Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund has approved about $112 million in financing for the country’s gaming and esports sector. The funding measured as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, has benefited 82 entities across different parts of the industry. It has supported the development of more than 127 games, helping local companies grow, expand, and compete more effectively. Details appear in a report from the program that reviews its progress since launch and its contribution to gaming and esports as part of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy.
The report covers how development finance is supporting companies, encouraging investment and innovation in line with Vision 2030, tracking industry growth, sharing success stories, and assessing both local and global opportunities. Najla Al-Ajmi, senior executive director of the program, said the report shows progress in building a specialized financing system for the sector. It goes beyond listing results to give a broader view of the industry’s development and the role of this kind of finance in helping companies scale and compete.
Saudi Arabia Targets $50 Billion Gaming Economy by 2030
The decision is for Saudi Arabia’s larger push to become a major gaming and esports hub. Officials aim for the sector to contribute more than SR50 billion to the economy by 2030 and create over 39,000 jobs in areas such as development, publishing, and infrastructure. Goals also include building a strong local production base, with targets for 250 gaming companies operating in the Kingdom and more than 30 Saudi-produced games reaching the world’s top 300 titles. Saudi Arabia’s gaming market was valued at about $2.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $4.73 billion by 2033, according to the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority.
Financing is available through products offered in partnership with the Social Development Bank. Limits will depend on company size. Equity-focused venture funds launched earlier (around $120 million combined) and partnerships with players such as Merak Capital and Savvy Games Group further support studios, accelerators, talent development, and international connections. Overall, the $112 million approval marks continued progress in turning gaming and esports from a consumer and tournament focus into a broader domestic industry of game creation, publishing, and competitive companies, aligned with Vision 2030 economic goals.
