Saudi Arabia’s economic potential in the gaming and esports market

Through strategic investments, fostering talent and integrating gaming into the fabric of society, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a leader in the thriving gaming and esports market, writes Faisal AlSarraj, KSA Deputy Country Leader at PwC.
Gaming in Saudi Arabia has evolved far beyond just a hobby – it has become a dynamic industry driving innovation and shaping the Kingdom's future. The gaming and esports market is projected to generate $13.3 billion by 2030 (according to Savvy Games), making it a key driver of economic diversification under Vision 2030.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES), announced in 2022, aims to create 39,000 local jobs by 2030, spanning roles from game development to event management. Saudi Arabia’s investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure and hosting of world-class tournaments position it as a global hub for esports excellence.
Beyond economic potential, esports provide young Saudis with opportunities to develop critical skills in technology, media, communication, and collaboration.
With nearly 89% of the Kingdom's population under the age of 35, Saudi youth are crucial to shaping the future of this sector. Gaming and esports resonate strongly with a generation raised in digital culture. It is inspiring to see Saudi youth embracing new opportunities, honing their skills, and engaging with a global community.
Global Leadership in Esports
Historically, the gaming market has been dominated by China, the United States, and Japan. North America’s professionalization of esports has cultivated a dedicated fan base through initiatives like collegiate programs and high school esports clubs, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent and audience. Leading universities, such as the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College and West Virginia University, have esports programs.
The United States officially recognized esports in 2013, granting professional players athlete status and eligibility for P1A visas. The US military has also engaged in esports through partnerships and sponsorships, further solidifying its influence in the sector.
Japan and China owe their success to advanced technology and cultural heritage. Japan’s emphasis on storytelling and aesthetics in game design attracts developers worldwide, while China’s government formally recognized esports as a sport as early as 2003.
By 2019, esports was designated as an official profession in China, with dozens of universities offering esports-related majors. The country’s 14th Five-Year Plan includes esports as a key component of the cultural industry, leveraging 5G, AI, and VR to enhance digital cultural products.
Saudi Arabia’s Rise in Gaming
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global player in gaming and esports, leveraging its youthful population, infrastructure, and strategic investments. With 23.5 million gamers – around 67% of the population – the Kingdom is poised for significant growth. Initiatives like the Esports World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games in 2025 showcase Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a hub for esports excellence.
NEOM, the Kingdom's ambitious megacity project, is creating the region’s first true gaming hub, featuring a state-of-the-art gaming campus with game development studios, motion capture facilities, and incubation zones. Additionally, a joint venture between NEOM and MBC Group is establishing a AAA game development studio to produce high-value games for local and international markets.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming vision extends beyond esports. The country’s preparation to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 further strengthens its presence in the global gaming and sports arenas. These initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s seriousness and commitment to driving growth in the sector while fostering cross-cultural engagement and innovation.
Empowering Local Talent
The success of Saudi esports talent, such as Mosaed MSdossary7’ Al-Dossary, a FIFA eWorld Cup champion and founder of Team Falcons, illustrates the Kingdom’s potential. Recent victories, like the Saudi Rocket League team’s triumph led by TRK (Mohammed AlOtaibi), RW9 (Saleh Abdullah), and Kiilleerz (Yazzed Abdullah), showcase the extraordinary capabilities of Saudi youth under the age of 20.
Talent academies and youth-focused tournaments are equipping the next generation with tools to succeed in a competitive global landscape. Initiatives like these ensure that Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem continues to thrive, fostering an environment where passion meets purpose.
Sustaining Long-Term Growth
Sustaining growth in Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports sector requires a comprehensive vision. Engaging with local communities, nurturing grassroots talent, and exploring innovative revenue streams tailored to local preferences are critical. Supportive government policies and culturally relevant content can strengthen the domestic ecosystem and ensure inclusivity and provide ample opportunities for Small and Medium enterprises. These SMEs could become the next unicorns with the right support.
However, challenges remain. Addressing gaps in infrastructure, retaining top talent, and ensuring equitable access to resources are essential for long-term success. Gaming is more than entertainment; it’s a cornerstone for developing digital literacy, reskilling the workforce, and driving innovation.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, nearly half of the global workforce will require reskilling in digital and advanced technologies by 2025. Gaming and esports can help Saudi youth acquire these future-proof skills.
Building a Global Hub and Exportable Services
As Saudi Arabia prepares for the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, these global events present unparalleled opportunities to elevate the gaming culture within the country. Industries such as hospitality, entertainment, and tourism can collaborate to create immersive experiences for local and international audiences.
Gaming cafes, esports zones, and dedicated districts can serve as cultural ambassadors, integrating Saudi heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Partnerships with global developers can further enhance these efforts, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in merging tradition with innovation. The Kingdom’s goal of establishing 250 gaming companies by 2030 reflects its ambition to become a global leader in the industry. This by itself could become an exportable service to the rest of gamers in the world and not only in Saudi Arabia.
As a Saudi, it is exciting to witness the transformative impact of gaming and esports on our youth. This sector is shaping a future where young Saudis can excel, build meaningful careers, and contribute to the global economy.
With strategic investment, visionary leadership, and the enthusiasm of our youth, gaming and esports are not just economic drivers – they are cultural revolutions. Saudi Arabia is not merely riding the wave of gaming and esports but carving out a leadership role in technology, culture, and innovation for years to come.