RIYADH: Savvy Games Group, owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a memorandum of understanding with global gaming retailer Exola to establish an interactive entertainment center in Riyadh.
The partnership focuses on job creation, game development and publishing, and aims to create 3,600 jobs in the video game industry in Saudi Arabia by 2030. The initiative supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and is expected to create regional and global economic opportunities for developers.
Under the agreement, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, to provide product development, technology, customer support and business development services to help developers and publishers scale their projects in the Middle East.
The collaboration will also launch key initiatives, including the Xsolla Game Development Academy and incubator and accelerator programs. These initiatives are designed to nurture talent, support local and international game development studios, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for the industry.
“This partnership with Xsolla represents a significant step forward in our mission to elevate the gaming and esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia to global prominence,” said Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we are creating jobs and building a vibrant, sustainable industry that will drive opportunity and innovation for years to come,” Ward added.
The partnership will also focus on hosting industry-leading gaming events, funding development projects, and connecting local studios with international investors.
The collaboration comes on the heels of the recent boom in esports in Saudi Arabia, exemplified by the country’s first-ever esports World Cup, which had a record-breaking $62.5 million in prize money.
This is in line with the Kingdom’s National Strategy for Gaming and Esports, which aims to create jobs and contribute $13 billion to the country’s GDP.
“We are excited to partner with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Exola. “Our shared vision for the future of video games is perfectly aligned, and together we aim to empower developers, foster creativity and support the next generation of talent in Saudi Arabia.”
Savvy Games Group also announced a separate Memorandum of Understanding with Niantic Inc., the global leader in augmented reality and location-based gaming.
Savvy will support Niantic's expansion into the Middle East and North Africa region, specifically Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
This collaboration focuses on inspiring people to play with their communities through live events and local content in the region.
Savvy will also help Niantic set up regional operations, including hiring local talent and setting up office space, to accelerate Niantic’s growth and increase engagement among mobile gamers in the Middle East.
“Our partnership with Savvy Games Group will greatly expand our reach in this vibrant region and support our growing community of gamers,” said John Hanke, Niantic founder and CEO.
Through these partnerships, Saudi Arabia is working to establish itself as a major player in the global gaming and eSports industry, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.