Riyadh Gaming Hub Explained: The Heart of Saudi Arabia’s Esports Revolution

Updated On: August 23, 2025 by     Aaron Connolly  

What Is the Riyadh Gaming Hub?

The Riyadh Gaming Hub is Saudi Arabia’s bold move to become a world leader in game development and esports. The government has thrown its weight behind this multi-billion-pound project, blending top-tier facilities and big investments to turn the kingdom into a gaming powerhouse.

Defining the Concept and Structure

This isn’t just a single building—it’s a sprawling ecosystem. The hub supports every corner of the gaming world.

You’ll find development studios, training centers, and event spaces all linked together.

Key facilities include:

• Professional game development studios
• Esports training facilities
• Tournament venues for major competitions
• Educational centers for aspiring developers

Saudi companies and international gaming firms work together here. Savvy Games Group teams up with names like Xsolla and Side, bringing global know-how right into Riyadh.

Things are moving fast. Twisted Labs opened in Boulevard City in February 2025, offering racing games, puzzles, and spaces for competitive play.

Side plans to launch a physical development studio by late 2025.

This whole partnership approach is about sharing knowledge. International companies bring experience, while Saudi Arabia supplies the funding and infrastructure.

That way, local talent gets the chance to learn directly from the best in the business.

Government Backing and Strategic Aims

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund backs the gaming hub through Savvy Games Group. The government has set aside around £30 billion ($38 billion) just for building up the gaming sector.

This isn’t just about games—it’s a big part of Vision 2030, the kingdom’s push to move beyond oil. Officials see gaming as a fast-growing industry that can bring in serious revenue and jobs.

The government wants to:

• Create 3,600 video game industry jobs by 2030
• Attract top global talent to Saudi Arabia
• Build up homegrown gaming companies
• Make Riyadh a global esports hotspot

You can see this commitment in major events already happening. The Esports World Cup kicked off in Riyadh in summer 2024, now the world’s biggest annual esports competition.

Savvy Games Group has about £10 billion ($13 billion) set aside just to buy up established game publishers. That’s a huge sign they mean business.

Hub Location and Major Facilities

Riyadh sits right at the center of Saudi Arabia’s gaming dreams. The capital offers the infrastructure and global reach needed for a gaming hub of this size.

Most of the main facilities cluster in key parts of the city. Boulevard City is home to new gaming centers like Twisted Labs, and development studios are popping up across different districts.

Physical infrastructure includes:

• High-speed internet for seamless online gaming
• Professional broadcasting gear for esports events
• Modern office spaces for international companies
• Training centers packed with the latest tech

The hub connects with the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) gaming scene. This lets Saudi Arabia act as a gateway for international companies eyeing these growing markets.

Riyadh’s position as a business center and its government ties give companies easy access to both local talent and global partners.

Facilities here support everyone—from solo developers to massive tournaments with thousands of fans.

The Role of Vision 2030 in Gaming

Vision 2030 puts gaming and esports front and center in Saudi Arabia’s transformation. The plan aims for a £10 billion GDP boost by 2030 and promises to create 39,000 local jobs across the gaming sector.

Diversification and Economic Ambitions

Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s leap away from oil. Gaming is a key pillar in this change.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has committed £30 billion to gaming—buying stakes in big names like Nintendo and EA.

Key investment highlights:

• Saudi Arabia now controls 40% of the global esports market
• The Scopely acquisition made Saudi Arabia the top US mobile publisher
• Strategic partnerships with gaming giants worldwide

The Esports World Cup in Riyadh has a record £55 million prize pool. That says a lot about how serious the country is about dominating gaming.

Officials think gaming will add £10.5 billion to Saudi GDP by 2030. That’s a huge shift from oil to digital entertainment.

National Gaming and Esports Strategy

The National Gaming and Esports Strategy is a big part of Vision 2030. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leads the charge on this front.

Saudi Arabia wants to become the world’s esports hub by 2030. They’re weaving gaming into massive projects like Neom and Qiddiya City.

Strategic objectives:

• Build 250 gaming companies by 2030
• Set up world-class esports venues
• Host major international tournaments
• Develop talent pipelines for gaming

Savvy Gaming Group, a PIF subsidiary, drives these efforts. They’ve picked up serious stakes in big publishers and esports organizations.

