RIYADH: Gaming in Saudi Arabia has rapidly evolved from small gatherings in cafes and bedrooms to the spotlight of international arenas. With Riyadh now hosting the Esports World Cup and the government pushing a strategy to create tens of thousands of jobs in the sector, gaming has shifted from a pastime to a serious career path, redefining what it means to be a gamer.
Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted this transformation in a recent interview. He explained that attitudes toward gaming have changed dramatically, both in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. “Two decades ago, gaming was only seen as entertainment. Today, it is recognized as a global profession,” he said.
He noted that early professional gamers often struggled against skepticism from families, schools, and society regarding career stability. But with the sector’s rise, the proof of its potential is now undeniable.
Gaming today is a multibillion-dollar industry generating more revenue than music and Hollywood combined,” bin Homran said. Beyond players, careers now stretch into coaching, event management, content creation, broadcasting, and game design — making esports a complete ecosystem.
Also Read:
Delivering Excellence in the Property and Investment Landscape: Benjamin Hunter
Driving Excellence and Transformation in the Pharma Landscape: Radwan Shaker Al-Zalak
