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

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)
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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)
PIF’s gaming entity aims to become a global games leader by 2030
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Brian Ward, Savvy Games Group CEO. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
PIF’s gaming entity aims to become a global games leader by 2030
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Brian Ward, Savvy Games Group CEO. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 01 September 2024
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PIF’s gaming entity aims to become a global games leader by 2030

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.

“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.”


2-state solution the only viable path to lasting peace in Middle East, says Saudi foreign minister

2-state solution the only viable path to lasting peace in Middle East, says Saudi foreign minister
Updated 42 min 14 sec ago
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2-state solution the only viable path to lasting peace in Middle East, says Saudi foreign minister

2-state solution the only viable path to lasting peace in Middle East, says Saudi foreign minister
  • In an op-ed published in the Financial Times, Prince Faisal bin Farhan writes: ‘Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product’
  • The ‘true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides,’ he adds

LONDON: Now is the time to embark on an irreversible path to resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that culminates in the establishment of two independent states in which the peoples can live side by side in peace, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said.

In an op-ed published in the Financial Times on Wednesday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan wrote that a two-state solution is the only viable way to ensure the long-term security of Palestine, Israel and the wider region.

The Kingdom will work tirelessly to help create an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until this happens, he added. His comments echoed a reaffirmation of the Saudi stance by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent address to the Shoura Council.

Prince Faisal said an independent Palestinian state would deliver the dividends the Kingdom seeks: regional stability, integration and prosperity. His op-ed follows a sharp escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in recent weeks, and an Iranian missile attack against Israel on Tuesday.

“It is essential to understand that the true obstacles to peace are not the Palestinians and Israelis, who yearn for stability and coexistence, but rather the radicals and warmongers on both sides who reject a just resolution and seek to spread this conflict across our region and beyond,” he wrote.

“These extremists should not dictate the future of our peoples or force war upon them. The voices of moderation must rise above the din of conflict, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are heard.”

Prince Faisal said self-determination is a right the Palestinian people deserve and are entitled to, and Saudi Arabia and other countries are working to secure global recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. He encouraged those nations that have privately expressed a willingness to do this to do so publicly, because now is the “time to stand on the right side of history.”

He continued: “Merely recognizing Palestine is not enough. We must demand more accountability, in line with International Court of Justice opinions. This includes the implementation of UN resolutions, the imposition of punitive measures against those that work to undermine Palestinian statehood, and incentives for those who support it.”

He said the continuing assault on Gaza, expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and imposition of restrictions on movement by Israeli authorities “creates a reality that diminishes prospects for a sovereign Palestinian state.”

Israeli “intransigence only exacerbates tensions and erodes trust, making diplomatic negotiations increasingly difficult, prolonging the suffering of both sides and pushing the region ever closer to wider war,” he added.

The prince called for support of the Palestinian Authority, which he said has shown perseverance “in maintaining calm in the occupied West Bank despite unrelenting obstacles.”

He continued: “Its commitment to non-violence and cooperation must be supported. A lasting resolution cannot be achieved without both Gaza and the occupied West Bank being under PA control.

“Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for peace, rather than its by-product. This is the only path that can lead us out of this cycle of violence and into a future where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, with security and mutual respect. Let us not delay any longer.”


Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty

Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty
Updated 02 October 2024
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Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty

Remote Thabhloten in Empty Quarter has rich history, compelling beauty
  • Most remote village in Saudi Arabia, situated near the Omani border
  • In 1930, some of the residents had met first British travelers in desert 

MAKKAH: Thabhloten Center, part of Al-Ahsa governorate in the Eastern Province and over 1,500 km from Riyadh and 1,200 km from Al-Ahsa, is Saudi Arabia’s most remote village. 

Thabhloten, considered the largest sand basin in the world, is characterized by towering sand dunes on all sides, rich natural resources, and lakes in the middle. 

It is the most remote village in Saudi Arabia, with few paved roads and connections to cities in the Kingdom.

Mubarak bin Klot, a resident of Thabhloten, said that the locals speak Arabic, contrary to the misconception that they converse in Mehri. 

He said people have lived in the area for generations and have a connection to the land. “We grew up on its hills and were shaped by its vast landscape.” 

He also spoke fondly of the first documented journey across the Empty Quarter in 1930, which included British travelers and explorers.

