ecosystem in Pakistan.
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