Saudi Arabia is embracing its passion for gaming and eSports, with a particular focus on cultivating local game developers. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s investment strategy for the Savvy Games Group reflects the nation’s commitment to this industry. As part of this endeavor, the Gamers8 festival in Riyadh features a museum of video game history and game labs, aiming to inspire young Saudis to create their own blockbuster titles. Saudi Arabia envisions becoming a hub for game development that promotes Saudi and Arabic culture.
Throughout the Gamers8 festival, thousands of individuals, mostly Saudis, have participated in crash courses on coding and animation in the game labs. The goal is to equip Saudi youth with the necessary skills to realize their ideas and develop games that reflect local customs and traditions. Historically, Arabs have been consumers rather than creators of games. However, now there is an opportunity to tap into the creativity and talent of this young population.
The Challenge of Showcasing Saudi Culture
Saudi Arabia is home to a youthful population, with nearly two-thirds of non-immigrants under the age of 30. However, the nation has yet to produce a breakout gaming hit that truly represents Saudi culture. Faisal bin Homran, the chief eSports officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, acknowledges that local developers are grappling with this challenge. Currently, there are 25,000 Saudi and foreign developers working to create games that can resonate internationally. Some inspiration can be drawn from Saudi characters already featured in global franchises, such as Shaheen in Tekken or Rashid in Street Fighter. However, the ultimate goal is to have 30 globally competitive games produced in domestic studios by 2030.
Unpolished Gems
While Saudi Arabia may not have produced a massively successful game that showcases its culture, some local creations have resonated with Saudi fans. For instance, Khaled Alghaith, a Rocket League enthusiast, fondly remembers a game called “Khashem” (meaning “Nose” in Saudi Arabic). The game follows a character who lost their memory and must complete challenges relying on their sense of smell to regain it. Saudi gamers take pride in supporting locally developed games and find joy in experiencing the creative works of their fellow Saudis.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming push has not been without controversy. In 2020, backlash from LGBTQ gamers against Saudi Arabia’s prohibition of same-sex sexual acts resulted in the cancellation of deals involving NEOM, a futuristic megacity on the Red Sea. Concerns about potential censorship, similar to China’s rising influence in the gaming industry, have also been raised. Some experts worry that developers may shy away from critical viewpoints to appease their Saudi bosses. These issues may shape the future of Saudi game development and the narratives present in video games.
Inspiring Saudi Talent
Despite these concerns, the Gamers8 festival has had a positive impact on aspiring Saudi game developers. Individuals like Abdulaziz Maher, who participated in classes on sound design and character movement, have discovered their passion for game development. Many young Saudis are now considering careers in an industry that they previously didn’t realize was accessible to them. The festival has provided a structured path for their creative ideas and has given them a sense of direction.
Saudi Arabia is eagerly advancing its gaming and eSports industry, with a strong focus on local game production. Through initiatives like the Gamers8 festival, the nation aims to equip its youth with the necessary skills to develop games that showcase Saudi and Arabic culture. While the challenge of creating a breakout gaming hit that truly represents the nation remains, the enthusiasm and talent of young Saudi game developers are undeniable. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the gaming industry, the future may see an emergence of globally competitive games from domestic studios, solidifying the kingdom’s position as a game development powerhouse.
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