JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia captured 20 percent of the Middle East and North Africa’s gaming revenues in 2024, generating $1.2 billion, as the Kingdom leverages its Vision 2030 strategy to transform the industry into a major economic sector.
With over 2.85 billion players across the world and an audience exceeding 640 million as of last year, the games and esports industry has emerged as the fastest-growing sector in entertainment, according to Savvy Games’ 2024 report, which added that the sector is projected to see growth from 2023 to 2028 that will surpass that of film, live sports, and music and radio.
Three years ago, Saudi Arabia launched a national strategy for gaming and esports, making the sector one of 13 strategic priority industries under Vision 2030. The initiative aims to create 39,000 new jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to gross domestic product by the end of the decade.
Under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Savvy Games forms a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to position itself as the leading global hub for gaming and esports by 2030.
“In 2024, the sector was projected to generate over $187 billion, representing over 2.1 percent year-on-year growth, illustrating its scale and adaptability. The sector’s universal appeal and rapid evolution have positioned it as the leading driver of innovation and audience engagement across the entertainment landscape,” the report added.
