In the heart of Riyadh, young Saudis marvel at a museum showcasing the rich history of video games, from the iconic Pac-Man to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5. This immersive experience is part of the Gamers8 festival, an eight-week extravaganza of eSports tournaments with a staggering prize pool of $45 million. Saudi Arabia’s passion for gaming and eSports is well-known, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rumored to be an avid Call of Duty player. The kingdom’s commitment to this booming industry is evident in a $38 billion investment strategy aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for game developers. As the nation embraces this digital revolution, the focus has shifted towards fostering local talent and creating games that authentically represent Saudi and Arabic culture.
Traditionally, Arabs were consumers rather than producers of video games. However, the landscape is changing rapidly. Mohammed al-Fakih, a developer, reflects on the transformation, stating that there is now an opportunity to design games that align with local customs and traditions. Through programs like Gamers8, thousands of Saudis, especially youth, are participating in workshops and crash courses on coding and animation. These “game labs” are enabling young Saudis to transform their ideas into reality and acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the gaming industry.
While the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum, there remains a pressing question: How can a breakout gaming hit be created that authentically showcases Saudi culture? Faisal bin Homran, the chief eSports officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, acknowledges the complexity of this challenge. Currently, there are 25,000 Saudi and foreign developers striving to address this issue. Homran believes that collaborations with international experts will help bridge the gap, eventually producing games that can resonate globally. To draw inspiration from existing global franchises that feature Saudi characters like Shaheen from Tekken and Rashid from Street Fighter further fuels the aspirations of fostering original Saudi game development.
With its eyes fixed on the future, Saudi Arabia’s gaming and eSports strategy aspires to develop 30 globally competitive games within domestic studios by 2030. While the journey towards achieving this goal is undoubtedly challenging, early signs of success are emerging. Some local Saudi-made games, though still unpolished, have managed to capture the hearts of Saudi gamers. Khaled Alghaith, a 14-year-old Rocket League enthusiast, fondly recalls playing “Khashem” (“Nose” in Saudi Arabic). The game follows a character who loses their memory and embarks on a quest to regain it, relying on their sense of smell to overcome various challenges. This local creation resonated with Alghaith and instilled immense pride in its Saudi origin.
Overcoming Obstacles on the Global Stage
Despite Saudi Arabia’s ambitious foray into the gaming industry, challenges await on the global stage. Backlash ensued in 2020 when LGBTQ gamers protested against the country’s prohibition of same-sex sexual acts, leading to the cancellation of deals between Saudi Arabia and prominent gaming entities. However, these setbacks have not deterred Riyadh’s gaming aspirations. Recent acquisitions, such as the $4.9 billion purchase of California-based mobile games company Scopely and an over eight percent ownership stake in Nintendo by the Public Investment Fund, exemplify the kingdom’s determination to establish a robust game development ecosystem.
As Saudi Arabia’s influence in the gaming industry grows, concerns about censorship arise, reminiscent of China’s rise as a game development powerhouse. Tobias Scholz, an eSports expert at Norway’s University of Agder, warns of a potential shift in game development with fewer titles offering critical perspectives. Developers may feel compelled to conform to avoid potential conflicts and maintain a positive image. Addressing these concerns is pivotal to strike a balance between artistic expression and cultural sensibilities.
Despite the challenges and potential risks, grievances are far from the minds of young Saudi gamers like Abdulaziz Maher. Attending workshops during Gamers8 on sound design and character movement in three-dimensional landscapes has ignited Maher’s passion for game development. He now realizes that his ideas can take shape, paving the way for a potential career in the industry. The newfound clarity and purpose have aligned his thoughts, providing him with a tangible path to follow.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The kingdom’s commitment to nurturing local talent and showcasing Saudi and Arabic culture through video games is admirable. While challenges such as cultural representation and potential censorship loom, there is tremendous potential for Saudi game developers to make a mark on the global stage. As young Saudis immerse themselves in game labs and acquire the skills necessary to bring their ideas to life, the future of Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry looks promising. With each new game created, the kingdom moves one step closer to becoming a powerhouse in the global gaming community, leaving an indelible mark on the world with its unique cultural perspective.
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