Saudi esports success depends on local businesses, say industry players
After Saudi Arabia released its esports strategy last week, members of the region’s local gaming industry say community players, developers and startups are key to actualizing the plan’s ambitious goals.
Young, edgy and female is the new face the conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is presenting to the world with esports, as it’s changing its game in the industry.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a reported avid “Call of Duty” video gamer, released an esports strategy for his country last week, calling for the creation of 39,000 jobs and the production of more than 30 games in domestic studios by 2030.
For Saudi Arabia’s first female e-football title holder, this plan began a few years ago with the creation of the national esports federation in 2017 and her government's push to widen its talent pool.
“A girl doesn’t have to play at home anymore,” said 25-year-old Najd Fahad, who won the global FIFA e-football championship in 2020 — but before that, she would play anonymously online to avoid public scrutiny.
