GamesBeat Next is an event that is connecting the next generation of video game leaders, and you have the opportunity to join them on October 28th and 29th in San Francisco. The event is offering a buy one, get one free pass offer, but the sale ends this Friday, August 16th. This is a great opportunity to network with industry leaders, learn about the latest trends in gaming, and be a part of shaping the future of the industry.
Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in the gaming and esports industries, with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund allocating $37 billion for games. Savvy Games Group, a Riyadh-based company led by CEO Brian Ward, made a splash last year with its $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely. This move paid off with the success of Scopely’s mobile game Monopoly Go, which generated over $2 billion in revenues in its first 10 months. This success is helping Saudi Arabia and Savvy advance their goals of creating a financial empire in games, but the next step is to create more jobs in Saudi Arabia to offset the decline of the oil economy.
The country is aiming to accelerate its growth in the gaming industry, but the challenge lies in developing local talent. While Saudi Arabia has a young population that has grown up playing games, the conservative values of the country have historically made it a challenging destination for migrants. However, with 67% of the population considering themselves gamers, there is a strong foundation for building a thriving game industry in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to its investments in gaming, Savvy has also made moves in the esports space, acquiring ESL FaceIt Group and launching the Esports World Cup in Boulevard City near Riyadh. The inaugural event saw over 500 million viewers and 250 million hours of content consumed, making it the most-watched tournament of 2024. Team Falcons emerged as the first Club Champion, taking home $7 million in prize money from a pool of over $60 million.
The Esports World Cup featured competitions across 22 games, including popular titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. The event attracted 60,000 ticket sales and garnered impressive viewership numbers, with peak viewership reaching 3.5 million during the League of Legends Grand Final. The success of the Esports World Cup highlights the growing interest and potential of esports in the region.
In an interview with Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, the importance of speed in the industry was emphasized. Ward discussed the rapid pace of change in the gaming industry and the need to move quickly to stay ahead of the competition. He also touched on the long-term goals of Saudi Arabia and the importance of accelerating talent development in the region.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s investments in gaming and esports are positioning the country as a key player in the industry. With a focus on talent development, job creation, and fostering a culture of gaming, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a global hub for games and esports. The upcoming GamesBeat Next event presents a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and be a part of shaping the future of gaming.