TelQuel: How did CN Studio come about? What kinds of games do you develop, and for whom?
Oussama Ouaziz: After several years of working independently, we developed our own approach to creating and promoting video games. This method proved effective and enabled us to generate sufficient monthly revenue to establish CN Studio in 2017. Despite limited resources, we managed to compete with studios that have much larger budgets.
Today, we primarily create mobile games aimed at a broad audience, monetized through in-app advertising and purchases. To promote our games, we rely on new digital marketing strategies, including collaborations with gamers, sponsored ads on social media, and various App Store Optimization (ASO) techniques.
What are the profiles of your collaborators?
We work with a variety of profiles: developers, graphic designers, game designers, and digital marketing specialists. Most of our collaborators are self-taught, having learned through online courses, and we also bring in freelance talent from abroad to meet specific needs.
As a new startup, what challenges are you facing?
The challenges are numerous. First, there are very few schools in Morocco that specialize in video game development, resulting in a shortage of skilled talent. Additionally, like many online businesses, we face restrictions on foreign currency payments and burdensome administrative procedures.
Morocco is starting to take an interest in the video game industry. How do you explain this enthusiasm for gaming? Is it a generational trend or driven by international market demands?
This enthusiasm isn’t entirely new: back in the 1980s and 1990s, many enthusiasts were already interested in video games, but the industry was primarily centered in countries that manufactured consoles and hardware.
The rise of smartphones, widespread high-speed internet, and the popularity of streaming have allowed the sector to flourish worldwide.
According to some studies (including those by Newzoo), the global video game market generated nearly $184 billion in revenue in 2022, and that figure is expected to exceed $200 to $210 billion by 2025—an amount greater than that of the film or even music industries.
This industry offers a wide range of professional opportunities (programming, design, animation, esports, streaming, etc.), which has already led to the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs… and millionaires.
To respond accurately, it’s important to distinguish two major areas within the gaming industry. The first concerns e-sports and the associated professions. Morocco has significant potential to become a leader in this field, provided that clear strategies are defined and talent is effectively supported. The recent measures taken by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication are encouraging steps in this direction.
The second area involves development studios and the creation of companies capable of competing with major international players. In the face of intense competition from Gulf countries that offer significant incentives, it’s essential for all involved organizations to combine efforts to build a strong ecosystem. The ministry alone cannot resolve all the challenges mentioned above.
It would also be risky to rely solely on attracting foreign groups, as Moroccan developers face different challenges than those of large multinationals. The Turkish model is an interesting example: within just a few years, Turkey managed to emerge on the scene thanks to its own studios.
While not advocating complete isolation, it remains crucial to prioritize supporting local talent—those best positioned to represent Morocco’s interests and secure its lasting presence on the global stage.
Written in French by Karim El Haddady, edited in English by Eric Nielson
