Savvy Games Group and Xsolla Partner to Establish Interactive Entertainment Hub in Riyadh
Public Investment Fund-owned Savvy Games Group has teamed up with international gaming commerce firm Xsolla to set up an interactive entertainment hub in Riyadh. The goal? To create a whopping 3,600 video game industry jobs in Saudi Arabia by 2030, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 and opening up economic opportunities for developers worldwide.
Xsolla to Set Up Regional Headquarters in Riyadh
As part of the partnership, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh to provide a range of services to developers and publishers, including product development, technology, customer support, and business development. This move aims to help developers scale their projects in the Middle East and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for the gaming industry.
Launch of Key Initiatives
The collaboration between Savvy Games Group and Xsolla will also introduce initiatives like the Xsolla Game Development Academy, Incubator, and Accelerator programs. These programs are designed to nurture talent, support local and international game development studios, and elevate Saudi Arabia’s status in the global gaming industry.
Exciting Times for Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Industry
With the recent boom in esports in Saudi Arabia, highlighted by the nation’s first Esports World Cup with a record-breaking prize pool of $62.5 million, the partnership between Savvy Games Group and Xsolla aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The aim? To create jobs and contribute $13 billion to the country’s GDP.
Niantic Inc. Collaboration to Expand in MENA Region
Savvy Games Group has also inked a separate MoU with Niantic Inc., a global leader in augmented reality and location-based games. This collaboration will see Savvy supporting Niantic’s expansion into the MENA region, focusing on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt to inspire community play through live events and localized content.
Saudi Arabia Emerging as a Global Player in Gaming Industry
Through these strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the global gaming and esports industries, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and paving the way for a vibrant, sustainable gaming ecosystem in the region.