The Rise of The Gaming industry in Saudi Arabia
The gaming industry in Saudi Arabia, fuelled by government initiatives like Vision 2030 and a young, tech-savvy population, is rapidly growing, aiming to become a global hub for gaming and e-sports, with significant investments and a focus on local talent development.
Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as a global hub for gaming and e-sports, driven by infrastructure and talent development investments, and hosting major events like the E-Sports World Cup and the Olympics E-sports games.
Features of Saudi Arabia e-sports growth
- The Saudi government recognizes the potential of the gaming industry as one of the key drivers of economic diversification, moving away from reliance on oil.
- The National Gaming and E-sports Strategy (NGES), part of Vision 2030, aims to create jobs, attract investment, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global gaming hub.
- Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the gaming sector, with billions of dollars earmarked for infrastructure, e-sports events, and local game development.
- The Saudi gaming market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a large, engaged gamer base.
- The government is actively promoting local talent through e-sports leagues and educational programs, aiming to create a skilled workforce in the gaming industry.
- Beyond economic benefits, the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia is also seen as a way to engage young Saudis and foster a sense of national pride.
PIF’s (Public Investment Fund) gaming investments in Saudi Arabia
The PIF’s (Public Investment Fund) gaming investments in Saudi Arabia, part of Vision 2030, aim to transform the country into a global gaming and e-sports hub, diversifying the economy and creating jobs with initiatives like the National Gaming and E-sports Strategy.
The National Gaming and E-sports Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global gaming and e-sports industry leader. This strategy includes goals to incubate 250 gaming companies and create 39,000 jobs. The strategy will contribute $13.3 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030.
Key Features of the PIF’s Gaming Investments
- The strategy is supported by initiatives like the Qiddiya E-sports and Gaming District, which aims to attract 10 million visitors annually and incubate 30 leading video game development companies.
- PIF has created Savvy Games Group, a dedicated gaming and e-sports company, to drive the industry’s long-term growth.
- Savvy Games Group has already made significant investments, including acquiring ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the largest e-sports company in the world, and Scopely, a U.S. games publisher.
- PIF also owns gaming companies, including Nintendo, Capcom, and SNK.
- PIF also invests in Japanese gaming companies, with plans to transfer shares to Savvy Games Group.
- PIF aims to connect the gaming industry and establish a centralized hub for game developers, marketers, distributors, hardware manufacturers, and IP.
- The goal is to create a vibrant gaming and e-sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, attracting local and international talent and investment.
- PIF also invests in infrastructure and events, such as the E-sports World Cup, to further promote the gaming and e-sports industry in Saudi Arabia.
- The PIF’s investments in gaming, sports, and entertainment are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a plan to diversify its revenue and move away from solely relying on oil revenue.
Business Potential in Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Industry
Saudi Arabia presents significant gaming business opportunities, driven by government investment, a young and digitally-savvy population, and the growing e-sports scene, aiming to become a global gaming hub by 2030. Some key features of gaming business opportunities in KSA are:
- Saudi Arabia invests in state-of-the-art infrastructure and hosts world-class tournaments, positioning itself as a global hub for e-sports excellence.
- Many of the Saudi population is under 35 and digitally native, making them key consumers and talent for the gaming industry.
- The government is investing in training programs and funding to nurture local game design and development talent.
- Saudi Arabia is gaining recognition as a serious player in the global gaming landscape, attracting international players and investors.
Enter Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Market with Helpline Group’s Support
Helpline Group, backed by a strong and experienced team, brings over many years of expertise in setting up businesses for Game development in Saudi Arabia, offering a seamless, hassle-free experience for clients, including foreigners.
Our seasoned professionals possess in-depth knowledge of the latest rules and regulations, ensuring compliance and efficiency. We help foreign investors invest in the gaming and sports sector to bolster the Kingdom’s economy and become a global hub in the respective industry.
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