Side to Launch New Studio in Saudi Arabia Through Partnership with Savvy Games Group

Side, a leading games services provider, has announced plans to establish a new studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Savvy Games Group. The studio, set to open by Q4 2025, will offer co-development services in the MENA region. According to Side CEO Deborah Kirkham, Saudi Arabia presents a prime opportunity for growth, with its inviting partners, audience demand for localized content, and government support. The partnership with Savvy Games, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, has sparked concerns due to human rights issues in the country. However, Side's chief communications officer Martin McBride emphasized that great games can be created anywhere and that the company's decision to partner with Savvy stems from a shared vision to bring exciting games to a global audience. With over 20 million gamers in Saudi Arabia, Side is well-positioned to nurture a new generation of talent in the industry. The partnership does not involve any ownership stakes or equity agreements, and Savvy Games is not investing in Side. The PIF currently holds stakes in several major gaming companies, including Nintendo, Capcom, and EA. Nika Nour, SVP and head of international business development at Savvy Games, expressed excitement about the partnership, citing a shared vision to elevate the global gaming experience and support the next generation of creative professionals in the region. Side's expansion plans are part of its broader strategy, following the recent opening of its new studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which has grown from less than 10 people to over 100 in under two years.