Many in the gaming community may still be unaware of the massive shifts happening in Saudi Arabia, a country that’s quietly revealing its hand as a major player in the global gaming scene. If you visited the region just 2-3 years ago, well, that's old news.

While the Kingdom may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of gaming, it’s positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly booming market, fueled by the Vision 2030 government program and an ambitious youth eager for opportunities.

In the latest podcast with Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group; Gerard Miles, a games industry headhunter at Mission One; and our host Mishka Katkoff, the trio dives into how Saudi Arabia is transforming its gaming landscape with long-term investments rather than chasing quick wins.

They explore Savvy Games Group’s pivotal role in building a robust gaming ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent and the vast opportunities available for global businesses and individuals. The conversation also touches on cultural dynamics, the rising involvement of women in the workforce, and the essential role of in-person communication, trust, and patience when navigating the Kingdom’s unique business environment.

For anyone curious about the dynamic blend of culture, technology, and opportunity shaping Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry, check out the full podcast here.

A New Era of Collaboration

First off, let’s quickly talk about where all of this is coming from: Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious plan aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and reducing its reliance on oil. The Kingdom is going all in on sectors like entertainment—and gaming is a huge part of that. A key piece of this vision is the national games and esports framework, which lays out 86 specific goals designed to catapult Saudi Arabia into a leadership position in the global gaming industry.

The numbers speak for themselves: they’re planning to launch 250 gaming companies, creating around 39,000 jobs in the process.

This is where Savvy Games Group steps in.

“The mandate of the company is to build the world’s number one global games and esports company,” says Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group. “It’s a bold objective when you consider the industry giants like Tencent. But equally important, we’re here to help build Saudi Arabia into the next global games and esports hub.”

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Savvy is driving the country’s gaming ambitions by fostering local talent, creating jobs, and attracting international studios. But they’re not doing it alone.

“We can’t build the ecosystem alone, no matter how much capital we deploy. We need great companies from abroad to come here, bring leadership, create jobs, and open studios.”

While these targets may sound aggressive, Brian believes they’re entirely achievable. He compares Saudi Arabia’s goals to what has already been accomplished in Canada—a country with a similar population. Canada’s gaming industry currently supports around 35,000 jobs, with 280 companies in Quebec alone and over 400 across the country. If Canada can achieve that, there’s every reason to believe Saudi Arabia can meet, if not exceed, its own ambitious targets.

The timeline may be tight, but with the right strategy and partnerships, the Kingdom is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global gaming scene.

Women Changing the Game

Here’s where things get interesting: 70% of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 35, which means the country is going through a serious cultural evolution. And that shift is having a huge impact on gaming, especially when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

One of the most impressive changes is the rising participation of women in the workforce, particularly in sectors like esports and gaming. Globally, the percentage of professional female esports players hovers around 5%. In Saudi Arabia, though, that number has shot up to 20%. Brian called this out as a key indicator of broader societal change happening in the Kingdom.

It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table—it’s about reshaping the whole dynamic. This kind of transformation is a signal of what’s to come, not just for gaming but for the Saudi workforce as a whole.

The Quick Money Point

If you think there’s a ton of cash being tossed around in the Saudi gaming scene, you’re mistaken. While there is significant investment at play, the decision-making process is far from a free-for-all.

Brian notes that the investment evaluations here are as thorough as any structured approach he’s experienced, including his time at Activision. There is no excessive cash flow or unrestrained spending. Every potential transaction is scrutinized for valuation, risk, and alignment with the long-term vision for Saudi Arabia. Plus, since these investments are backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), responsible use of public funds is a priority.

Mishka adds that although there might appear to be a surge of capital, those seeking quick profits often find themselves left out of the local scene. The environment demands genuine involvement and a commitment to the industry’s growth. The approach is not about opportunism, it’s about cultivating a sustainable ecosystem that respects the local culture and values.

See for Yourself and (Maybe) Join the Movement

The opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector are immense—and they’re on the rise. At Deconstructor of Fun, we’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on this dynamic space.

If you’re up for a change or just curious to see it for yourself, Gerard Miles suggests diving in: attend industry events, visit local studios, and connect with professionals in the scene. There’s simply no substitute for firsthand experience, especially when it comes to building the relationships that are crucial for success here.

With strong government support, a growing ecosystem for innovation, and a laser focus on talent development, Saudi Arabia is quickly cementing its place as a global player in the gaming industry.

Brian also encourages anyone interested in exploring opportunities with Savvy Games Group to check out their site and see what’s on offer in this fast-evolving market.

So whether you’re a developer ready to launch the next hit game, an investor scouting out promising ventures, or an aspiring professional looking to make your mark, Saudi Arabia has the resources and support to make it happen.