Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Once considered just a hobby for young Saudis, video games have now transformed into a billion-riyal industry – and a cultural force shaping the Kingdom’s future. Backed by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia video games scene is positioning itself as a global hub for gaming and esports, with government support, mega investments, and record-breaking tournaments.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming journey has moved quickly from living-room entertainment to world-class esports stages. According to official figures, 67% of the population – about 23.5 million people – play video games regularly, making the Kingdom one of the largest gaming markets in the Middle East. The market size stood at 3.75 billion SAR in 2023 and is projected to hit 10 billion SAR by 2026.
Crown Prince’s Vision: An Esports World Cup
In 2022, the government launched a National Gaming and Esports Strategy, pledging to create jobs, support local developers, and host international competitions. This vision came to life in 2024, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. The event brought together 1,500 players from across the globe with prize pools exceeding $60 million.
The 2025 edition raised the stakes even higher: more than 2,000 players, 200 clubs, and 24 different games, from League of Legends to FIFA, competed for a record $70 million purse – cementing Riyadh as the esports capital of the world.
Team Falcons: Saudi Arabia’s Esports Heroes
At the heart of this rise are homegrown champions. Team Falcons, Saudi Arabia’s top esports club, stunned the world in 2024 when they clinched the Esports World Cup title, earning $7 million after dominating in Call of Duty: Warzone and Free Fire. Today, over 100 Saudi professionals compete internationally, making the Kingdom a recognized talent pool on the global stage.
The industry’s economic footprint is undeniable. Savvy Games Group, owned by the Public Investment Fund, has committed 50 billion SAR to acquisitions and development projects worldwide. These investments align with the government’s goal for the sector to contribute over 50 billion SAR to GDP and create 39,000 jobs by 2030.
Saudi Arabia has also become a magnet for global gaming brands, with console and accessory imports hitting 2.43 million devices across 2024 and 2025. The country is not only consuming games – it is now shaping the industry.
Mobile Gaming Reigns Supreme
While high-profile esports events grab headlines, mobile gaming dominates daily life. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Roblox, and Subway Surfers are top downloads across Saudi smartphones. PlayStation also remains hugely popular, with nearly a quarter of Saudi gamers choosing it as their platform of choice.
Beyond the numbers, gaming is reshaping Saudi culture. Experts describe video games as “a form of soft power” – uniting young people, fostering creativity, and bridging Saudi society with global digital communities. Esports tournaments have become family-friendly attractions, integrated into events like Riyadh Season.
But the rise also brings challenges. Concerns about gaming addiction and screen time are growing, with studies suggesting that around 10% of gamers worldwide struggle with excessive play. Saudi initiatives now focus on balancing gaming’s benefits with awareness campaigns around healthy digital habits.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Play
With the International Olympic Committee announcing the first-ever Esports Olympics in Saudi Arabia in 2025, the Kingdom’s ambitions are clear: to lead not just in oil and tourism, but in the digital entertainment revolution.
From billion-riyal investments to young Saudis chasing world titles, gaming in Saudi Arabia is no longer child’s play – it’s a national project redefining culture, economy, and global influence.
