Since Saudi Arabia laid out its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, digital innovation has been a key focus. Gaming is becoming a cornerstone of that vision.
In their 2023 annual report, the Savvy Games Group claimed that the sector will likely generate around $13.3 billion in revenue by 2030.
There is still a lot of work to be done, but the Kingdom’s strategic investments, national ambition, and tech-savvy population have put them on the right track.
Gaming is More Than Just Entertainment
Since Saudi Arabia became aware of gaming’s enormous potential, the industry has been on a remarkable upward trajectory.
That should hardly be a surprise, considering more than two-thirds of the population are avid gamers whose collective interest has dramatically boosted the nation’s economy.
The Saudi government established the National Gaming and eSports Strategy (NGES) in 2022. That cleared a path toward a fully functional ecosystem by 2030, which is expected to create nearly 40,000 new jobs in development, broadcasting, event planning, and more.
The Kingdom is sparing no expense in its relentless bid to be recognised as a global gaming hub.
Through the Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned entity Savvy Games Group, the government has pumped over $38bn into the gaming sector – a figure that points to the seriousness of its ambitions.
The inaugural edition of the Olympic eSports Games and the eagerly awaited eSports World Cup are landmark events that will put Saudi Arabia on the map.
Saudi Arabia has poured eye-watering funds into the sector but is also investing in talent and infrastructure.
Through academies, training programmes, and partnerships with international developers, the Kingdom is actively preparing to thrive in an industry that demands creativity and technical acumen.
Saudi Arabia’s Rise in Gaming
Saudi Arabia’s megacity project, NEOM, embodies the Kingdom’s gaming ambition.
The $500bn smart city is expected to be a state-of-the-art gaming hub with motion-capture studios, game development campuses, and incubation zones designed to build AAA game titles.
NEOM has partnered with the MBC Group to create an AAA gaming studio that will produce high-quality content for markets in the country and abroad.
If they get it right, it would kick-start a ‘Made in Saudi’ era in game development. Locally produced games would attract global attention and give key players in the sector a run for their money.
It would also allow the country to export digital products that will contribute to non-oil revenues, which will tick off a massive milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Saudi Arabia is already generating returns on its investment in youth. The success of eSports talents, such as Mosaed ‘MSdossary7’ Al-Dossary, a FIFA eWorld Cup champion and founder of Team Falcons, has established the Kingdom as a force to be reckoned with.
Recent victories, such as the Saudi Rocket League team’s triumph led by TRK (Mohammed Alotaibi), RW9 (Saleh Abdullah), and Kiilleerz (Yazzed Abdullah), also showcase the Kingdom’s competitive edge.
Many of these talents are under the age of 20. That sends a message about the kind of digital-first workforce the Kingdom hopes to develop.
The Untapped Potential of the iGaming Industry
While Gaming and eSports are Saudi Arabia’s primary focus, the associated iGaming sector is an untapped gem they must explore.
Gambling has always been a controversial topic in the Middle East due to the religious and cultural laws governing the region.
However, countries elsewhere in the world have shown that regulating the sector is an ideal route towards tapping into the multi-billion-dollar industry.
The iGaming sector could provide Saudi Arabia with an explosive revenue stream if it chooses to be forward-thinking and open-minded when assessing the pros and cons of the industry.
While Arab players can sign up for an account with an online casino in Saudi Arabia, the operator will be licensed and regulated by authorities in other jurisdictions.
The economic ripple effect of even a partial venture into iGaming could be an economic game-changer for Saudi Arabia.
Conservative estimates suggest that legal iGaming could generate billions of dollars if structured carefully and with social responsibility safeguards.
A Global Gaming Powerhouse in the Making
Saudi Arabia has shown that they have what it takes to give the major players in gaming, such as the United States, China and Japan, a run for their money.
The Kingdom is rapidly becoming the next big player and has taken on an approach that draws on lessons from established markets.
For example, the US officially recognised eSports in 2013, granting professional players athlete status and eligibility for P1A visas. China followed suit in 2019 and now offers university-level degrees in the field.
Japan’s storytelling and aesthetics in game design attract developers worldwide. While Saudi Arabia is carving its own path, it has taken elements from each of these powerhouses to shape their sector.
Plans to establish 250 gaming companies by 2030 are well underway, reflecting its ambition to become a global leader in the industry.
Specializing in comprehensive guides and step-by-step solutions, Rishabh has built a reputation for demystifying complex technical issues and providing practical advice on resolving common “not working” errors across various devices and platforms. His articles are a go-to resource for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike, offering clear, concise, and effective solutions to enhance digital experiences.