This included Thomas Bertram, with the support of Sheikh Saleh bin Klot Al-Rashidi.

This historic expedition took place during the reign of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom.

He continued: “Seventeen years later, the journey was undertaken once again by Wilfred Thesiger, whom the Bedouins called Mubarak bin London.

“He crossed the Empty Quarter with my grandfather, Mohammed bin Saleh bin Klot, traveling from Manukh to the Emirates, then to Oman, and finally to Mukalla, successfully traversing the entire Empty Quarter alongside three companions from the same tribe.

“These remarkable journeys were thoroughly documented in Britain, and we have copies of the records.”

He added that Thabhloten is the only village in the Empty Quarter, with around 436 properties and a population of just 400 people, all from the Al-Rashid tribe.

The villagers are primarily Bedouins, whose lives are shaped by the natural elements, relying on the weather, grazing lands, water sources, and livestock. 

He said the village has produced several educated individuals, with many having graduated from various universities.

Bin Klot said that he completed his initial education in the village before pursuing a degree in political science in Jordan.

He chose to return to his village, driven by a strong sense of attachment and the deep significance the village holds for its people.

Bin Klot said the nearest city where residents can access supplies, medical care, and essential goods is Al-Ahsa. Members of the community face significant challenges to cover these distances.

He said the roads leading to and from the village are challenging, unpaved, and often impassable.

Despite this, he said there was a strong community spirit, with people sharing resources.

Bin Klot said the government supplies the village with fuel to ensure electricity is provided to all its residents. 

He said people prefer to live in the area because of its mild winters and compelling natural beauty. 

When asked about children leaving for opportunities elsewhere, he said these decisions were up to their guardians. 

Some families have moved to cities in the Kingdom, while others preferred to stay.


Saudi crown prince congratulates Japan’s new prime minister

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 02 October 2024
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Saudi crown prince congratulates Japan’s new prime minister

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Wednesday to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after he officially took office on Tuesday.

The crown prince wished the premier success and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity. He praised Saudi-Japanese relations and said the Kingdom is keen to develop them “in all fields.”

Ishiba officially took office after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, replacing Fumio Kishida.

Kishida stepped down as the leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).


KSrelief chief receives Yemeni PM and his delegation

KSrelief chief receives Yemeni PM and his delegation
Updated 21 sec ago
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KSrelief chief receives Yemeni PM and his delegation

KSrelief chief receives Yemeni PM and his delegation

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, received Prime Minister of Yemen Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the humanitarian and relief projects provided to the Yemeni people by the Kingdom through KSrelief and ways to enhance them, the Saudi aid agency noted in a report.

Al-Rabeeah emphasized the center’s keenness to alleviate the suffering of the needy, affected and displaced groups in Yemen, according to the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership.


Who’s Who: Richard Evans, COO at Sports Boulevard Foundation

Who’s Who: Richard Evans, COO at Sports Boulevard Foundation
Updated 10 sec ago
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Who’s Who: Richard Evans, COO at Sports Boulevard Foundation

Who’s Who: Richard Evans, COO at Sports Boulevard Foundation

Richard Evans has been the chief operations officer at the Sports Boulevard Foundation since 2022.

With extensive experience in delivering large programs, urban planning, and infrastructure redevelopment projects, Evans and his operations team are at the forefront of revitalizing Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road in Riyadh.

The first phase of the Sports Boulevard will feature extensive green areas, sports and recreational facilities, and community and cultural preservation initiatives, all supported by cycling and walking paths, and electric operational vehicles.

Before joining the foundation, Evans was senior vice president at Dubai Expo 2020 from 2015 to 2022, responsible for developing and managing the event operations department.

He also oversaw hospitality and accommodation requirements for expo visitors, international participants, and VIPs.

During Evans’ career at Ernst & Young, he was global head of mega-events, and led EY projects for the Qatar World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympics, providing extensive operational planning, scheduling, and budgeting support.

He also directed the UK Government Health Department’s 2012 Olympic program, establishing governance structures and operational frameworks.

Evans holds a bachelor’s degree in business studies from the University of Wales, and has completed professional development in program management methodology and major event planning and delivery methodology from Ernst & Young.

He is committed to driving the foundation’s vision of maintaining a sustainable and vibrant urban environment in Riyadh.

His expertise in strategic planning and operational delivery is instrumental in improving quality of life for the city’s residents and visitors.