Saudi Arabia is no longer just a participant in the global gaming industry,t’s becoming a leader. Ranked as the 19th largest gaming market globally, 89% of its population engages with gaming, including 42% women and a strong presence (45%) of those aged 21-35, reflecting widespread appeal across demographics.
Aligned with Vision 2030, the kingdom aims to develop 30 competitive games and become a global gaming hub. Backed by a massive $38 billion investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) through its Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia is nurturing local talent and acquiring leading gaming publishers to solidify its position in the industry.
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Gaming’s Explosive Growth in Saudi Arabia
With a youthful population about 60% under 30 the kingdom has 23.5 million gamers, representing 67% of the population. This gaming boom is supported by cutting-edge digital infrastructure; Saudi Arabia recently rose 20 places in global digital rankings. Esports, a key sector, is expected to expand rapidly, contributing to the kingdom’s entertainment and tourism sectors. Globally, gaming revenue is projected to grow from $262 billion in 2023 to $312 billion by 2027.
Mishary Alibraheem, Head of Entertainment Investments at PIF, envisions Saudi Arabia becoming a global esports leader, highlighting initiatives like the annual Esports World Cup in Riyadh, launching in 2024 with a $60 million prize pool. Such events not only showcase Saudi talent but also attract international players and audiences.
PIF’s Strategic Investments
PIF’s Savvy Games Group has taken bold steps to establish Saudi Arabia as a gaming hub, including acquiring ESL, merging it with FACEIT to form EFG, and purchasing mobile games company Scopely. Additionally, Savvy has launched Steer Studios and built facilities like the 2,000-square-meter VOV gaming venue to foster a thriving gaming community.
NEOM, a key PIF project, is developing a AAA gaming studio in partnership with MBC GROUP, aiming to attract global talent and create local opportunities in game development and related industries.
Future Ambitions
By 2030, Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy is expected to generate 39,000 jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to the GDP. The broader Middle East gaming market, valued at $5.71 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at an annual rate of 13.88%, with revenue from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt alone set to reach $2.8 billion by 2026.
Saudi Arabia is not just capitalizing on its gaming potential but also redefining the global gaming landscape through infrastructure, innovation, and strategic investments. The kingdom’s approach signals a future where it becomes a dominant force in the gaming and esports industry.