Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hey,

I'm moving to Dubai soon (most likely in a few weeks) and sorta have a few questions if anyone's interested in answering (thanks for which are given in advance!) and clarifying.

Just to introduce myself a bit, though: I'm moving in from India, but have been a Singapore citizen since birth (still have the passport, and went for 2 years in the army as required). Been living in India most of the time though, but shifted cities a few times. Currently 22, jobless and looking for some work in Dubai.

I've worked in quite a few places till now, ranging from Administrative work in the Army, to working in a shipping company and more recently, a Game Master (GM) in an MMORPG for K2 Networks (American MMO Publishing company). Love gaming too - been playing since the good old days of Contra 1 & 2, and been hooked ever since.

Despite this, most of my interests have been in writing, especially science fiction and fiction. I've written several stories (mostly fan-fiction for various games), a few reviews/previews for one of the Indian gaming magazines and a bunch of other stuff (mostly in technical writing/animation scripts). Love reading as well though, and probably have one of the larger collections of Star Trek novels this side of London, I bet.

That's really it though. Otherwise I'm pretty boring to know. :p

1. What's the gaming scene/industry like in Dubai overall?
2. Are there any gaming magazines in the local area?
3. Is there any demand for technical writers (Freelance or otherwise) anywhere in Dubai?
4. What games are most popular in the local LAN gaming zones? CS, DoTA, WoW, etc?
5. What's the rate of original games in the stores? Is it horrendously expensive, or are the rates reasonable?
6. How's the online gaming there? Does Xbox live exist/work?
7. Any companies out there hiring ex-GMs or going into the computer games publishing biz? (sorry, just had to ask :p)

As mentioned, any answers to the above would be appreciated. The info on the website and links have answered most of the questions regarding moving already (although I might have more later!) so that isn't too much trouble, from what it seems.

we tried to do a playstation mag but there weren't enuf ads to justify keeping it going

there is game coverage in the PC titles (PC Mag, Windows) plus the "gadgets" mags like Stuff.

there is a gaming event coming up-- i think windows mag is involveds and LG is sponsorinbg-- they might need help?

best thing to dois maybe send your cv out to the editors of the various mags and see how you go-- maybe set up informational interviews when you get here

Hey,

Thanks for the reply and advise. Sad to hear about the mag, though. Tis the worst when they die out like that.

Anyways, I'll try and send out my CV to Windows magazine and a few others I've seen over the net. Hopefully they have place for freelancers, if nothing else.

Regards,
Singh

what MMORPG are you into?

Singh wrote:Hey,

I'm moving to Dubai soon (most likely in a few weeks) and sorta have a few questions if anyone's interested in answering (thanks for which are given in advance!) and clarifying.

Just to introduce myself a bit, though: I'm moving in from India, but have been a Singapore citizen since birth (still have the passport, and went for 2 years in the army as required). Been living in India most of the time though, but shifted cities a few times. Currently 22, jobless and looking for some work in Dubai.

I've worked in quite a few places till now, ranging from Administrative work in the Army, to working in a shipping company and more recently, a Game Master (GM) in an MMORPG for K2 Networks (American MMO Publishing company). Love gaming too - been playing since the good old days of Contra 1 & 2, and been hooked ever since.

Despite this, most of my interests have been in writing, especially science fiction and fiction. I've written several stories (mostly fan-fiction for various games), a few reviews/previews for one of the Indian gaming magazines and a bunch of other stuff (mostly in technical writing/animation scripts). Love reading as well though, and probably have one of the larger collections of Star Trek novels this side of London, I bet.

That's really it though. Otherwise I'm pretty boring to know. :p

1. What's the gaming scene/industry like in Dubai overall?
2. Are there any gaming magazines in the local area?
3. Is there any demand for technical writers (Freelance or otherwise) anywhere in Dubai?
4. What games are most popular in the local LAN gaming zones? CS, DoTA, WoW, etc?
5. What's the rate of original games in the stores? Is it horrendously expensive, or are the rates reasonable?
6. How's the online gaming there? Does Xbox live exist/work?
7. Any companies out there hiring ex-GMs or going into the computer games publishing biz? (sorry, just had to ask :p)

As mentioned, any answers to the above would be appreciated. The info on the website and links have answered most of the questions regarding moving already (although I might have more later!) so that isn't too much trouble, from what it seems.

