Pod Camp: Spotify Collaborates with Gamers8 and Kerning Cultures to Empower Gaming Content Creators in Saudi Arabia

Spotify, Gamers8, and Kerning Cultures have joined forces to introduce Pod Camp, an immersive 6-week podcast boot camp exclusively designed for aspiring gaming podcast creators in Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to empower passionate gamers and equip them with the skills to launch their podcasts.

Pod Camp offers a unique opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to bring their podcasting dreams to life. With a tailor-made curriculum, participants will receive a comprehensive crash course in podcasting, covering essential aspects such as show development, distribution strategies, audience growth, and more. The program is specially crafted for newcomers to the gaming podcast scene, ensuring they gain valuable insider knowledge and insights.

Supported by renowned podcast production company Kerning Cultures, Pod Camp leverages its expertise and local relevance to provide participants with a comprehensive program. This includes mentorship from industry professionals and guest speakers, offering invaluable guidance throughout the course. 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 Pod Camp participants will be selected and announced  by a jury comprising representatives from Spotify, Gamers8, and Kerning Cultures on July 1, 2023.

A key highlight of the program will be the live podcast show during the global gaming and Esports festival Gamers8, enabling participants to release their podcasts and gain exposure through the endorsement and support of Gamers8, Spotify, and Kerning Cultures. This interactive live podcast show will take place during the event, offering podcasters the opportunity to present their shows to a live audience.

"Our collaboration with Gamers8 and Kerning Cultures for Pod Camp exemplifies Spotify's unwavering commitment to nurturing aspiring podcast creators in Saudi Arabia," said Rhea Chedid, Senior Podcast Manager at Spotify MENA. "We believe in 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 ."

"Podcasting and gaming are modern-day adaptations of the MENA regions' age-old traditions of storytelling and community. It is not surprising to see that both industries are growing exponentially with every passing year," said Maher Ali, Chief of Staff at Kerning Cultures.

"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 said: “Music and audio experiences are an essential part of esports and gaming. We are delighted to announce our strategic collaboration with Spotify and Kerning Cultures, enabling us to provide gaming enthusiasts with establishing a clear pathway to the exciting realm of podcasting. Through the synergy of esports, technology and entertainment, we are committed to fostering a transformative environment aimed to inspire the gaming community and nurture the next generation of podcast creators in the Kingdom."

Applications for Pod Camp are now open. Register today to shape the future of gaming podcasts in Saudi Arabia. The application deadline is June 22, 2023.