PIF’s gaming entity aims to become a global games leader by 2030

1 / 3
According to the 2023 annual report published by Savvy, there are more than 21 million self-identified game players in Saudi Arabia. (Ministry of Sport)
Short Url
Updated 01 September 2024
Follow

PIF’s gaming entity aims to become a global games leader by 2030

  • Savvy’s CEO Brian Ward sheds light on company’s achievements, future plans

RIYADH: The CEO of Savvy Games Group recently detailed the latest progress from its 2023 annual report and highlighted key areas of expansion in 2025.

Brian Ward told Arab News: “2025 is going to be a very exciting year for Savvy.

“First of all, on the esports side, we have the inaugural Olympic Esports Games here in Riyadh, sometime later in the second half of the year. So, a huge tournament, the first official addition to the Olympic movement since the Winter Games in 1928,” he explained.

0 seconds of 1 minute, 2 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
01:02
01:02
 

“On the game development and publishing side, we expect to be able to announce another major investment or acquisition, hopefully in a top team or publisher that can bring another great game to our portfolio,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The company emphasized its mission and commitment to transparency through the publication of its first inaugural annual report providing key resources for understanding Savvy’s trajectory in the gaming sector.

• On creating jobs, Ward said that the team has now doubled in size within the last year.

Savvy is one of the entities responsible for positioning the Kingdom as a major global hub for the games industry, with a mission to become a world leader by 2030.

Since its launch in September 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also the chairman of the board of Savvy Games Group, the PIF-owned company has expanded its assets on multiple fronts from human capital, acquisitions, game development, and investment.




Brian Ward, Savvy Games Group CEO

“I think we’ll see a lot more collaboration amongst all the stakeholders in the Kingdom toward creating great incentives to attract foreign investment and to bring jobs to Saudi Arabia, as well as training and development programs actually kicking off to help develop skills for Saudis,” Ward said.

According to the 2023 annual report published by Savvy, there are more than 21 million self-identified game players in Saudi Arabia — 70 percent of the population — with over 48 percent of these players being women.

The company emphasized its mission and commitment to transparency through the publication of its first inaugural annual report providing key resources for understanding Savvy’s trajectory in the gaming sector.

On the game development and publishing side, we expect to be able to announce another major investment or acquisition, hopefully in a top team or publisher that can bring another great game to our portfolio.

Brian Ward, Savvy Games Group CEO

One of the major central themes of the report is Savvy’s role in delivering Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

In a statement released by Savvy, the CEO said: “2023 was a transformative year for Savvy. Our investments and initiatives have expanded our global footprint and contributed to exciting developments within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and added significant shareholder value.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to our chairman for his wise counsel and leadership and our shareholder, the PIF, for their unwavering support and guidance.”

The annual report detailed how 2023 marked a major year of investment for Savvy, with the largest transaction being a $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely, the rebranding of Savvy Games Studios to Steer Studios, and the launch of “MONOPOLY GO!”

On creating jobs, Ward said that the team has now doubled in size within the last year. Savy’s workforce now has over 3,500 employees across 22 countries with an emphasis on hiring people in key areas such as finance, strategy, legal, human resources, and communications.

When asked how Savvy aims to contribute to the Kingdom’s growing gaming sector, Ward said they are executing on three fronts: games development and publishing investment worldwide, esports development, and then Saudi Arabian ecosystem-building.

“On the KSA ecosystem-building front, our main mission, as we see it, is to help coalesce and drive further collaboration amongst local stakeholders to ensure that we have the right incentives, packages to attract foreign investment and jobs, training and development programs, coming to fruition to give Saudis the right skills to fill those jobs,” he explained.

Ward highlighted how Savvy’s local studio is doing “extremely well,” adding that “there’s about 85 or 90 people in that studio now. They’re in development of two mobile games, one of which is in soft launch and, hoping to kick off a console project with an important, local third party.”

Speaking on the recent New Global Sports Conference, Ward said it was very successful.

“We were remarking that I don’t think any of us had seen that number of senior executives from the games industry all in one place in many, many years, so super well-attended from that point.”


Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus’ Dwelaa.
Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 20 people.

Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”

The Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.


Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom

  • For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers

RIYADH: Young Saudi women are discovering a new freedom riding motorcycles on the streets of Riyadh, challenging stereotypes and fostering an empowering community.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, with its all-female membership, is at the forefront of this trend.

