Hassan Khan
Pakistan has taken a big step toward shaping its place in the global creative tech scene. Work is now underway on the country’s first ever Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA) a project designed to train local talent, spark innovation, and give the industry the push it’s been waiting for.
The centre is being set up under the Ignite National Technology Fund, with HUM Networks leading the project. Valued at Rs. 2.52 billion, the plan officially kicked off on August 1, 2025, after a year of competitive bidding and detailed evaluations. Over the next five years and three months, CEGA will operate as a training hub and creative space for young professionals eager to enter the booming gaming and animation market.
More Than Just a Training Facility
This isn’t just about classrooms and workshops. CEGA will feature state of the art production gear, shared creative workspaces, and specialized training programs covering game design, animation, and visual effects. The aim is to give Pakistan’s young creators the same tools and opportunities you’d find in leading global studios.
Read More: Pakistan Online Gaming Community to Reach 45 Million in 2025
According to Ignite, this project could do more than create jobs it could help position Pakistan as a regional leader in a billion dollar global industry.
Why are we doing this now?
Pakistan’s gaming Community is already on the rise, pulling in $170 million in revenue last year. The country has over 8,000 professionals in the field and a strong pipeline of fresh talent, with 30,000 ICT graduates every year. Add to that 195 million mobile users, 119 million 3G/4G subscribers, and a young, English-speaking population and the growth potential is clear.
From Idea to Reality
The journey to CEGA started in May 2024, with a multi-step procurement process including technical checks, financial reviews, and grievance hearings. In May 2025, HUM Networks was given the green light to lead the project. The contract was signed on July 15, 2025, and everything is being carried out under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to ensure transparency.
New Era for Pakistan’s Gaming Economy
Ignite sees CEGA as more than a single project. It’s part of a bigger vision to merge technology, art, and media into a thriving ecosystem. If things go as planned, Pakistan could soon be competing for international gaming and animation projects while creating a homegrown industry that inspires and sustains future talent.
