Riyadh: Savvy Games Group, owned by Public Investment Fund, has signed a memorandum of understanding with international game trading company 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 that will provide product development, technology, customer support and business development services to help developers and publishers scale 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 nurture talent, support local and international game studios, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for the industry.
Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, said: “This partnership with Xsolla represents an important step forward in our mission to elevate Saudi Arabia's eSports and gaming ecosystem to global prominence.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we are creating jobs and creating a dynamic and sustainable industry that will create opportunities and innovations for years to come,” added Ward.
The partnership will also focus on hosting industry-leading gaming events, financing development projects and connecting local studios with international investors.
The partnership follows 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.
This is in line with the Kingdom's National Sports and Games Strategy, 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. “Our shared vision for the future of video games is fully 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 also announced a separate MOU with Niantic, a global leader in augmented reality and location-based gaming.
Savvy will support Niantic's expansion into the MENA region, specifically Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
The partnership focuses on inspiring people to play with their communities through live events and local content in the region.
Savvy will also help Niantic build regional operations, including attracting local talent and creating office space, to accelerate Niantic's growth and increase engagement among mobile gamers in the Middle East.
“Our partnership with Savvy Games Group significantly expands our reach in this vibrant region and supports our growing community of players,” said Niantic Founder and CEO John Hanke.
Through these partnerships, Saudi Arabia will position itself as a key player in the global gaming and esports industry, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
