Saudi gaming industry poised for strong growth: Qiddiya executive

 

Saudi gaming industry valued at $323 billion

Saudi Arabia is well positioned for a highly promising future in the global gaming industry, which is currently valued at $323 billion, according to a senior executive at the Kingdom’s entertainment megaproject Qiddiya.

Mike Milanov, head of gaming and esports at Qiddiya, made the remarks during the panel discussion “The Global Era of Gaming: How It Became the New Frontier for Media and Entertainment” at the Saudi Media Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

Milanov said the gaming industry has already surpassed the combined global revenues of film, television, music, and sports, and continues to grow at an annual rate of between 3 percent and 9 percent. He noted that the sector is projected to reach approximately $623 billion by 2035.

 

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He explained that gaming reflects shifting generational preferences, serving not only as entertainment but also as a powerful digital platform for connection and engagement.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s strengths, Milanov said the Kingdom is home to highly skilled teams in esports and game development, supported by strong creative and innovative energy that enables collaboration and relationship-building at both local and global levels.

He also pointed to the scale of Qiddiya City, which covers nearly 330 square kilometers, and noted that more than 86 percent of Saudis identify as gamers. This, he said, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s status as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing gaming and esports markets.

Also speaking on the panel, Karen Starr, vice president of marketing, branding, and creative at Activision Publishing, emphasized gaming’s growing influence across social media platforms. She described this impact as highly positive for brand building, particularly given the young and engaged audiences that follow gaming content.

 

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Starr said the long-term sustainability of major gaming brands depends on continuous engagement, community-building, and the ability to localize content to remain culturally relevant. She added that gaming has evolved into an ongoing media experience driven by constant interaction and lasting audience relationships, surpassing traditional media channels in shaping culture and engagement.

Meanwhile, Shelley Williams, executive vice president of sales at F1 Arcade Simulation, highlighted how successful gaming experiences are built around a strong sense of belonging and participation. She said shared audience experiences help create robust ecosystems, extend media experiences, and support long-term content development and sustainability.

Source: Arab News