RIYADH: Public Investment Fund-owned Savvy Games Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with international game trading firm Xsolla to establish an interactive entertainment center in Riyadh.
Focusing on job creation, game development and publishing, the partnership aims to create 3,600 jobs in the video game industry in Saudi Arabia by 2030. This initiative supports the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and is expected to create regional and global economic opportunities for developers .
As part of the deal, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh to provide product development, technology, customer support and business development services to help developers and publishers expand their projects in the Middle East.
The collaboration will also launch key initiatives, including the Xsolla Game Development Academy, Incubator and Accelerator programs. These initiatives are designed to nurture talent, support both 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 Saudi Arabia's gaming and esports ecosystem to global prominence,” said Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we are creating jobs and building a vibrant, sustainable industry that will drive opportunity and creativity for years to come,” added Ward.
The partnership will also focus on hosting top gaming events, funding development projects and connecting local studios with international investors.
The collaboration comes in the wake of the recent esports boom in Saudi Arabia, exemplified by the nation's first esports world championship, which boasted a record $62.5 million prize pool.
It is in line with the kingdom's national gaming and esports strategy, which aims to create jobs and contribute $13 billion to the country's gross domestic product.
“We are thrilled to be working with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative. Our shared vision for the future of video games aligns perfectly and together we aim to empower developers, foster creativity and support the next generation of talent in Saudi Arabia,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla.
Savvy Games Group also announced a separate memorandum of understanding with Niantic Inc., a global leader in augmented reality and location-based gaming.
Savvy will support Niantic's expansion into the MENA region, specifically Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.
This collaboration focuses on inspiring people to play together with their communities through live events and localized content in the region.
Savvy will also help Niantic establish regional operations, including recruiting local talent and setting up office space, to accelerate Niantic's growth and increase mobile player engagement in the Middle East.
“Our partnership with Savvy Games Group will greatly increase our reach in this vibrant region and support our growing community of players,” said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic.
Through these partnerships, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the global gaming and esports industry, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