Founded in 2022 by Capt. Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. 

“We wanted to break stereotypes and build a strong community that supports freedom, confidence, and sisterhood on and off the road,” Abdulsaud said.

This mission resonates deeply with women who have long felt restricted by societal norms and expectations, she added. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sam (@i.sam.07)

For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers. 

Joining the club is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates adventure and camaraderie. The club seeks to encourage women to embrace their passions, while providing a supportive network for those who seek to share this journey. 
 
Abualsaud, a dentist and proud biker, explained her motivation for co-founding Sisterhood. “I wanted to create a space where women could feel both powerful and supported,” she said.

“As someone who always seeks adventure, riding became my way of feeling free and present. Building and leading this club wasn’t just about motorcycles — it was about making a statement that women can be bold, united, and unstoppable.” 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles.

“Owning a bike is not required to join. We welcome women at all levels, whether you’re an experienced rider, someone considering getting a license, or simply curious about the community,” Abdulsaud said.

This inclusive approach makes it easier for women to join without feeling intimidated, fostering a sense of belonging. 

Founded in 2022 by Captain Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. (Supplied)

“I’ve always been passionate about adventurous hobbies. I ride horses and have loved ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) since childhood. So, when women were allowed to ride motorcycles, I jumped at the opportunity,” said club member Maisa Alhugaily.

“What drew me specifically to Sisterhood Club was the sense of community and empowerment it offers. I wanted to be part of a group that supports and uplifts women, while exploring something exciting and different.”

The club provides mentorship, safety training, and introductory riding experiences to ensure that new members can embark on their journeys with confidence. 

“What matters most is the spirit of adventure and respect for the community,” Abdulsaud said. This commitment to safety and education helps demystify the world of motorcycles, making it accessible to everyone. 

The importance of such clubs for Saudi women cannot be overstated, she believes.

“These clubs give Saudi women visibility, voice, and validation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Riding a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia is more than a hobby — it’s a symbol of choice, strength, and movement.”

Sisterhood empowers women by offering them opportunities to lead, connect, travel, and inspire each other. 

This empowerment is crucial in a society where women are often expected to conform to traditional roles. The presence of female riders challenges stereotypes and encourages other women to explore their interests without feeling limited by societal expectations.

“It also helps normalize the presence of female riders in public, creating a ripple effect for future generations of girls to dream big without limitations,” Abdulsaud says. 

Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles. (Supplied)

Currently, Sisterhood organizes over 40 rides and has 260 active members from cities across Saudi Arabia. The community is steadily growing, with regular collaborations with riders from other Gulf countries. 

Abdulsaud said: “Sisterhood is not just a local club — it’s part of a larger movement.” This expansion reflects the increasing interest among women in pursuing activities that defy traditional gender roles. 

In addition to riding, the club engages in various events and interests that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

“We participate in local and regional motorcycle events, organize safety awareness workshops, community outreach rides, and even lifestyle gatherings like motorcycle fashion events, fitness classes, and off-road trips,” Abdulsaud said.

The wide range of activities encourages a lifestyle filled with empowerment, connection, and fun. 

Through the Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, Saudi women are not only discovering a passion for riding, but also building a supportive network that champions their dreams and aspirations. The club embodies a spirit of unity and strength, allowing women to pursue their passions unapologetically.

“We’re telling them, you have a place among us,” Abdulsaud said.

The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club is more than just a group of women who ride; it is a movement that signifies freedom, empowerment, and sisterhood. As these women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles in society, they are paving the way for future generations to ride boldly into their own destinies. 


Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh

  • Neil Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen
  • Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a ‘key, indispensable partner’

LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met Neil Crompton, the outgoing UK ambassador to Riyadh, in his office on Sunday.

Crompton bid farewell to Prince Abdulaziz as his tenure as ambassador ended. Prince Abdulaziz thanked Crompton for his service in the Kingdom and wished him success.

Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a “key, indispensable partner” to the UK.

“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between east and west, and north and south,” Crompton said.


Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France

  • The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was recently on an official visit to Russia and France along with his accompanying delegation of officials from the sector.

He participated in the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and its main session, which was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In France, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the International Paris Air Show as well as a signing ceremony for an air services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Panama.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics.

 


Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi project clears 1,243 mines in Yemen

  • The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,243 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,182 unexploded ordnances, 57 anti-tank mines and four anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 501,243 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.