Riyadh is set to host the Olympic Esports Games from 2027 for the next 12 years. That’s a long-term bet on competitive gaming.

Job Creation and Local Development

Vision 2030 isn’t just about big investments—it’s about growing Saudi gaming talent too. The plan aims to add 39,000 new jobs across the gaming world.

Teams like Team Falcons are proof that local talent is rising fast. Government programs help developers turn their gaming passion into real businesses.

Job creation targets:

• Game development studios
• Esports event management
• Content creation and streaming
• Gaming tech and infrastructure

The Saudi Game Champions program helps local developers bring their projects to market. Young entrepreneurs are building million-pound companies out of gaming ideas.

Qiddiya City will feature an esports district covering 17 city blocks. That’s thousands of jobs in everything from event production to technical support.

Universities are rolling out gaming and esports degrees. This keeps a steady flow of skilled professionals coming into the industry.

Hosting the Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Every summer, the Esports World Cup turns Riyadh into the global heart of competitive gaming. With a wild $70 million prize pool and over 2,000 pros battling it out across 25 tournaments, this is the biggest esports event the world’s ever seen.

Overview of the Tournament

The Esports World Cup stretches for seven weeks, from July through August. More than 2,000 professional players from 200 elite clubs and over 100 countries show up to compete.

Boulevard Riyadh City hosts it all. You’ll find 25 tournaments featuring hits like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Fatal Fury.

Key tournament zones:

• Aramco Racing Arena with top-tier simulators
• stc & Amazon Esports Arenas for community showdowns
• Publisher’s Park and HMG Gaming Park
• Japanese Garden at Crunchyroll Box
• Retro Park for classic gaming vibes

Alongside the main event, the Esports World Cup Festival brings in music, art, and interactive fun for families and casual fans.

Prize Pool and International Reach

This tournament’s $70 million prize pool smashes every previous record. Saudi Arabia isn’t shy about showing how much it cares about esports.

Players from more than 100 countries fly in to compete. Millions of fans watch online, rooting for their favorite teams and stars.

Such a huge prize pool changes the game for esports pros. Top players can walk away with life-changing winnings from just one event.

Prize money covers:

• Multiple games with big rewards
• Both team and solo competitions
• Regional qualifiers leading to the main event
• Content creator challenges and community competitions

Boosting Global Esports Status

The Esports World Cup puts Riyadh right at the top of the esports world. This event rivals traditional sports championships for size and audience.

Vision 2030 includes turning Saudi Arabia into a global gaming hub. The tournament brings in tourists, media, and business deals from around the world.

Every year, the event builds a stronger esports scene in Riyadh. Now, gaming companies, sponsors, and tournament organizers see Saudi Arabia as a must for their global plans.

Big esports organizations are setting up shop in the Middle East to tap into this booming market. The tournament’s success shows that esports can drive tourism, create jobs, and build a country’s reputation—just like traditional sports have done for ages.

Riyadh’s Emergence as a Global Esports Hub

Saudi Arabia has risen from an unlikely contender to a real force in global esports. Massive investment and strong government support have made the kingdom home to the world’s biggest esports prize pools and have drawn top gaming talent from more than 100 countries to Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia on the World Stage

Saudi Arabia uses its economic muscle and global ties to put itself on the esports map. Vision 2030 is the engine behind this transformation, part of the country’s bigger push to diversify its economy.

The Esports World Cup stands at the center of this worldwide plan. Every year from July to August, 2,000 pros and 200 elite clubs from over 100 countries come together in Riyadh.

The 2025 tournament boasts a jaw-dropping $70 million prize pool—the biggest in esports history. That dwarfs anything before and makes it clear Saudi Arabia wants to attract the best.

Being a G20 nation helps Saudi Arabia legitimize esports as a real industry. Officials actively promote gaming and esports through dedicated foundations and venues.

Growth in Competitive Gaming

Riyadh has become the Middle East’s competitive gaming hotspot. The city now hosts major tournaments for all sorts of games throughout the year.

New games keep joining the lineup, pulling in different gaming communities. In 2025, the Esports World Cup added chess, Crossfire, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and VALORANT, alongside the classics.

The Club Championship format rewards teams for doing well across multiple games. The top 16 clubs fight for $27 million, with the winners taking home $7 million.

Individual players can earn big too. Best-player awards hit $450,000, and the total individual prize pool sits at $38 million.

