Savvy Games Signs MoU With Xsolla to Create 3,600 New Jobs in the Middle East

Xsolla and Savvy Games Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding promoting video game development in the Middle East. More than 3,600 new jobs will be created in the region. Xsolla's regional headquarters will also be established in Riyadh. A partnership with Niantic (Pokémon GO) was announced too.

Savvy Games Group has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xsolla to launch the "Xsolla Savvy Game Development Academy" in Saudi Arabia. This will create 3,600 new jobs in the industry by 2030. Xsolla's regional headquarters will also be established in Riyadh, further positioning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as a global games and esports hub. This follows yesterday's signing of a memorandum of understanding with Niantic, the makers of Pokémon GO.

Under the terms of the MoU, the partnership will focus on several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Xsolla Game Development Academy, Incubator and Accelerator programmes to support local and international game development studios. The Academy will play a role in nurturing talent and promoting game development as a career path in the Kingdom. In addition to the Academy, the partnership will explore opportunities to host video game events for business and consumer audiences, provide funding for game development projects, and facilitate links between local studios and international investors.

Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, said: "This partnership with Xsolla represents a significant step forward in our mission to elevate Saudi Arabia's games and esports ecosystem to global prominence. By combining our resources and expertise, we are creating jobs and building a vibrant, sustainable industry that will drive opportunity and creativity for years to come."

Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla, added: "We are excited to collaborate with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative. Our shared vision for the future of video games aligns perfectly, and together, we aim to empower developers, foster creativity, and support the next generation of talent in Saudi Arabia."

Savvy Games Group has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Niantic, the makers of Pokémon GO, to support Niantic's market entry into the MENA-3 region, focusing on Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. Together, Savvy and Niantic will create local community-building activities and live events across the region. The partnership aligns with the National Games and Esports Strategy and Savvy's mission to grow the local ecosystem and create employment opportunities in KSA.

Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, said: "Our collaboration with Niantic marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bring cutting-edge games and esports experiences to the MENA-3 region. By leveraging our local expertise and resources, we are excited to support Niantic's expansion and create engaging, localized content that resonates with players across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt."

"Our partnership with Savvy Games Group will significantly enhance our reach in this vibrant region and support our growing community of players," said John Hanke, Founder and CEO of Niantic. "Savvy's deep understanding of the local markets and commitment to innovation makes it an ideal partner to inspire new audiences to explore the world and build real-world connections."

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