Saudi Arabia has launched a group to develop the gaming and esports sector headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the kingdom’s rich ambitions in this field, as it seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
Games and esports are very popular in a country of regarding 35 million people, the majority of whom are under the age of 25.
The value of the market for these games in the Kingdom reached one billion dollars in 2021, which is the highest among the countries in the region, according to a report on the Middle East and North Africa market issued by “Nico Partners”, a company specialized in this sector, this month.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Wednesday that the Savvy Group of the Public Investment Fund aims “to be a pioneer in developing the games and e-sports sector at the local and international levels, as it will work in harmony to support an integrated system for the sector.”
In furtherance of its future plans, the Savi Group, upon its establishment, signed an agreement to acquire ESL, which specializes in entertainment events and competitions in the field of e-sports, and “Visit”, the digital platform specialized in e-sports.
According to the “Nico Partners” report, the number of players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, the three largest countries in this field, will reach 85.8 million in 2025, generating $3.1 billion, adding that the Middle East and North Africa region “has rapidly emerged as a major growth area.” the global video game industry.
(AFP)
