Saudi Arabia is ready to create tangible impact in the gaming industry through capitalizing on the existing users and gamers base, developing local talent, strong governance, and investment opportunities.

Gaming and e-sports in Saudi Arabia are at a core stage of transformation. The market has experienced rapid growth and is primed for continued expansion driven by significant government and business investments and a highly committed users and gamers base.

With high consumer engagement and spending across a diverse demographic, Saudi consumers are invested in the development of the gaming and e-sports market. With Vision 2030 driving the diversification of the economy, gaming and e-sports can support and leverage collaboration across a broad range of markets. 

This paper will highlight key insights from the ‘Let’s Play, Saudi Arabia!’ survey, indicating a clear potential path forward to strengthen and develop the Saudi Arabian gaming and e-sports market. 

E-sports is a subset of gaming that is differentiated by its level of competition and viewership.

GAMING: Gaming is defined as playing video games via any gaming medium, including PC, console, mobile, handheld or any other compatible device

E-SPORTS: E-sports is a subset of gaming that is defined as playing video games competitively or for spectators, typically by professional gamers or teams and for prizes.
 

Overview

The Kingdom is ready to transform the gaming and e-sports sector in support of the Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts

1) The Saudi gaming and e-sports market has experienced rapid revenue and consumer growth that should sustain for years to come.

2) Spending on gaming and e-sports is growing as passionate consumers invest in the industry

3) KSA consumers’ engagement with gaming and media content is a key driver for spending in the market

4) The Kingdom is building the infrastructure and capabilities to become a global leader for live gaming events

5) Gaming could potentially be leveraged as a vehicle for collaboration across several major industries