International Partnerships

Saudi Arabia builds strategic partnerships with global gaming organizations and tech companies. The Esports World Cup Foundation handles these international relationships and tournament logistics.

Top gaming clubs from every major region now compete in Saudi events. Teams come from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The kingdom draws in gaming industry leaders and investors from around the world. Big esports organizations are opening regional offices and training centers in Riyadh.

Tourism and cultural exchange are big goals too. International visitors get to experience Saudi hospitality and check out the country’s gaming venues and entertainment.

Government support keeps these partnerships strong. Officials help with visas, venues, and logistics for international events.

Cutting-Edge Gaming Infrastructure

Riyadh has invested in some of the most advanced gaming venues and high-speed connectivity around. The city’s infrastructure focuses on creating pro-level tournament spaces and delivering the lightning-fast internet that competitive gaming needs.

Gaming Venues and Event Spaces

The Saudi government has poured serious resources into building professional gaming arenas all over Riyadh. These venues show off cutting-edge broadcast production gear and customizable studio setups.

Every year, the Esports World Cup draws crowds to Riyadh, using facilities built just for these massive events. These arenas light up with pro-grade lighting, tons of camera angles, and fully equipped broadcast suites.

Key venue features include:

• Top-tier gaming PCs with the latest graphics cards
• Streaming and broadcast tech for professionals
• Sound-proof booths for tournament players
• Training centers dedicated to teams

The Savvy Gaming Group, with backing from the Saudi government, leads most of this venue development. They’ve designed spaces that hit international tournament standards.

NES, a local production company under Nesma Holding, steps in for technical support at these venues. They handle broadcast production and bring in advanced tech for live events.

Connectivity and Technological Advances

Riyadh’s gaming infrastructure leans on strong internet connectivity to keep competitive play smooth. The city has invested in high-speed fibre networks aimed squarely at low-latency gaming.

Network specifications include:

• Ping rates: Below 5ms for local servers
• Download speeds: Up to 1Gbps in gaming venues
• Upload capacity: 500Mbps+ for streaming
• Redundancy: Multiple ISP connections per venue

This setup supports both LAN tournaments and global online competitions. Gaming venues use their own dedicated internet lines, separate from the public ones.

Heads up: Home internet in residential neighborhoods still can’t really compete with these pro standards.

Saudi Arabia is also diving into Web3 and blockchain gaming infrastructure. Venues now have servers that can handle crypto transactions and NFT marketplaces in games.

The tech lets venues run several tournaments at once. Each gaming station links to dedicated servers, so connections stay stable during matches.

The Role of Savvy Games Group and PIF

Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has put £30 billion on the table to turn the kingdom into a global gaming powerhouse by 2030. They’re pushing this vision with bold acquisitions and hands-on ecosystem building in Riyadh.

Investment in the Gaming Sector

PIF channels massive funding through Savvy Games Group to reshape Saudi Arabia’s gaming scene. Out of the total, £26 billion goes into minority stakes in gaming companies, and £19 billion is earmarked for buying up leading game publishers.

Savvy’s portfolio already boasts big names. They snapped up Scopely, a top US mobile games company, for £3.9 billion. They also own ESL FACEIT Group, widely seen as the world’s top esports company.

These aren’t just random shopping sprees. Each deal fits into Saudi Arabia’s bigger plan to move away from oil dependency. The PIF taps into gaming IP in the Middle East to unlock new revenue streams.

Ecosystem Building and Support

Savvy Games Group does more than just buy companies—they build gaming infrastructure in Riyadh. They’ve teamed up with Xsolla to set up an interactive entertainment hub right in the capital.

Local talent development is front and center. Savvy works with Side to launch a physical studio in Riyadh, blending local know-how with international co-development chops.

The group acts as Saudi Arabia’s National Champion for Games and Esports. They’re creating jobs, training developers, and putting Riyadh on the map as a contender against gaming giants like LA and London.

Developing Local Talent and Game Studios

Saudi Arabia’s gaming hub is all about growing new developers through structured training programs and direct support for up-and-coming studios. The Riyadh initiative mixes global expertise with local talent to build a real game development ecosystem.

Support for New Developers

Xsolla Academy and Incubator Programs lay the groundwork for fresh developers entering the scene. These programs offer hands-on training and mentorship from industry pros.

