New Development Academy in Saudi Arabia Launches with Xsolla and Savvy Games

Xsolla, a video game commerce platform, has teamed up with the Savvy Games Group to establish a game development academy in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to create economic opportunities for game developers in the Middle East. It also connects Xsolla with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Public Investment Fund, linked to controversial figures and events, including the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Under this new partnership, Xsolla has committed to creating 3,600 new jobs by the end of 2030. They plan to achieve this by launching several key initiatives. These include incubator and accelerator programs to nurture new talent, organizing industry events to build networks, and providing funding for game development projects.

A major component of this deal is the establishment of a regional office in Riyadh. This office will offer services focused on business, product, and technology development to help game developers and publishers succeed in the Middle Eastern market. The goal is to support local talent and companies in growing and scaling their games in the region.

Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, described this partnership with Xsolla as a significant advancement for Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports sector. He emphasized that the initiative will not only create jobs but also foster a vibrant and sustainable industry that will drive future opportunities and creativity.

In January, Ward expressed his vision for Saudi Arabia to become a strong game development hub by 2030. With Xsolla’s help, Savvy aims to make this vision a reality. The Saudi Arabian government and Savvy Games have been investing heavily in the gaming industry for years, seeking to break into the larger market. They have already invested billions and even made moves to invest in major companies like Nintendo and EA.

Earlier this year, there was a potential deal between Savvy and Embracer, valued at $2 billion, which could have further cemented Saudi Arabia’s position in the global gaming industry. However, this deal fell through in mid-2023. Although Savvy remained operational, Embracer faced significant challenges, leading to the closure of several projects and studios by March.

Despite this setback, other studios are also making moves to establish themselves in Saudi Arabia. For example, PlayStation and Kwalee have recently launched programs aimed at supporting Middle Eastern studios with funding and development assistance.

Overall, Xsolla’s partnership with Savvy Games Group represents a major effort to boost the game development industry in Saudi Arabia. By creating jobs and providing resources for developers, this collaboration seeks to build a robust and innovative gaming ecosystem in the region. For developers and industry professionals looking to be part of this emerging market, this initiative offers a significant opportunity for growth and success in the Middle East’s gaming landscape.