In an exciting move poised to reshape the gaming landscape, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is planning to transfer its gaming-related assets to its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This strategic shift, anticipated as early as 2025, is part of a broader vision to enhance intellectual property (IP) utilization across the Middle East.
Transforming Gaming Investment into Collaboration
Saudi Arabia’s PIF is not only focusing on investments but is also paving the way for more active collaboration in the gaming sector. While the specifics of this collaborative approach are still emerging, the potential is vast. An example of this direction is the announcement by Qiddiya Investment Company (a PIF-owned entity) of a Dragon Ball theme park in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the types of projects that are expected to gain momentum.
Furthermore, Savvy Games Group is actively engaging with Japanese gaming firms to facilitate their entry into the Saudi Arabian and broader Middle Eastern and North African markets. The goal is to establish robust partnerships in gaming, esports, and IP, while also offering substantial support for localization efforts.
Strategic Investments Across the Gaming Sphere
Saudi Arabia’s investment ambitions are evident in its increasing stakes in key gaming companies. The PIF has expanded its holdings in Nintendo to 8.58% and has strategically acquired stakes in other prominent Japanese firms such as Capcom (6.6%) and Nexon (10.23%). Additionally, it holds an 8.97% stake in Koei Tecmo.
Beyond Japan, the PIF’s investment portfolio includes significant stakes in global giants like EA (9.34%), Take-Two Interactive (6.52%), and Activision Blizzard. These investments underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a formidable player in the global gaming industry.
Last year, we explored these developments with Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward, who shared insights into the company’s mission to build a robust gaming business and reshape perceptions of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and foster innovation, the gaming sector stands out as a beacon of opportunity, inviting investors worldwide to be part of this transformative journey.