Savvy Games Group teams up with international studios like Side, giving Saudi developers a shot at co-development opportunities. This way, local talent gets access to technical support and works on projects with a global reach.

Key support services include:

• Co-development with established studios
• Localization help for Saudi creators
• Quality assurance testing
• Access to international publishing networks

The Riyadh studio acts as a bridge, connecting local teams with global clients. New developers work side-by-side with veterans on real projects.

Territory Studio’s partnership brings in visual and technical know-how for Saudi teams. That hands-on style helps local devs pick up industry standards.

Training and Education Initiatives

The Xsolla Academy runs courses that start with game development basics and go all the way up to advanced publishing. Students learn straight from folks with real industry experience.

Training centers inside the Riyadh gaming hub give hands-on learning in high-tech spaces. You’ll find development studios and dedicated training rooms.

Educational programs cover:

• Game design and development
• Business and publishing skills
• Technical programming
• Project management

The accelerator program helps promising developers make the leap from training to professional studios. They get funding, mentorship, and industry connections.

By 2030, these efforts target 3,600 new gaming industry jobs across Saudi Arabia. The message is clear: game development is a real career option for Saudis.

Event spaces in the hub host workshops, networking sessions, and conferences. Local developers get direct access to global publishers and investors.

Cultural Impact and Community Engagement

Gaming in Saudi Arabia has shifted from a private hobby to a cultural bridge, connecting tradition with modern entertainment. The country’s gaming community of 21 million players signals a real change in how people connect and express themselves.

Gaming in Saudi Society

Saudi gaming culture kicked off in the 1980s when consoles first arrived. That moment marked a big move from outdoor fun to digital experiences indoors.

Now, 68% of Saudis call themselves gamers—that’s about 21 million people diving into gaming culture.

Gamers come from every age group. Young Saudis use gaming to tap into global trends, while older folks are getting into mobile games more and more.

Gaming cafés and community centers have become new social hangouts. They host tournaments and casual meetups, offering fresh ways for people to connect beyond the usual gathering spots.

The government sees gaming’s social value. Vision 2030 even lists gaming as a tool for engaging youth and encouraging cultural expression.

Female participation is on the rise. Even though only 5% of pro players worldwide are women, Saudi Arabia is actively working to boost those numbers with targeted programs.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Saudi gaming culture weaves together heritage and modern tech in a pretty unique way. Local developers craft games that reflect Saudi history and values but still speak to global audiences.

You’ll spot traditional storytelling in modern game plots. Saudi folklore and history inspire characters and storylines.

The Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh blends high-tech gaming with cultural celebrations and traditional hospitality. It’s a real showcase of old meeting new.

Gaming has turned into a family activity for many Saudis. Parents and kids play together, building new bonds that didn’t really exist before.

Local studios are developing Arabic-language content, helping preserve cultural identity while joining the global gaming scene.

The Kingdom keeps investing in gaming education. These programs teach both tech skills and cultural awareness, so Saudi values stay at the heart of the industry as it grows.

Regulation and Safe Gaming Environment

Saudi Arabia has built one of the most thorough gaming regulation systems in the Middle East. The kingdom tries to balance fast industry growth with cultural values through strict content controls and age-appropriate standards.

Content Ratings and Parental Controls

The General Authority for Media Regulation runs Saudi Arabia’s pioneering age classification system. They launched it in 2016, making it the first of its kind in the region.

The system breaks games into six age groups: 3, 7, 12, 16, 18, and 21+. They classify games within one to three business days after submission.

Since launch, they’ve rated over 3,700 games and add more than 700 new titles every year.

The authority works directly with global publishers before games reach Saudi shelves. This way, all content meets local standards before anyone plays it.

Parents use these ratings to make informed decisions about what’s suitable for their kids. The system spells out warnings about violence, language, and mature themes.

Maintaining Cultural Values

Saudi Arabia’s gaming regulations protect cultural and religious values while letting the industry grow. The 21+ category covers content that needs extra maturity within Saudi society.

Gaming content must line up with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. This means promoting positive social values and encouraging educational content when possible.

Local developers like those behind “Unearthed: Trail of Ibn Battuta” and “Abo Khashem” weave Saudi heritage right into their games. You’ll see local dialects, real streets, and cultural symbols throughout.

The regulatory framework welcomes international games as long as they respect Saudi customs. Publishers often tweak content to fit local guidelines.

