Specialist Codev teams up with Savvy Games Group to establish a new studio in Riyadh
In a significant move, game service provider Side is opening a new studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This expansion marks a strategic move to tap into the thriving gaming market in the region, where over 20 million gamers make up 60% of the population, with 71% under the age of 35 [1].
The new studio will be established in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), and it's expected to offer fresh talent, ideas, and perspectives to the gaming industry [2]. The studio will focus on providing co-development services to MENA developers, aiming to support the growth of the video game ecosystem in Saudi Arabia [2].
Side's chief communications officer, Martin McBride, stated that instability in the region could impact growth, but believes "great games can be created anywhere." McBride also expressed his belief that the game industry is entering a "new era" of co-development, with workflows changing rapidly to incorporate new technologies such as AI [3].
The partnership with investment and esports firm Savvy Games Group, which is wholly-owned by PIF, does not involve funding, ownership stakes, or equity agreements [2]. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to promote cultural heritage, Arabic language, and creative expression while positioning Riyadh as a cultural hub ahead of major events like Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034 [1][2].
However, the move has been met with criticism from some in the video game industry due to PIF's association with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been criticized for human rights violations [4]. The broader human rights environment in Saudi Arabia, including limitations on freedoms typically associated with open cultural expression, presents ongoing challenges that are critical to consider alongside these expansions [5].
Initiatives like advanced Arabic language programs and interactive exhibitions signify a drive not only to preserve but also to innovate in cultural education and digital media [1]. The King Fahd Cultural Center expansion seeks to enhance Riyadh’s cultural landscape by renovating theaters, exhibition halls, and adding new public spaces, supporting local arts such as Saudi Arabia’s first Arabic opera, Zarqa Al-Yamama [1].
In conclusion, the Side Studio expansion and related cultural projects in Riyadh symbolize Saudi Arabia’s effort to modernize and diversify its cultural scene, promoting Arabic heritage, creative industries, and innovation. These developments offer promising support for cultural rights in terms of intellectual property and artistic expression. However, the broader human rights environment in Saudi Arabia, including limitations on freedoms typically associated with open cultural expression, presents ongoing challenges that are critical to consider alongside these expansions [1][4][5].
References: [1] Al Arabiya English. (2021, November 15). Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Cultural Center to undergo major expansion. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/11/15/Saudi-Arabia-s-King-Fahd-Cultural-Center-to-undergo-major-expansion [2] Variety. (2022, March 21). Side, Savvy Games Group Announce Saudi Arabia Studio. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/gaming/news/side-savvy-games-group-announce-saudi-arabia-studio-1235168178/ [3] GamesIndustry.biz. (2022, March 21). Side.io and Savvy Games Group announce Saudi Arabian studio. Retrieved from https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-21-side-io-and-savvy-games-group-announce-saudi-arabian-studio [4] The Guardian. (2021, December 3). Saudi Arabia's push into video games industry sparks concerns over human rights. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/dec/03/saudi-arabias-push-into-video-games-industry-sparks-concerns-over-human-rights [5] Human Rights Watch. (2021, November 12). Saudi Arabia: New Cultural Center a Step Forward, but Rights Concerns Remain. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/11/12/saudi-arabia-new-cultural-center-step-forward-rights-concerns-remain
- The new studio, established by Side in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to incorporate fresh ideas and perspectives in the gaming industry, potentially leading to the creation of innovative gadgets and technologies.
- As the Side Studio focuses on co-development services for MENA developers, it is anticipated that advancements in technology will play a significant role in shaping the video game ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the growth of the tech sector as well.
