Manama: SKRA WLL, a Bahrain-based video game development company and subsidiary of SMRI Inc., part of Winning Entertainment Group Inc. (WEG), has launched its inaugural two-month game development internship program.
The program which began on July 1st, attracted over 400 applications, with SKRA accepting more than 300 interns into a structured training environment that simulates a professional game development studio.
“We are always seeking promising new frontiers around the world that we believe can help shape the future of the game and entertainment industries. With the establishment of SKRA in Bahrain and this first summer internship program, we hope to contribute to the long-term development of local talent, market growth and a sustainable game development industry,” said Kei Hiroki, Chief Executive Officer of SMRI Inc. and SKRA WLL.
Inaugural Studio-Scale Internship Program
The internship is the first in a series of training initiatives designed to help build and support Bahrain and the wider Middle East’s game development and entertainment industry.
“I am profoundly excited by SKRA WLL’s game development internship program. This initiative beautifully aligns with Bahrain’s vision to empower its youth in the thriving game industry, a priority strongly championed by the Minister of Education himself. It offers an invaluable opportunity for Bahraini students to gain world-class Japanese expertise and immerse themselves in our unique game culture. This program represents a significant leap in Japan-Bahrain digital cooperation, poised to fortify Bahrain’s knowledge economy and future game industry,” said Her Excellency Asako Okai, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
As part of the program, interns are working on the development of SINDABAD, a new game inspired by the legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
To support the interns’ game development process, SMRI is hosting an online open game development seminar on July 25 featuring Keiji Inafune, one of Japan’s most internationally recognized game creators behind globally acclaimed franchises including Mega Man, Onimusha, Dead Rising, and Lost Planet. The seminar will be open to the SKRA interns, as well as aspiring game creators and industry professionals worldwide.
Those interested in attending can find details on the SKRA Instagram account.
University Collaboration and Applied Research
SKRA plans to partner with local universities on practical training, research, curriculum development, and career pathways for students.
“Our partnership with SKRA WLL marks a significant step in bridging academic learning with real-world industry experience. We are delighted to enter this collaboration – one that extends meaningful, hands-on opportunities for our students within one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Through structured internships and immersive knowledge-building experiences, students will develop not only technical skills, but the teamwork, creative problem-solving, and production-ready mindset that the modern workforce demands. Together, we are strengthening Bahrain’s talent pipeline and contributing to the growth of a vibrant game development ecosystem across the region,” said Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic.
“At Euro University of Bahrain, we believe knowledge gained in the classroom comes alive when students use it to solve real problems. SKRA’s Summer Internship Programme is a strong example of learning by doing. Students build confidence, communication skills and curiosity, see the relevance of what they are learning and understand how ideas are developed in a real creative and digital business. It also gives them a window into an emerging sector where creativity, technology and enterprise come together, and where graduates need to learn quickly, work with others and turn ideas into products people value,” said Professor Andrew Nix, President of Euro University of Bahrain. For more information visit: https://skrastudio.com/ or
Instagram: @jpskra.bh or send an email to: info@skrastudio.com.
