RIYADH: Savvy Games Group, owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a memorandum of understanding with international gaming trading company Xsolla to create an interactive entertainment center in Riyadh.
With a focus on job creation, game development and publishing, the partnership aims to generate 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 both regional and global economic opportunities for developers.
As part of the agreement, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, where it will provide product development, technology, customer support and business development services to help developers and publishers expand their projects in the Middle East.
The partnership will also launch key initiatives, including the Xsolla Game Development Academy, Incubator, and Accelerator programs. These initiatives are designed to cultivate 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 an important step forward in our mission to elevate the Saudi Arabian gaming and esports ecosystem to a level of global relevance,” 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 creativity 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 partnership comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s recent eSports boom, exemplified by the country’s first eSports World Cup, which boasted a record-breaking $62.5 million in prize money.
It is in line with the Kingdom's national strategy for gambling and eSports, which aims to create jobs and contribute $13 billion to the country's gross domestic product.
“We are thrilled to partner with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative. Our shared vision for the future of gaming 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 MoU with Niantic Inc., a global leader in location-based and augmented reality games.
Savvy will support Niantic's expansion into the MENA region, specifically Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.
The goal of this collaboration is to inspire 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 offices, to accelerate Niantic’s growth and increase engagement among mobile gamers in the Middle East.
“Our partnership with Savvy Games Group will significantly enhance 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.
