In a groundbreaking collaboration, Spotify, Gamers8, and Kerning Cultures have announced the launch of Pod Camp, a 6-week podcast boot camp exclusively designed for aspiring gaming podcast creators in Saudi Arabia. This innovative initiative aims to empower passionate gamers by equipping them with the necessary skills to launch their own podcasts.
Riyadh, 8 June 2023 – Pod Camp offers a unique opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to bring their podcasting dreams to life. The program features a tailor-made curriculum that provides participants with a comprehensive crash course in podcasting, covering essential aspects such as show development, distribution strategies, audience growth, and more. The program is specifically designed for newcomers to the gaming podcast scene, ensuring they gain valuable insider knowledge and insights.
Renowned podcast production company Kerning Cultures, known for its expertise and local relevance, is supporting Pod Camp by providing participants with a comprehensive program. The collaboration includes mentorship from industry professionals and guest speakers who will offer invaluable guidance throughout the course. The sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including “Podcasts and Gaming,” “The Editorial Process,” “Sound Gear and Recording,” “Audio Editing,” “Sound and Publishing – Spotify for Podcasters,” and more. The participants for Pod Camp will be selected and announced by a jury comprising representatives from Spotify, Gamers8, and Kerning Cultures on July 1, 2023.
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One of the key highlights of the program will be a live podcast show during the global gaming and Esports festival, Gamers8. This live podcast show will provide participants with the opportunity to release their podcasts and gain exposure through the endorsement and support of Gamers8, Spotify, and Kerning Cultures. It will take place during the event, allowing podcasters to present their shows to a live audience.
Rhea Chedid, Senior Podcast Manager at Spotify MENA, expressed Spotify’s commitment to nurturing aspiring podcast creators in Saudi Arabia through the collaboration with Gamers8 and Kerning Cultures. Chedid stated, “We believe that people should be equipped with the right tools to create content around what they are passionate about. We’ve seen that Saudi Arabia has a thriving gaming community, and we wanted to make sure gaming content creators, players, and superfans got the chance to communicate their passions through storytelling and podcasts.”
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Maher Ali, Chief of Staff at Kerning Cultures, highlighted the connection between podcasting and gaming, stating, “Podcasting and gaming are modern-day adaptations of the MENA region’s age-old traditions of storytelling and community. It is not surprising to see that both industries are growing exponentially with every passing year. E-sports and gaming foster devoted communities, both online and offline. Podcasting is one more way gamers can dive further into the worlds they are exploring. We’re thrilled to be working with Spotify and Gamers8 to train aspiring game-focused podcasters through this six-week training program.”
Omar Batterjee, Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations at Saudi Esports Federation, expressed delight in the strategic collaboration with Spotify and Kerning Cultures, which enables gaming enthusiasts to establish a clear pathway to the exciting realm of podcasting. Batterjee emphasized the commitment to fostering a transformative environment that inspires the gaming community and nurtures the next generation of podcast creators in the Kingdom.
Applications for Pod Camp are now open, and interested individuals can register to shape the future of gaming podcasts in Saudi Arabia. The application deadline is June 22, 2023.
For more information and to access the complete terms and conditions of Pod Camp, please visit the Pod Camp website. By participating in Pod Camp, all applicants agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined on the website.
About Spotify:
Spotify, launched in 2008, transformed music listening forever. It offers over 100 million tracks and 5 million podcast titles for free, with the option to upgrade to Spotify Premium for exclusive features and an enhanced music listening experience. With 515 million users, including 210 million subscribers in over 180 markets, Spotify is currently the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service.
About Gamers8 – The Land of Heroes:
Gamers8 is the world’s largest esports and gaming festival, attracting elite esports champions and gaming enthusiasts. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans eight weeks from July to September 2023, offering a variety of challenges and experiences each week. The festival features top esports teams, performances by global music artists, interactive gaming platforms, and insights into video game creation. With a total prize pool of over $45 million, Gamers8: The Land of Heroes aims to bring together the best in esports in a purpose-built venue.
About the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF):
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body responsible for nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia. The federation focuses on developing competitive gamers at all levels and catalyzing the gaming/esports value chain by enabling talent. Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple national and international tournaments, attracted investments from the local private sector, and collaborated with international developers.
About Kerning Cultures Network:
Kerning Cultures Network is a premier podcast network that produces chart-topping podcasts in Arabic and English. Founded in 2015, the startup aims to forge a new kind of storytelling and build a world-class media company from the Arab world. Kerning Cultures’ podcasts have received numerous awards and recognition, collaborating with notable partners and creating captivating content.
For more updates, follow the respective handles:
Spotify: Twitter – @SpotifyKSA | Instagram – @SpotifyKSA | Facebook – @SpotifyGulf
Gamers8: Twitter – @Gamers8GG | Facebook – @Gamers8GG | YouTube – Gamers8GG | Instagram – @Gamers8_en | Twitch – Gamers8GG
SEF: Website – [https://saudiesportsfed.org/]
Kerning Cultures: Website – [www.kerningcultures.com] | Instagram – @KerningCultures | Twitter – @KCNetwork, @KCNetworkArabic | YouTube – KerningCultures