This balanced system has drawn global gaming companies to Saudi Arabia. They get clear rules and access to one of the region’s biggest gaming markets.

Economic Impact of the Riyadh Gaming Hub

The Riyadh gaming hub is driving billions in economic value, thanks to big investments and partnerships. Saudi Arabia expects gaming to add $13.3 billion to the economy by 2030, and over $38 billion has already gone into infrastructure and talent.

Attracting Investment and Tourism

Global partnerships are pouring into Riyadh’s gaming scene. Savvy Games and Xsolla are setting up regional HQs, and NEOM’s gaming campus shows off motion capture studios and development labs.

International tournaments bring in serious visitor spending. The Esports World Cup draws top gamers and thousands of fans to Riyadh each year, filling up hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots.

Infrastructure investments are setting up long-term growth. Gaming cafés, esports zones, and dedicated districts double as cultural hubs, blending Saudi heritage with new tech. Locals and tourists both seem to love it.

Foreign investment is speeding up under Vision 2030. The goal is 250 gaming companies by 2030, which pulls in global developers and publishers. More and more, Riyadh is becoming the go-to base for Middle East gaming.

Contribution to GDP

Gaming revenues hit $180 billion globally in 2024, beating out music and film combined. Saudi Arabia is grabbing a bigger slice of the market by focusing on youth and strategic positioning.

Job creation targets reach 39,000 by 2030 under the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Roles range from development and event management to digital broadcasting and marketing. Many of these jobs need specialized tech skills—and the pay reflects that.

The gaming hardware market gets a boost from all the tournaments. Demand for pro gaming gear, streaming tech, and venue setups is on the rise. Both retail and wholesale tech sectors benefit.

Export potential is growing with “Made in Saudi Games.” Local studios are starting to serve global markets, bringing in foreign cash and helping the Kingdom diversify beyond oil, just as Vision 2030 aims for.

Iconic Moments and Nostalgia

Riyadh’s gaming scene really celebrates decades of video game history. You’ll find interactive experiences and classic console showcases that take you on a trip from the earliest Atari systems all the way to today’s gaming tech.

The city’s gaming hubs display everything from the 1972 Odyssey console—the start of home gaming—to modern systems that show how far we’ve come.

Classic Consoles like Atari

Retro Park at Boulevard Riyadh City highlights gaming’s earliest pioneers. You can check out the original Atari systems that kicked off the late 1970s gaming revolution.

They’ve set up hands-on experiences with iconic games like Pac-Man and other arcade classics. These displays help newcomers see how simple graphics and basic gameplay laid the groundwork for today’s complex industry.

Honestly, you should try the original joystick controllers. They’re a bit clunky by today’s standards, but they really show how much gaming tech has improved—plus, there’s something timeless about that straightforward gameplay.

The Sakhr console from 1983 stands out as a milestone for Arab gaming heritage. It’s a cool reminder that different regions all shaped gaming’s global story during those early years.

The Evolution of Gaming in Riyadh

Riyadh’s gaming centres track the journey from pixelated sprites to full-on virtual reality. At Game On in the Ishbiliya District, you’ll find nostalgic arcade games sitting right next to augmented reality setups.

The Esports World Cup 2025 kind of brings everything full circle. You’ll see classic characters from the 1980s and 1990s right alongside modern esports tournaments. That blend keeps gaming culture rooted in its past while pushing into the future.

Interactive displays show how each generation of gaming platforms shaped the scene. From Super Mario World cartridges to today’s cloud gaming, visitors watch the technical leaps that turned gaming from a niche hobby into a global powerhouse.

Quick win: If you’re new, start with the classic arcade section before diving into VR experiences. It’s a fun way to walk through gaming history and see how each step led to the next.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

Saudi Arabia’s gaming future looks ambitious. The country plans to host major global events and aims for big growth by 2030.

The government wants to create 39,000 jobs and add £11 billion to its GDP through gaming investments.

Upcoming Events and Innovations

The annual Esports World Cup in Riyadh has become Saudi Arabia’s flagship gaming event. Starting in 2024, this tournament features 22 game championships over eight weeks with a staggering £48 million prize pool.

We’re already seeing huge infrastructure projects pop up. Qiddiya is building a dedicated gaming and esports district with arenas, team facilities, and boot camps. Regional headquarters for top video game companies will move in here.

