Saudi Esports Strategy

Gamechanger - Saudi Esports Strategy

Laying the groundwork laid for a globally significant digital ecosystem

By Living.Lab CEO Mark Alexander

The last time I devoted serious time to gaming, I was broke, and financially housebound after buying my first flat in London and a Saudi Esports Strategy was a pipe dream. I was into GTA: San Andreas. I’m unsure if it was me or my soundtrack (Radio Los Santos IYKYK) but my music journalist neighbour thought my gaming was deeply uncool.

Fast forward, and the gaming sector is cooler than any other. What was dismissed as a distraction, overshadowed by the glitz, and reach, of TV, film, and music, has redefined itself as the fastest-growing force in the media industry. Today, with an average player age exceeding 30 years, gaming is the mainstream.

Saudi’s Saudi Esports Strategy called the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) strategy focuses on this thriving ecosystem – and is driving innovation in technology, media, and community-building. Gaming intellectual property (IP) has become a critical engine for attracting new audiences, and Saudi understands that. From in-game storytelling to multi-platform expansions into film and streaming, gaming IP is shaping not only how we play but also how we consume and engage with media at large.

Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions are worth diving into.

Saudi Esports Strategy - A National Gaming and Esports Vision

Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Esports Strategy (National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) is a multifaceted plan to transform the Kingdom into a global gaming hub by 2030. At its core is the recognition of gaming as more than entertainment—it’s a cultural force and an economic powerhouse.

Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) through the Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia has committed over 129 billion SAR ($38 billion) to the gaming and esports sectors.

Key investments to date include:

1 . Embracer Group: Savvy Games acquired a $1.1 billion stake, signalling its intent to be a serious player in the global gaming market.

2. Scopely: Acquired for $4.9 billion, positioning Savvy at the forefront of mobile gaming.

3. Electronic Arts (EA): The PIF’s $3.4 billion investment underscores Saudi Arabia’s focus on diversifying its portfolio.

4. Take-Two Interactive: A $1.7 billion investment in the creator of hits like Grand Theft Auto.

5. Nintendo: With $5.2 billion invested, Saudi Arabia is now the largest outside shareholder.

6. Activision Blizzard: The PIF had invested $3.3 billion before its acquisition by Microsoft.

Building a Cutting-Edge Esports Ecosystem: Strategic Pillars

Much like the UK used its F1 prowess to develop a high-value engineering ecosystem all the pieces of the jigsaw need to be on the table to complete the picture. Developing a thriving esports ecosystem demands a comprehensive strategy as well as investments. The pillars of the strategy include,

Game Development: Supporting the creation of local studios and incentivising international developers to broaden their content portfolio while reflecting cultural values and global appeal. The Kingdom launched its first game development accelerator program at NEOM called LevelUp to nurture local talent and foster creativity.
Esports Leadership: Establishing the region as a hub for marquee esports events through premier tournaments, structured leagues, and proprietary intellectual property that attract global talent and audiences. Saudi Arabia is set to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, following a 12-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee.
Technological Innovation: Leveraging advancements in blockchain, AI, and cloud gaming to enhance competitive experiences and streamline operations. Initiatives such as Nuqtah and Takadao pioneer the integration of Web3 and decentralised technologies into gaming.
Infrastructure Expansion: Investing in world-class gaming venues such as QIDDIYA CITY its first mixed-use gaming and esports district, advanced streaming capabilities, and achieving 90%+ internet penetration to support seamless online ecosystems and competitive fairness.
Cultural Integration: Balancing the promotion of local culture and heritage with the creation of globally relevant content, ensuring regional authenticity while resonating with diverse international audiences.

The PIF’s investments aim to create a homegrown tech ecosystem to supportSaudi Esports Strategy by supporting Web3 startups like Nuqtah and Takadao. These startups are tackling areas such as GameFi, DeFi, and NFTs, sectors that are set to grow rapidly in tandem with Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning gaming industry.

Key developments include the Nine66 initiative that supports Web3 startups by providing them with operational and financial resources to thrive and Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy also plays a crucial role, attracting both local talent and international players to contribute to Web3-driven gaming projects.

The rise of play-to-earn models could reshape the traditional revenue streams in gaming. NFTs and tokenised rewards and GameFi solutions, like AstraNova, are creating new experiences for gamers by integrating AI and blockchain.

As the Kingdom strides toward Vision 2030 goals, the groundwork laid today will likely result in a globally significant digital ecosystem. Saudi Arabia is focusing on infrastructure development too, establishing local servers for gaming and blockchain.

By weaving together these elements, an esports ecosystem can achieve sustained growth, fostering innovation, community engagement, and global leadership. This approach positions esports as a cultural and economic driver with far-reaching impact.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF)

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A Vision for Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Future

Saudi Arabia has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the MENA region in gaming and esports and possibly the globe. This would transform the industry into a cultural and economic powerhouse for Saudi. By addressing value leakage, nurturing local talent, and investing in world-class infrastructure, the Kingdom can achieve its ambition of becoming a global gaming hub.

With strategic foresight and collaboration, Saudi Arabia can elevate its gaming ecosystem to unparalleled heights, driving digital innovation and creating a lasting legacy for its citizens and the global gaming community.

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