With over 24 million Saudis actively gaming across platforms and 69% of the population regularly consuming gaming content on Twitch, YouTube Live, Bigo Live, and TikTok Live, the Kingdom has emerged as the Middle East’s undisputed gaming powerhouse. Yet despite this massive viewership, only 10% of Saudi gaming creators are currently monetizing their streams – a gap representing one of the region’s most significant untapped business opportunities.
The Numbers Behind the Revolution
Saudi Arabia’s gaming market generated USD 1.36 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.22 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. The Kingdom now captures 20% of the entire MENA gaming market, with the sector contributing $1.2 billion in revenues this year alone.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES), launched in 2022 as part of Vision 2030, aims to create 39,000 local jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to GDP by 2030. Saudi Arabia became the first country in the world to publish a government-backed plan for esports, dedicating $40 billion to build the world’s first gaming and esports district.
Global Tech Giants Join the Ecosystem
The Kingdom’s gaming ambitions are attracting major international players, with Chinese tech giant Tencent making significant commitments. “Tencent Cloud’s Saudi region will become operational by 2025. We are going to invest $150 million for the local infrastructure, we source partnerships over the next few years. We have to support the country’s Vision 2030,” said Dan Hu, Vice president of Tencent Cloud International for the Middle East and North Africa.
Tencent’s $150 million investment will establish data center infrastructure with tailored offerings including gaming solutions, live streaming, and real-time applications. The company has already secured major clients before its official Saudi launch, demonstrating immediate market appeal.
Meanwhile, Savvy Games Group is contemplating multibillion-dollar deals with Chinese companies, creating competitive dynamics and collaboration opportunities between established gaming giants and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious expansion plans.
Platform Performance and Monetization Gaps
Twitch remains the global leader for gaming live streaming, particularly popular during major esports events and influencer broadcasts. YouTube Live has gained traction among Saudi gamers who stream multiplayer sessions and interactive tutorials, leveraging the platform’s robust creator economy tools.
TikTok Live has become a frontrunner in the region, offering micro-streamers and hybrid entertainment formats unprecedented opportunities to monetize their broadcasts.
Despite comprehensive monetization tools across these platforms – from direct tipping to brand partnerships and e-commerce integration – the majority of Saudi creators remain independent, missing advanced revenue streams that have made international counterparts significantly more profitable.
Investment Momentum Building
The funding landscape reflects growing confidence in Saudi gaming’s potential. Saudi venture capital firm Impact46 recently invested over $6.6 million across five gaming studios – Fahy, NJD, Game Cooks, Starvania, and Alpaka – as part of its $40 million Gaming Fund. Saudi Arabia-based mobile gaming studio Sheba Joy secured $293,000 in pre-seed funding from Merak Capital, which provides funding and strategic support to gaming startups.
Savvy Games Group, with backing from the Public Investment Fund, continues leading major acquisitions while building strategic partnerships with the Esports World Cup Foundation, which collaborates with major gaming companies including Tencent.
Strategic Recommendations
- For Gaming Creators: Explore partnerships with agencies and platform-specific programs like Bigo Live’s creator initiatives. Enhanced cloud infrastructure from companies like Tencent will provide improved streaming capabilities.
- For Brands: Early gaming sponsorship investments deliver unmatched reach among younger demographics. With 24 million active gamers, brands establishing partnerships now will benefit from first-mover advantages as global tech giants establish local operations.
- For Entrepreneurs: The 90% of creators not yet monetizing represents massive service opportunities in agency services, technology platforms, and educational programs as international infrastructure investments create additional demand for local expertise.
The Road to 2030
As Saudi Arabia builds toward its 2030 gaming targets, the convergence of government support, private investment, international partnerships, and massive audience engagement creates unprecedented opportunities. The entry of global technology leaders like Tencent validates the Kingdom’s strategic vision while accelerating innovation and development.
The real winners will recognize that Saudi gaming represents more than entertainment – it’s a $13.3 billion economic opportunity requiring serious business approaches to content creation, brand partnerships, and platform development.
With Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals and the world’s first government-backed esports strategy providing the foundation, Saudi Arabia’s gaming revolution is just beginning.
