Xsolla and Savvy Join Forces to Boost the Gaming Industry in the Middle East

In a bid to fortify the gaming sector in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, Savvy Games Group and Xsolla have formed a strategic partnership. The agreement between the two entities will pave the way for the establishment of a gaming incubator, an accelerator program, and the Xsolla Savvy Game Development Academy, which will focus on cultivating local talent and promoting game development as a viable career path in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the partnership will give rise to various events catering to both gaming professionals and enthusiasts, although specific details have yet to be disclosed. The collaboration is expected to generate approximately 3,600 gaming jobs in the region by 2030, as claimed by the two companies. To further solidify their presence in the Middle East, Xsolla plans to open an office in Riyadh. Savvy's CEO, Brian Ward, remarked: "Our partnership with Xsolla marks a significant milestone in our quest to propel Saudi Arabia's gaming and esports ecosystem to the global forefront. By pooling our resources and expertise, we are creating employment opportunities and fostering a thriving, sustainable industry that will drive growth and innovation for years to come." Recently, Savvy Games Group also announced a memorandum of understanding with Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, to enhance the studio's presence in the MENA-3 region, comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. As part of this partnership, Savvy will provide support to Niantic in establishing a regional presence and recruiting local talent. Last year, we had the opportunity to discuss with Savvy's Ward the prospects of building a legitimate gaming business in a country grappling with human rights issues.