A report by Boston Consulting Group projected the overall esports and gaming consumption in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2020, at an average compound annual growth rate of 22%. The report reveals that the country is home to 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts, equivalent to 67% of the national population. Moreover, 90% of this segment (21.1 million) already play esports titles on a semi-pro or amateur basis, with 100 professional esports players pursuing full-time careers.
“From a Saudi standpoint, these growth projections undoubtedly bode well for the local gaming and esports community,” explained Povilas Joniskis, Partner at Boston Consulting Group. “Despite the Kingdom being a relatively recent entrant to this space, the industry is vibrant and fast-growing, nevertheless. Passionate gamers are primarily powering its growth and popularity at present, and it is more than feasible for them to embark on full-time careers and become involved on the international stage. Yet first, key barriers concerning aspiring Saudi competitors and professionals must be overcome.”
While there is much potential in the Saudi gaming and esports industry today, challenges also await due to the landscape being in an early development stage compared to other international markets, namely a lack of funding to compete full-time, scarcity of local competition, no clear pathway for gamers to become professional, and social stigma associated with choosing a career in gaming and esports. As such, the Kingdom’s leadership now has an opportunity to capitalize on the widespread passion for gaming and translate the current high level of consumption intensity to a corresponding production intensity.
One local example is Manga Productions, part of Misk Foundation, the government-sponsored non-profit organization focused on cultivating Saudi’s youth as stewards of the region’s economy. Manga Productions is providing funding and financial support, as well participating in education and talent attraction efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and DigiPen, the game design academy, recently collaborated to launch the Game Changers program, which was designed to provide unique career pathways for entrepreneurs in the Saudi game industry and increase the number of independent game company startups.
(All information was provided by Gulf Business)
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