Hey mate.

Firstly, Welcome to the Forums and soon to Dubai!.
I was in the same situation as you and was a Jobless 23 year old...

But I eventually found something here so don't worry. You will find something if you look hard enough!.

its nice to meet a fellow gamer ...something you don't see often in Dubai (you just find workaholics! )

Unfortunately, Gaming here is on a smaller scale compared to Asia or The West. It is picking up now, slowly. Recently there was an Xbox 360 tournament at the Mall of the Emirates.


To Answer your Questions:

1) Picking up. But the cost of Consoles and hardware may be high and availability is still restricted to some specialist electronic stores. With the rise in expat populations, the gaming scene will definitely grow!

There are quite a few Lan Gaming Centers in dubai, the majority of which are in 'old Dubai'. Most of them don't hold serious competitions.

In general, everything is available in Dubai, if you know where to look.

People mainly play games at home, and I think the majority are under the age of 25. (Less older gamers in Dubai). The UK has a Huge proportion of older gamers.

2) There are some Gaming Magazines and PC mags, for the Middle East. I am a member of one called 'Charged'. Nothing Special but its worth a read.

3) Not sure about this one. Although if there is a demand, it would be hard to find. As the other guy suggested, find out a list of Dubai based PC mags, and then send them your CV (try the Dubai Media City).

4) Alot of the Lan Gaming zones have all of the latest games. But people often restrict themselves to playing the oldest version of CS 1.3...for the cheats (i prefer Source), Warcraft, etc. Again, the majority of lan centers don't often hold organized competitions.

5) Original Games - New Releases are about 189 Bucks. For example, at Virgin Megastores, you can pickup the new CNC3 with the freebies (key chain, shirt, etc) for 189 Dhs.

Older releases don't depreciate in price that much...Unless you go to Carrefour, then you may find cheaper titles. The industry is still a Joke here.

6) Online gaming is really affected by the rubbish performance of Etisalats 'Network'.
At times the Pings will be normal/reasonable. Other times it will be all over the place. The internet here is not as stable as it would be back in Singapore. Some people have got Xbox Live to work. Not sure on the performance though.
I have managed to find a few Dubai based CS: S servers with a decent ping.

7) Not that I know of...You want to start something with me

If you have any other questions PM me.

Regards

V

what MMORPG are you into?

Right now? None. Looking to get back into EVE-online, maybe recover my old indy and assault frigates back again. When I get the time, usually play Navyfield too. Either I'll be getting back into EVE, or perhaps switching to something new - what exactly, I'll have to see (looking to pick up Vanguard: Saga of Heroes if at all possible - but that's reserved for when I have a good Graphics card to make it work.

V-Man wrote:Hey mate.

Firstly, Welcome to the Forums and soon to Dubai!.
I was in the same situation as you and was a Jobless 23 year old...

But I eventually found something here so don't worry. You will find something if you look hard enough!.

Hey,

Thanks for the thoughts. Already looking around, may have a few options here and there. Advise is much appreciated though, as always.

its nice to meet a fellow gamer ...something you don't see often in Dubai (you just find workaholics! )

Unfortunately, Gaming here is on a smaller scale compared to Asia or The West. It is picking up now, slowly. Recently there was an Xbox 360 tournament at the Mall of the Emirates.

As always, meeting other gamers is good. Meeting em on the competition field is always better! In either case, Point noted. Gaming's pretty much growing elsewhere as well - although in most cases the scale's already somewhat large.

To Answer your Questions:

1) Picking up. But the cost of Consoles and hardware may be high and availability is still restricted to some specialist electronic stores. With the rise in expat populations, the gaming scene will definitely grow!

There are quite a few Lan Gaming Centers in dubai, the majority of which are in 'old Dubai'. Most of them don't hold serious competitions.

In general, everything is available in Dubai, if you know where to look.

People mainly play games at home, and I think the majority are under the age of 25. (Less older gamers in Dubai). The UK has a Huge proportion of older gamers.

Understood.

2) There are some Gaming Magazines and PC mags, for the Middle East. I am a member of one called 'Charged'. Nothing Special but its worth a read.

Neat. I've heard of Windows and the like, but not 'Charged' though. Got a link on you, if you don't mind?

