Saudi Arabia gaming revenues hit $1.2 billion in 2024, securing 20 percent of the Middle East and North Africa’s market share. This surge reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, which pushes gaming and esports as key pillars of future economic growth.
Globally, the games and esports industry is growing faster than film, live sports, and music. Savvy Games’ 2024 report showed that more than 2.85 billion people now play games, while esports followers exceeded 640 million. As a result, gaming has become the most dynamic part of entertainment.
Saudi Arabia introduced its national gaming strategy three years ago. The plan targets 39,000 jobs and a $13.3 billion GDP contribution by 2030. Consequently, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a leader in digital entertainment while gaining influence on the world stage.
Savvy Games Group, backed by the Public Investment Fund and led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, drives this progress. In 2024, global gaming revenues climbed beyond $187 billion, marking 2.1 percent year-on-year growth. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global market will reach $269.06 billion in 2025 and $435.44 billion by 2030. Moreover, rapid smartphone adoption, 5G rollout, and cloud gaming continue to fuel this expansion.
In the same year, Saudi Arabia gaming revenues totaled $1.19 billion. Forecasts suggest that figure will rise to $1.64 billion by 2028, an 8.2 percent compound annual growth rate. Console gaming shows the strongest gains with an 8.27 percent CAGR, followed by mobile at 7.29 percent and PC at 4.01 percent.
Furthermore, the MENA region is showing steady growth. Its gaming revenues should rise from $5.62 billion in 2024 to $6.94 billion by 2027. Saudi Arabia leads this expansion with the highest share, supported by more than 25.8 million active gamers.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy aligns closely with Vision 2030. It encourages Saudi youth to use their creativity and passion to build a thriving gaming industry. As a result, the Kingdom is laying the foundation for a new global hub.
Savvy Games has accelerated this rise with major global investments. For example, Scopely, one of its subsidiaries, ranked second worldwide among gaming companies in 2024. Its hit Monopoly Go! generated $3 billion and earned “Game of the Year” at the Pocket Gamer Awards. Since its founding in 2011, Scopely has generated over $10 billion in revenues.
Other subsidiaries reinforce the Kingdom’s global presence. These include ESL FACEIT Group, Steer Studio, Embracer Group with an 8.1 percent stake, Hero Esports with 30 percent, and G1riffin. Together, these companies highlight Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in international gaming.
Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games, described 2024 as a year of “impact.” He noted progress in development, publishing, and esports. In addition, he praised Saudi and international teams for consistently delivering products and experiences that benefit the global gaming community.
Meanwhile, Riyadh hosted the first Esports World Cup from July 3 to August 25, 2024. The event featured 1,500 athletes, 23 tournaments, and 22 games. With a prize pool of more than $60 million, the tournament positioned Saudi Arabia as a premier esports destination.
Therefore, the Kingdom’s achievements show that gaming is no longer just entertainment. It is also a driver of innovation, jobs, and investment. With continued focus on Vision 2030, strong financial backing, and global partnerships, Saudi Arabia gaming revenues will keep rising as the nation cements its place as a world leader in gaming and esports.
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