Key upcoming developments include:

• Olympic Esports Games in 2025 (in partnership with IOC)
• New gaming studios opening across Riyadh
• State-of-the-art training centres and event spaces
• Advanced broadcasting facilities for global tournaments

The 2,000-square-metre VOV venue highlights Saudi Esports’ commitment to building dynamic gaming communities. These spaces attract international talent and help local developers grow.

Roadmap for the Next Decade

Vision 2030 is driving Saudi Arabia’s gaming transformation. The country wants to develop 30 competitive games and become the world’s gaming hub.

Financial projections look strong:

• £40 billion GDP contribution by 2030
• 39,000 new jobs in the gaming industry
• Middle East gaming market hitting £4.5 billion by 2027
• 88% faster internet response times for gamers

We expect major international companies to set up shop in Riyadh. The National Gaming and Esports Strategy focuses on expanding the industry, boosting entertainment, and scaling up competitive offerings.

Saudi Esports plans to attract global talent through acquisitions and partnerships. With 60% of the population under 30, there’s a solid base for long-term growth in competitive gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riyadh offers world-class gaming facilities—think cutting-edge venues at Boulevard City and major tournaments like the Esports World Cup. The city also supports developers through government funding and opens up opportunities for gamers at every level.

What are the top gaming facilities available in Riyadh for avid gamers?

Boulevard Riyadh City is the main hub for serious gamers. It hosts the Esports World Cup and turns into a massive gaming centre during big events.

You’ll find top-tier gaming cafés all over Riyadh. These places offer high-end PCs with the newest graphics cards and peripherals.

Tournament spaces come fully equipped for competitive play. Professional-grade gear is standard here.

Many venues stay open 24 hours. That flexibility lets players practice during off-peak hours when servers run smoother.

Can you give an overview of the gaming events and tournaments held in Riyadh?

The Esports World Cup runs for eight weeks every summer. Almost 2,000 pro players from over 100 countries compete for prizes topping £70 million.

Over 20 electronic games are featured in the competition. It’s honestly one of the biggest prize pools in esports history.

Boulevard Riyadh City hosts the main events. The opening ceremony even brought in big names like Post Malone—pretty wild for a gaming event.

Smaller tournaments happen all year. Local cafés and gaming venues organise weekly and monthly competitions for all skill levels.

How does the Riyadh gaming hub contribute to the local e-sports community?

Vision 2030 drives government support with significant funding. The Public Investment Fund backs esports development through the Savvy Games Group.

Local talent development programmes help train up-and-coming players. These initiatives connect aspiring gamers with coaching and pro-level opportunities.

The hub creates jobs outside of just playing games. Roles in commentary, event management, and tech support open career paths for gaming fans.

Community grows through regular events and meetups. Local players get to network with international pros during the big tournaments.

What opportunities are there for aspiring game developers in Riyadh?

The Savvy Games Group offers direct funding for local developers. This government-backed company invests in homegrown talent and fresh gaming ideas.

Studios get support through several programmes. Funding ranges from early-stage help to full production budgets.

We’re seeing more partnerships between local developers and international publishers. These connections help Saudi talent reach global markets.

Universities and private schools have started teaching game development. Courses now target the skills needed for the modern gaming industry.

Where can you find gaming cafés and lounges in Riyadh, and what unique features do they offer?

Gaming venues pop up all over Riyadh, especially near major shopping districts. Boulevard City hosts many premium spots during tournament seasons.

High-end equipment makes these cafés stand out from regular internet cafés. You’ll find pro gaming chairs, mechanical keyboards, and 144Hz monitors as standard.

A lot of venues offer coaching from experienced players. Beginners get help learning techniques and strategies.

Food and drink services cater to gamers. Extended hours and gamer-friendly menus make those long practice sessions way more comfortable.

What initiatives are being taken to promote gaming culture within Riyadh?

The Next Game Sports Conference pulls in global industry leaders from all over. Publishers, folks from traditional sports, and government officials sit down together to talk about where gaming is headed.

People have started educational outreach programs in schools and universities. They want young people to see the real career options in gaming and esports.

The government backs investment in infrastructure to keep growth steady. High-speed internet and dedicated gaming spaces get a lot of support.

Riyadh is also building international partnerships to connect with the wider gaming world. The city’s aiming to become a bridge between Eastern and Western gaming markets.