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MBC Game Studio, a newly launched developer backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has announced its debut title during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live event in Germany. The studio, led by former Lionsgate gaming executive Daniel Engelhardt, unveiled “1001 Threads of Mazin,” an action-adventure game drawing inspiration from the classic collection of Arabic folk tales known as “One Thousand and One Nights.”
Rather than focusing on well-known characters from the source material, the game introduces three original protagonists—Yusra, Malik, and Sufyan—who embark on a quest to recover the lost power of the Mizan and defeat an ancient jinn king threatening humanity. The title maintains the iconic frame narrative featuring Scheherazade and Shahryar, while expanding into broader Arabic folklore traditions. The game features cooperative gameplay for up to three players, with flying carpets serving as a central mechanic for traversal and combat.
The development team assembled by MBC Game Studio reflects a global roster of veterans from major studios including BioWare, Ubisoft, and Bungie. Notably, the studio prioritized hiring Arabic developers, folklore experts, and regional talent to guide the project’s creative direction. Leadership emphasizes that cultural consultants serve as integral design team members rather than external advisors, influencing narrative, mechanics, and visual aesthetics throughout development.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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