Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its gaming and esports sector, positioning it as one of the emerging industries supporting the economic diversification goals of Vision 2030.
Gaming and esports are no longer viewed solely as entertainment activities. The sector is developing into a broader ecosystem encompassing game development, professional competitions, investment, technology, infrastructure and digital content creation.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy aims to establish an internationally competitive ecosystem while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for gaming and esports.
According to the figures cited in the available sources, the sector is targeting a contribution of up to SAR 50 billion to GDP by 2030, alongside more than 39,000 new jobs and the development of more than 30 locally produced games capable of reaching the world’s top 300.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Projected gaming market revenue by 2030 | US$13.3 billion | Savvy Games’ 2023 Annual Report |
| Investment in gaming sector | US$38 billion | PwC Middle East |
| Job creation target by 2030 | 39,000 jobs | Vision 2030 |
| Number of gamers in Saudi Arabia | 23.5 million | Boston Consulting Group |
| Percentage of population playing games | 67% | Intenta Digital |
| Saudi Arabia’s global gaming market rank | 19th | Intenta Digital |
| Gaming industry revenue in 2020 | Over $1 billion | Newzoo |
| Annual growth rate of gaming market | 41.1% | Intenta Digital |
| Esports market revenue in 2024 | $17.0 million | Research and Markets |
| Sponsorship revenue in esports market 2024 | $10.4 million | Research and Markets |
| Number of initiatives in National Gaming and Esports Strategy | 86 | Vision 2030 |
| Target number of electronic gaming companies | 250 | Vision 2030 |
| Rank in esports athletes per capita | Top 3 | Vision 2030 |
| Saudi gamers’ spending habits (big spenders) | 12% | Intenta Digital |
| Female gamers in Saudi Arabia | 42% | Newzoo |
These figures highlight the size of the domestic audience that can support the growth of gaming, esports competitions, digital services and related content.
A Large Gaming Community Supports Industry Growth
Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts, representing around 67% of the population, according to the cited figures.
This large audience provides a strong domestic foundation for the development of the industry.
The gaming ecosystem extends beyond playing games. It includes professional competitions, live streaming, content creators, digital communities and esports audiences, creating multiple opportunities for businesses and investors.
Saudi Arabia Targets a Leading Global Esports Position
The Kingdom’s ambitions extend beyond the domestic market. According to the cited strategy targets, Saudi Arabia aims to rank among the top three countries by the number of professional esports players.
Hosting major international competitions is a central part of this strategy, particularly the Esports World Cup, which brings elite players and teams from around the world to Saudi Arabia.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of population under 35 | 89% | PwC Middle East |
| Mobile gaming frequency (5+ days/week) | 25% | Newzoo |
| Percentage of gamers aged 21-35 | 41% | Newzoo |
| Female gamers percentage | 42% | Newzoo |
Infrastructure and Investment Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for gaming and esports is evident in its investment in infrastructure and future technologies. The Kingdom is investing $6.4 billion in future technologies and gaming to diversify its economy, according to Intenta Digital. The NEOM gaming hub project is a testament to this, with plans for a state-of-the-art campus featuring game development studios and motion capture facilities.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Investment in future technologies | $6.4 billion | Intenta Digital |
| NEOM gaming hub initiative | State-of-the-art campus | PwC Middle East |
Esports and Competitive Gaming The Kingdom is enhancing its presence in the global esports scene through strategic events and partnerships. Saudi Arabia hosted the 2023 Global Esports Games in Riyadh and is targeting the establishment of 250 electronic gaming companies, according to Vision 2030. The acquisition of ESL FaceIt Group for $1.5 billion further positions the Kingdom as a central player in the esports ecosystem.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global Esports Games hosted | 2023 | Intenta Digital |
| ESL FaceIt Group acquisition | $1.5 billion | Vision 2030 |
| Target number of esports events by 2030 | 50+ | Vision 2030 |
Economic Impact and Job Creation The economic potential of the gaming sector is significant, with a projected contribution to GDP of SAR 50 billion by 2030, as per Vision 2030. The sector’s expansion is also expected to create over 39,000 jobs, supporting the Kingdom’s broader goals of economic diversification and job creation.
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sector contribution to GDP by 2030 | SAR 50 billion | Vision 2030 |
| Job creation goal by 2030 | 39,000 jobs | Vision 2030 |
Sources: PwC Middle East, Vision 2030, Intenta Digital, Newzoo, Boston Consulting Group, Research and Markets, Savvy Games’ 2023 Annual Report.
