Savvy Games — global gaming commitment
SAR 142 billion ($38B) committed to gaming and esports
Thriving Economy pillar2 sourcesLast verified 2026-05-18
Hero metric
Savvy Games capital commitment
SAR 142B
2030 targetSAR 142 billion ($38B) committed to gaming and esports
Publishers include: SPA · Arab News
The Story
Before
Saudi had no formal gaming industry, despite being one of the most active gaming markets per capita globally.
Initiative
Savvy Games was founded by PIF as a vehicle for global gaming investment. Major acquisitions: ESL FACEIT ($1.5B), Scopely, and Esports World Cup organization.
Outcome
SAR 142 billion ($38B) has been committed to gaming and esports through 2030. The annual Esports World Cup in Riyadh now hosts $60M+ in prize money.
For citizens
A global gaming industry hub is being built in Saudi — creating jobs for Saudi developers, designers, broadcasters, and esports athletes.
Timeline of Milestones
2022
Savvy Games Group established by PIF
2023
ESL FACEIT acquired ($1.5B)
2024
First Esports World Cup hosted in Riyadh; $60M+ prize pool
Evidence library · 2 primary sources
Sorted by tier, newest first
An entertainment industry, built from zero
89 million visits to events and venues in 2025
89M+
Cinema, reborn from zero
From 0 cinema screens in 2017 to 700+ at 60+ locations across 16 governorates
700+
Riyadh Season — country's biggest festival
13 million visits to the multi-month festival in 2024-2025
13M
Saudis employed in entertainment
100,000+ direct jobs in the entertainment sector
100K+
Initiative attribution: Savvy Games (PIF subsidiary); National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Citizen benefit category: Economic empowerment.