Saudi Arabia: Entertainment city Qiddiya takes Evo under its full control
Saudi Arabia’s entertainment giant Qiddiya has taken full ownership of Evo,
the world’s most iconic fighting game tournament.
The move doesn’t come as a huge shock. In recent
years, Evo has changed hands several times. Sony
and RTS previously stepped in to acquire the event, before Sony later sold its
share to India-based NODWIN Gaming. RTS
itself was subsequently acquired by Qiddiya, which operates under Saudi
Arabia’s powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Now, according to an official announcement, RTS
has bought out NODWIN Gaming’s remaining stake—placing Evo fully under
Qiddiya’s control, and by extension, Saudi ownership.
In a statement, organizers emphasized continuity, saying Evo’s traditions, values, and identity would remain intact, with a continued commitment to players, fans, and publishers across the fighting game community.
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Still, the reaction from parts of that
community has been uneasy. Critics point to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record
and argue that the kingdom’s growing footprint in global entertainment reflects
a broader effort to reshape its international image—a strategy often described
as “sportswashing.”
Saudi influence in gaming is not new. The PIF
already owns SNK, the studio behind titles
like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. While
the game itself has been well received, some fans questioned creative
decisions—such as the inclusion of football star Cristiano
Ronaldo—as emblematic of outside influence.
With Evo now fully under Qiddiya’s umbrella,
attention turns to what comes next. There is speculation the tournament could
eventually move to Riyadh, following the model of Saudi-backed esports
initiatives like the Esports World Cup.
One thing seems likely: Saudi investment tends to come with deep pockets. For competitors willing to step into the arena, prize pools could soon reach unprecedented heights.
Source: https://www.pushsquare.com/
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