3) Not sure about this one. Although if there is a demand, it would be hard to find. As the other guy suggested, find out a list of Dubai based PC mags, and then send them your CV (try the Dubai Media City).

*Nods*. Thanks

4) Alot of the Lan Gaming zones have all of the latest games. But people often restrict themselves to playing the oldest version of CS 1.3...for the cheats (i prefer Source), Warcraft, etc. Again, the majority of lan centers don't often hold organized competitions.

Stopped playing CS and WC Ages ago. Good to know they have the latest games though - although how latest would remain to be seen. Do any have Supreme Commander or CnC3 yet?

5) Original Games - New Releases are about 189 Bucks. For example, at Virgin Megastores, you can pickup the new CNC3 with the freebies (key chain, shirt, etc) for 189 Dhs.

Older releases don't depreciate in price that much...Unless you go to Carrefour, then you may find cheaper titles. The industry is still a Joke here.

Ow. That's diving a fair bit into the pocket. Would it be correct to assume this price is the same for Xbox 360 games as well?

6) Online gaming is really affected by the rubbish performance of Etisalats 'Network'.
At times the Pings will be normal/reasonable. Other times it will be all over the place. The internet here is not as stable as it would be back in Singapore. Some people have got Xbox Live to work. Not sure on the performance though.
I have managed to find a few Dubai based CS: S servers with a decent ping.

Damn. After being spoiled by the Singapore internet, I thought the Indian internet was bad. If its the same in the Dubai though, then playing over Hamachi with my friends is going to be doubly bad.

Oh well...here's for hoping it'll improve eventually.

7) Not that I know of...You want to start something with me

If you have any other questions PM me.

Regards

V

That depends....what have you got in mind?

Thanks a lot for the answers, though, really appreciate 'em. I'll make sure to PM you if I have anymore.

Regards,
Singh

I haven't bought a game in years. But I have every latest game that I want. This is the situation with everyone I know. So guess where the local gaming industry stands?

This is the situation, starting from "old Dubai" and all the way to the Northern Emirates. Of course, "new Dubai" people buy original games, but there aren't enough of them to make gaming anything more than a simple pastime here (as it should be ).

Windows and PC Mag are the only computer mags I know of here. The rest I know of are imported. Oh yeah, and the internet service here is from the stone age.

thats great

ive been playing eve for a while too...maybe ill see sometime on the server. How long have you been playing?

I played Eve Online, very briefly, during a free trial period.

I enjoyed it, but at the time, I couldn't see myself putting in the hours to level up...hence I am not a fan of MMORPGS...more into the quick shooters. Still, I was impressed with EVE online.

With regards to the Charged magazine, I cant seem to find an online edition, except for this link :

http://www.itp.com/magazines/index.php#tech

http://www.itp.com/magazines/mediapacks/charged.php

Regards

V

whats great about it is that you dont need to be online to level up, you can just let the skills develop as you play, there are short cuts in learning skills fast.......i love the game so far

gtmash wrote:I haven't bought a game in years. But I have every latest game that I want. This is the situation with everyone I know. So guess where the local gaming industry stands?

Arrr, the situation be clear. Very clear indeed

Windows and PC Mag are the only computer mags I know of here. The rest I know of are imported. Oh yeah, and the internet service here is from the stone age.

Couldn't be as bad as the service down here. Meh, we'll see.

As to EVE-online, it's good. I played for a year before stopping, and after that took it up again periodically. More of an on-off sorta thing; unsure if I'll actually get back into it, or go for Battleground: Europe once I get a credit card. The charm in EVE is the corporations and such, and the people you play it with - unfortunately, due to lack of time and the time zone difference, this sorta gets difficult to do much. Still, we'll see...

@V-Man, thanks for the links. From the looks of it though, it seems like a general IT mag than anything else. As do most of the mags listed. Weren't kidding when you said gaming wasn't too much in Dubai. >_<

Well, best to apply anyway - who knows what could happen? :p

how about world of warcraft players? any?

tnx

used to play that game, stopped now after being introduced to Eve online

Okay, so I finally managed to move into Dubai. But looks like I wont be staying here either.

My family will be moving to Ras Al Kaimah (that's spelt correct? Not too sure lol) to help with my uncle's business there. Still looking for jobs in Dubai...but meh, we'll see. :s