RIYADH: Public Investment Fund-owned Savvy Games Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with international gaming commerce firm Xsolla to set up 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. The initiative supports the state's Vision 2030 and is expected to create regional and global economic opportunities for developers.
As part of the agreement, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, which will 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, Incubator and Accelerator programs. These initiatives are designed to nurture talent, support local and international game development studios, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for the industry.
“This partnership with Xsolla is an important 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 industry-leading gaming events, funding development projects, and connecting local studios with international investors.
The support comes amid Saudi Arabia's recent esports boom, exemplified by the nation's first esports World Cup, which boasted a record-breaking prize pool of $62.5 million.
This aligns with the state's National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to create jobs and contribute $13 billion to the country's gross domestic product.
“We are excited to collaborate with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative. 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,” said Chris Hewish, chief strategy officer at Xsolla.
Savvy Games Group has announced a separate MOU with Niantic Inc, a global leader in augmented reality and location-based games.
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 content localized to the region.
Savvy will help set up regional operations, including recruiting local talent and establishing office space, to accelerate Niantic's growth and increase engagement among mobile gamers in the Middle East.
“Our partnership with Savvy Games Group will significantly 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 industries, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
