Savvy Games Group and Side Partner to Launch Physical Studio in Riyadh, Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is witnessing a significant boost as Savvy Games Group (SGG), backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has partnered with the UK-based gaming service provider Side to open a physical game development studio in Riyadh by the fourth quarter of 2025. This collaboration marks a strategic milestone in Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global hub for gaming and esports, further strengthening the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.
Savvy Games Group: Driving Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ambitions
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Savvy Games Group is a leading video game investment, development, publishing, and esports company. Backed by the PIF, Savvy has aggressively invested in global gaming giants such as Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, Activision Blizzard, and Nintendo, with a vision to position Saudi Arabia as a global gaming powerhouse by 2030.
Savvy’s commitment is reflected in its recent establishment of a permanent headquarters in Riyadh, which now houses subsidiaries like Steer Studios and Mirai, consolidating its local development efforts. The partnership with Side adds a new dimension by bringing international co-development expertise directly into the Kingdom.
Side’s Role: Enhancing Co-Development Capabilities
Side is an award-winning UK-based codevelopment specialist known for collaborating with established game studios to accelerate development pipelines and enhance game quality. Their expertise spans multiple game genres and platforms, making them an ideal partner for Savvy’s ambitious plans.
The Riyadh studio, set to open by Q4 2025, will focus on providing co-development services tailored for MENA (Middle East and North Africa) developers, fostering local talent and enabling Saudi-based studios to compete on a global scale. This initiative aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s goals of nurturing homegrown gaming companies and creating thousands of jobs in the sector.
Why Riyadh Is Emerging as a Gaming Hub
Riyadh’s rise as a gaming and esports hub is no coincidence. The city benefits from:
- Strong government support, especially through the Public Investment Fund’s multi-billion-dollar investments in gaming.
- Strategic location bridging East and West, attracting international talent and companies.
- Robust infrastructure including state-of-the-art office spaces like the King Abdullah Financial District.
- A youthful population with high engagement in gaming and digital entertainment.
Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward emphasized that having a “fit-for-purpose” office and studio environment is critical for fostering creativity, productivity, and culture, which are essential to building a thriving gaming ecosystem.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The partnership and new studio will contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which include:
- Creating 39,000 jobs in the gaming sector.
- Establishing 250 gaming companies across the Kingdom.
- Adding 50 billion SAR (approximately $13.3 billion) to the Saudi GDP.
- Promoting economic diversification away from oil dependency.
By integrating international expertise with local talent development, the Riyadh studio will accelerate the Kingdom’s transformation into a global gaming destination.
Table: Key Details of the Savvy Games Group and Side Partnership
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership Announcement | July 2025 |
| Studio Location | Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) |
| Studio Opening | Q4 2025 |
| Focus | Co-development services for MENA developers |
| Backing | Public Investment Fund (PIF) |
| Parent Company | Savvy Games Group |
| Partner Company | Side (UK-based codevelopment specialist) |
| Vision 2030 Goals Supported | Job creation, economic diversification, industry growth |
FAQs
Q1: What is the main purpose of the new Riyadh studio?
A1: The studio will provide co-development services to support MENA-based game developers, enhancing local talent and accelerating game development.
Q2: When will the Riyadh studio officially open?
A2: The studio is scheduled to open by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.
Q3: How does this partnership fit into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A3: It supports job creation, economic diversification, and the growth of the gaming industry, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals.
Q4: Who are the key players in this partnership?
A4: Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Side, a UK-based award-winning codevelopment company.
Q5: What impact will this have on the local gaming ecosystem?
A5: It will boost local game development capabilities, attract international collaborations, and create employment opportunities within Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
The partnership between Savvy Games Group and Side to establish a physical studio in Riyadh is a strategic leap forward for Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem. By combining Savvy’s local market leadership and PIF backing with Side’s international co-development expertise, the Riyadh studio will play a pivotal role in nurturing local talent, accelerating game development, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global gaming hub.
As the Kingdom continues to invest heavily in digital entertainment and esports, this collaboration exemplifies the dynamic growth and innovation shaping Riyadh’s future as a center for gaming excellence.
