Video Game Studio Leadership

Sunday to Thursday, 7 to 10 PM • KAFD, Riyadh • Limited Seats

OCTOBER 25-29, 2026

Register Now

What We Offer

Exel designs and delivers structured innovation programs that help founders, organizations, and ecosystem partners move from intent to execution, with discipline, quality, and measurable outcomes.

/ Accelerator Programs

Exel accelerator programs support startups at different stages by combining structured guidance with hands-on execution. Across accelerators, incubators, and innovation tracks, Exel helps founders validate ideas, refine business models, and build products that are ready for real markets.

/ Incubation & Early Stage Support

Incubation and early stage support at Exel is designed to help founders turn strong ideas into viable businesses. The program focuses on early validation, product direction, and market fit, providing close mentorship and practical resources from day one.

/ Open Innovation Platforms

Open innovation platforms at Exel connect startups, corporates, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities. These programs are designed to surface new ideas, test them in real-world contexts, and accelerate adoption through meaningful partnerships.

/ Hackathons & Challenge-Based Innovation

Hackathons and challenge-based innovation at Exel bring together founders, builders, and partners to solve real-world problems in a focused, high-energy setting. These programs encourage rapid experimentation, collaboration, and creative thinking, turning ideas into tangible prototypes.

/ Learning & Capability Building

Learning and capability building at Exel equips founders and teams with the skills needed to grow strong, resilient businesses. Through workshops, expert-led sessions, and practical frameworks, participants strengthen their understanding of strategy, product, and execution.

Learn more

Class Fees

Early Bird 

Save SAR 350

1,700

1,350

SAR

(incl. VAT)

Per class • Early Bird offer ends 24 September 2026

Register Now

Exel accelerator programs support startups at different stages by combining structured guidance with hands-on execution. Across accelerators, incubators, and innovation tracks, Exel helps founders validate ideas, refine business models, and build products that are ready for real markets.

Regular Registration

1,700

SAR

(incl. VAT)

Per class

Register Now

Exel accelerator programs support startups at different stages by combining structured guidance with hands-on execution. Across accelerators, incubators, and innovation tracks, Exel helps founders validate ideas, refine business models, and build products that are ready for real markets.

Class Outline

/01.

Founder's Identity

‍

Developing a leader’s mindset, leadership identity, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

/02.

Communication Leadership

‍

Building communication, storytelling, conflict management and public speaking skills.

/03.

Leading Operational Excellence

‍

Building an execution culture, setting goals and KPIs, creating startup systems and managing time effectively.

/04.

Scaling Your Leadership

‍

Growing as a leader, building leadership teams, leading through change and making ethical decisions.

/05.

Building and Leading High-Performing Teams

‍

Hiring your first team, creating a strong studio culture, delegating effectively and leading high performers.

Instructor

Kelly Zmak

40+

Years in the game industry

300+

Titles shipped

Kelly Zmak is a veteran video game executive with more than 40 years of experience across free‑to‑play, console, PC and mobile games. Since starting at Activision in 1985, he has led teams behind more than 300 titles and served as President and CEO of Infinite Game Publishing and President of Radical Entertainment. He is the founder and CEO of Performance Ahead Consulting, advising and coaching organizations from early‑stage startups to Fortune 100 companies.

What You'll Walk Away With

Founder Leadership Profile and Self-Assessment

Exel accelerator programs support startups at different stages by combining structured guidance with hands-on execution. Across accelerators, incubators, and innovation tracks, Exel helps founders validate ideas, refine business models, and build products that are ready for real markets.

Communication, Storytelling and Conflict Toolkit

Incubation and early stage support at Exel is designed to help founders turn strong ideas into viable businesses. The program focuses on early validation, product direction, and market fit, providing close mentorship and practical resources from day one.

Team Culture, Hiring and Operations Plan

Open innovation platforms at Exel connect startups, corporates, and ecosystem partners to collaborate on shared challenges and opportunities. These programs are designed to surface new ideas, test them in real-world contexts, and accelerate adoption through meaningful partnerships.

READY TO START YOUR CLASS?

Register Now