RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is witnessing a digital expansion, as it is set to unveil local brands in virtual transformation, attracting more Saudi talent and sharing the cultural richness of the country, said the co-founder of The Sandbox, a metaverse platform that allows players to build, own, and monetize immersive gaming experiences on the blockchain.
Talking to Arab News on the sidelines of the two-day Next World Forum in Riyadh, Sebastien Borget revealed that they will announce more local brands from Saudi Arabia before the end of the year.
This initiative, part of The Sandbox’s broader strategy, will focus on curating a neighborhood of brands centered around education, entertainment, and novel dimensions of engagement, he added.
“Progressively, I think that this will be a way to attract more local talent as well because they want to be virtual neighbors around the big brand they’re familiar with,” he continued.
Notably, The Sandbox inked a strategic agreement with the Saudi Digital Government Authority during the Digital Saudi Exhibition earlier this year. This collaboration, cemented during the LEAP 23 Conference in February, aimed at providing innovative solutions for the public sector.
“In Saudi Arabia, the DGA is our very first partner. They acquired a land as part of educating themself through participating, engaging on the platform … and getting a better understanding of what is the metaverse,” he explained, highlighting the significance of the partnership.
The co-founder underscored that this partnership is highly significant in demonstrating that the leadership of The Sandbox, represented by DGA in the Kingdom and the Middle East and North Africa region, is under the control of a governmental entity.
Borget further emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the evolving landscape of technology, social interactions, and job prospects. It also plays a role in fostering the creation of a digital economy, offering the possibility for individuals engaged in video games or game creation to potentially generate income and pursue their desired careers.
He underscored The Sandbox’s global reach, revealing that Asia holds a significant stake in its player base, content creators, and landowners — accounting for 40 percent. This diverse demographic composition significantly contributes to shaping a thriving virtual world that embraces inclusivity and celebrates cultural diversity.
