Saudi Arabia has announced that it will host the Kingdom of Gaming conference in December 2026.
The event will be staged on December 1-3. It will welcome more than 20,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, 500 studios, over 50 start-ups and around 200 investors.
Gaming has been a big deal in Saudi Arabia for several years. With a population dominated by young people, gaming has become one of the most popular pastimes in the country.
Investing in video games is part of Saudi Arabia’s well-documented Vision 2030 project. They believe gaming has the power to generate massive revenue and provide an alternative to oil and gas.
Saudi Arabia wants to become a hub where games are created and exported to the rest of the world, and the upcoming conference will help them achieve their aims.
How eSports Fits into the Fast-Growing Landscape
Saudi Arabia’s interest in the gaming industry extends to eSports.
The Kingdom hosts major tournaments, supports international organizations and funds initiatives through the eSports World Cup Foundation.
Saudi Arabia has also acquired ownership stakes in eSports companies and tournaments, including a minority stake in EVO, one of the biggest fighting-game events in the world.
Riyadh has already proven that it can host some of the biggest international events that attract large crowds and audiences from around the world.
With Saudi Arabia now hosting the eSports World Cup every year, the country has already earned a reputation as the number one spot for high-level competitive gaming.
Professional gaming also has ties with the wider online entertainment sector, such as online casinos, although Saudi Arabia still has strict regulations around gambling.
However, players can easily access a reputable Saudi Arabia online casino operated by companies which are licensed and regulated in other gaming jurisdictions.
Saudi Arabia’s increased presence in the gaming sector may ultimately persuade them to establish their own regulatory body to oversee land-based and online gambling.
Saudi Arabia’s Journey to Becoming a Global Gaming Stakeholder
Saudi Arabia has used the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to bolster its influence in the gaming industry.
The PIF has made some eye-catching moves in recent years by acquiring stakes in some of the most popular publishers and developers around the world.
The PIF has taken significant stakes in companies such as Take-Two, Nintendo and Capcom. Those moves alone mean no key decision is made in the gaming world that Saudi Arabia is not involved in.
PIF’s gaming arm, Savvy Games Group, has also been making waves. Savvy owns the portfolio of Niantic, the company behind Pokemon Go, and mobile powerhouse Scopely. It has also been linked to acquisitions and partnerships worth billions of dollars.
PIF recently announced that it was in the process of acquiring the United States publishing giant Electronic Arts (EA) for $55 billion. It will take on the project along with Silver Lake Capital and Affinity Partners.
Once this deal is completed, Saudi Arabia will control more than 93 percent of EA, effectively giving the Kingdom ownership of one of the world’s most influential gaming companies.
Why iGaming is Still an Untapped Opportunity
While the iGaming sector is one of the most valuable digital sectors in the world, Saudi Arabia has traditionally shut the door on any form of online gambling.
Nevertheless, the global iGaming sector grows every year thanks to improvements in mobile technology, payment systems and security features.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already established a regulatory framework for gambling and reap the vast rewards from the sector, albeit within a strict environment.
Eyebrows were raised when the UAE moved in that direction, but it has given them a huge advantage in their bid to become the number one tourist destination in the region.
Saudi Arabia could take a page from their playbook. The Kingdom has what it takes to tap into the lucrative iGaming industry.
The country currently risks being left behind by regional rivals, with tourists more likely to go where they are free to indulge their favorite pastime.
