Saudi Arabia is making headlines in the global gaming and esports scene. What was once a niche hobby in the region is now becoming a core part of the Kingdom’s economic future. With billions of dollars in investment, a young tech-savvy population, and a clear national strategy, the country is aiming to become a world leader in both gaming and esports.
This transformation is not just about entertainment. It’s part of a larger vision — Vision 2030 — a national plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil. As part of this bold plan, gaming has been identified as a key area for growth, innovation, and global influence.
A Rapidly Growing Market
The gaming market in Saudi Arabia has been growing at an impressive pace. In recent years, it has evolved into one of the most active gaming regions in the Middle East. In 2024, the gaming sector generated over $2 billion in revenue. Analysts project that this number will more than double over the next decade, reaching nearly $5 billion by 2033.
Mobile gaming, in particular, is leading the charge. Thanks to the widespread use of smartphones and easy access to mobile internet, millions of young Saudis are turning to mobile games as their preferred form of entertainment. The mobile gaming segment alone is expected to grow from around $1.2 billion in 2024 to over $3.3 billion by 2033.
Around 67% of the Saudi population plays video games, with a large percentage of gamers being under the age of 35. This young, digitally connected population has created the perfect environment for the industry to flourish. Gaming is no longer a side activity; it’s a cultural phenomenon — and the Kingdom is tapping into its full potential.
Government-Backed Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s rapid rise in gaming and esports is not accidental. It is the result of a focused strategy backed by the highest levels of government. The Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has committed billions of dollars to developing the gaming industry.
Through its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, PIF aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global gaming powerhouse. Savvy Games has already invested in several international gaming companies and is actively working on building local talent, developing game studios, and launching gaming-related infrastructure projects.
According to Saudi Arabia’s national plan, the goal is to create over 39,000 new jobs in the gaming and esports industry by 2030. The Kingdom also hopes to contribute more than $13 billion to its GDP from the sector. These numbers show just how serious the government is about making gaming a pillar of the future economy.
Hosting Major Global Events
Another sign of Saudi Arabia’s growing importance in gaming is its increasing role as a host for international esports events. The Esports World Cup, held in Riyadh, is now the largest esports and gaming festival in the world. It features top-tier tournaments across multiple games, celebrity appearances, fan experiences, and massive prize pools.
In addition to the Esports World Cup, the country recently signed a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. This marks a major step in bringing esports into the global sports mainstream and further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status as a leader in the industry.
Such events are more than just competitions — they are massive economic drivers. They attract tourists, create jobs, and generate global media attention. They also inspire young Saudis to get involved in competitive gaming, content creation, and game development.
Developing Homegrown Talent
Saudi Arabia is not just focused on importing talent or hosting events. It is actively developing its local gaming ecosystem. Educational programs, boot camps, and incubators are being launched to train Saudi youth in game design, coding, animation, and storytelling.
The government is also providing support to local developers and indie game studios through funding programs and mentorship. By investing in local talent, the Kingdom is ensuring that it can produce original games and intellectual property (IP) that can compete on the global stage.
This focus on talent development is essential for building a sustainable industry. While hosting international tournaments grabs headlines, the long-term success of Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions will depend on its ability to create and export original content.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The rise of gaming and esports in Saudi Arabia is already having a significant economic and cultural impact. Malls are opening gaming arenas. Internet cafes have turned into full-scale esports centers. Gaming content creators and streamers are becoming celebrities in their own right. Schools are beginning to recognize the educational potential of gaming, especially in fields like teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
Economically, the growth of the sector is boosting related industries such as digital marketing, event management, graphic design, software development, and hardware retail. International gaming companies are looking to set up regional offices in Saudi Arabia, creating more opportunities for collaboration and job creation.
Culturally, gaming is becoming a unifying force across different regions, backgrounds, and even genders. While the Kingdom is traditionally conservative, the gaming space has opened up new ways for young men and women to interact, compete, and express themselves creatively.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite the excitement and investment, the Kingdom still faces challenges. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia may be using esports to “sportswash” its international image and distract from human rights concerns. Others point out that while the infrastructure is improving, there is still a need for more grassroots support for amateur gamers and local communities.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, especially about major companies involved in sponsorships and the energy used during large-scale esports events. As the Kingdom moves forward, it will need to balance growth with sustainability and transparency.
There is also the risk of becoming too focused on foreign investments. To create a truly resilient gaming ecosystem, Saudi Arabia will need to ensure that local developers, creators, and communities are at the heart of the movement.
Looking Ahead
Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports strategy is ambitious, bold, and rapidly unfolding. Few countries are investing at the same scale or speed. With billions of dollars on the line and a clear national vision, the Kingdom is well on its way to becoming a global leader in this space.
From hosting the world’s biggest tournaments to training the next generation of game developers, Saudi Arabia is not just playing the game — it’s changing the game. If the current momentum continues, the Kingdom could very well be one of the top gaming destinations in the world within the next decade.
