In a panel discussion titled “The Entertainment Industry: A Rising Economic Power” as part of the Saudi Media Forum 2026, Soren West, CEO of Tate, affirmed that the electronic games sector will be the main driver shaping the next decade in Saudi Arabia, praising the country’s rapid pace of change, which is ahead of its time.
Amazing pace of transformation and an ambitious vision
West noted that the transformation in the Kingdom is so remarkable that the saying “If you haven’t visited Saudi Arabia in six months, you don’t know it” might need updating to “just three months,” given the scale of the daily, dynamic changes. This statement is not made in a vacuum; rather, it reflects the tangible reality of the Kingdom’s efforts within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and reduce dependence on oil. The entertainment and gaming sectors have emerged as key pillars for achieving this strategic goal.
General context: National strategy for gaming and esports
This vision is underpinned by an ambitious national strategy for gaming and esports launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This strategy aims to make the Kingdom a global hub for the sector by 2030 by attracting investment, developing local talent, and hosting major international events. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), through its specialized arm, the Savvy Games Group, has allocated billions of dollars to acquire stakes in leading global gaming companies and develop a comprehensive infrastructure for the industry within the Kingdom, underscoring the seriousness with which this ambition is being realized.
Importance and expected impact
Domestically, the video game sector is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs for young Saudis in diverse fields such as development, design, marketing, and event management. It will also contribute directly to the GDP. Regionally, this trend reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a regional leader in digital entertainment and technology, attracting talent and companies from across the Middle East. Internationally, these massive investments position the Kingdom as a major and influential player in the global gaming market, not only as a consumer but also as a producer, developer, and strategic investor.
Saudi Media Forum: A platform for shaping the future
The Saudi Media Forum 2026, inaugurated by Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari in Riyadh, is being held under the theme “Media in a Changing World.” The forum brings together more than 300 media leaders and experts from over 20 countries to discuss the future of media and its intersections with the economy, technology, and culture. The forum is accompanied by the Future of Media Exhibition (FOMEX), which features more than 250 local and international companies, making it a vital platform for showcasing the latest innovations and shaping the future of creative industries, most notably the electronic games industry.
