In a groundbreaking move to empower Pakistan’s youth with digital skills, HP and NASTP Pakistan, in collaboration with M&P, have launched the HP Gaming Garage Lab at the NASTP Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) in Lahore. This initiative aims to equip students with advanced knowledge in Esports Management and Game Development, opening new career pathways in Media, ICT, and the gaming industry.
A Strategic Move for Pakistan’s Digital Future
The National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), backed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), is a national technology project that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The launch of the HP Gaming Garage Lab is a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s role as a regional technology hub and empowering students with the skills needed to thrive in the global gaming ecosystem.
HP Gaming Garage: Empowering Students Through Technology
The HP Gaming Garage is a global initiative designed to provide education in Game Development and Esports Management. As part of this game-changing collaboration, HP has:
Equipped NIIT’s new lab with HP All-in-One PCs and Victus Gaming Laptops to offer high-performance computing for gaming and development.
Provided free access to the HP Gaming Garage online education platform, ensuring that students receive hands-on training in game design, coding, and Esports strategies.
Ensured that young Pakistani developers gain practical experience with cutting-edge technology, enabling them to compete in the rapidly expanding gaming industry.
This initiative is expected to revolutionize Pakistan’s digital landscape, providing students with market-relevant skills and paving the way for innovation and economic growth.
The Rise of the Gaming Industry: A Global and Local Perspective
The global gaming industry has witnessed exponential growth in the past decade, emerging as a key player in the digital economy.
By 2026, the number of PC gamers worldwide is projected to reach 909 million, surpassing console gamers by 33%.
The gaming industry contributes significantly to employment, innovation, and economic expansion, fueling demand for skilled game developers, designers, and Esports professionals.
Pakistan’s gaming and Esports sector is still in its early stages, but with the right infrastructure and investment, it holds the potential to become a major contributor to the country’s digital economy.
Industry Leaders Highlight the Power of Esports & Digital Innovation
The launch event featured key industry leaders, who emphasized the importance of gaming, Esports, and digital education in today’s world.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Asim Rana SI (M), Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command, highlighted that:
The gaming and Esports industry plays a vital role in the digital economy. To fully harness its potential, we must build the right infrastructure, develop skills, and create a strong ecosystem. Collaborative efforts like this will help Pakistan establish itself in the global digital market.
Nawaz Dhanji, Country Business Manager, HP Pakistan, expressed excitement about HP’s role in this initiative, stating:
HP is committed to expanding digital education in Pakistan. Through this partnership, we aim to provide free Game Development and Esports Management courses, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality learning resources.
Kamran Nishat, CEO & Managing Director of M&P, called the Gaming Garage Lab at NASTP a milestone in Pakistan’s tech industry, adding:
Providing cutting-edge technology and training resources will equip young Pakistanis with the skills needed for the digital economy. M&P is proud to support technological innovation in the country.
A Future-Ready Vision for Pakistan’s Gaming Industry
The HP Gaming Garage Lab is expected to serve as a launchpad for aspiring game developers, Esports experts, and digital content creators. This collaboration between HP, NASTP, and M&P reflects a shared vision of integrating technology and education, ensuring that Pakistan remains at the forefront of digital advancements in the region.
Key Benefits of the HP Gaming Garage Lab:
Hands-on training with state-of-the-art gaming hardware.
Access to global-standard online courses in Game Development & Esports Management.
Opportunities for students to build and showcase their skills in a growing industry.
With this initiative, Pakistan is taking a bold step toward becoming a key player in the gaming world. As the industry continues to evolve, the HP Gaming Garage Lab will serve as a center of excellence, shaping the next generation of game developers and Esports champions.
