Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plans to partner with several entities to become a global hub for games and esports, according to the group’s CEO Brian Ward.

Nine66, one of Savvy Games Group's companies, is working with different entities to provide business incubators and accelerators to foster entrepreneurs and startups in the gaming sector, Ward stated in an interview with Al Eqtisadiah newspaper.

He added that the group joined efforts with the concerned entities and ministers to attract global investments to the Kingdom and create 39,000 jobs in the gaming sector by 2030, in addition to partnering with educational organizations and universities to design and provide academic and professional programs.

Ward noted that the video game industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region witnessed an annual growth rate of 8.5%, while the video game market in the Kingdom is estimated at more than SAR 4 billion.

Speaking about the importance of artificial intelligence (AI), the CEO affirmed it will bring all brand-new tools and technologies to the games industry.

Moreover, Ward said AI will not replace employees, however, it will empower them with the best tools to create remarkable content.

Launched in 2022, Savvy Games Groups is dedicated to driving the sector’s growth globally, leading global games investment, enabling more game developers and technology innovators, and facilitating broader and more equitable access to the sector.