Saudi Arabia's First Ever eSports Plan
Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Releases Country's First-Ever Gaming and Esports Plan
October 6, 2022
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The Saudi Arabian government has declared its intention to establish the country's first national video games and esports center, and these plans have been made public. Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is the one who made the news, and he also has ambitions to expand additional entertainment-related projects around the kingdom. The crown prince made the declaration during the Future Investment Initiative, which is now taking place in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It will continue through the 23rd of October.
How will this affect society?
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, unveiled his country's first-ever gaming and esports plan to bring about a new era of entertainment. The government plans to invest billions into its economy by opening three dedicated zones. The government expects this will bring more than $12 billion in investments and gaming companies setting up shop there.
The move is not without criticism, however; some have pointed out that this could be a way to distract citizens from the current economic downturn they are experiencing. A former Saudi government advisor said on Twitter that the announcement of the development of the Saudi game industrywas laughable. However, it has been reported that an estimated 20% of Saudis are gamers or avid watchers of esports.
What does this mean for gamers?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now one of the very few countries on the planet in which gamers are unable to play their preferred games; however, this will change very soon. As a result of the modification to the regulations, video game firms now have the ability to create games that are tested and approved for use in all GCC nations. This encompasses both online and offline information, as well as virtual reality and augmented reality games.
Additionally, the new legislation mandates that anybody who wishes to participate in gaming or esports activities must first get a license from their respective government by registering with that government. It is not apparent what the realramifications of this rule would be. Still, it does imply that gamers will have access to more excellent local assistance and information about activities taking place in other parts of the country.
What does this mean for gaming companies?
This is a very progressive move on behalf of the crown prince. In addition to this, it will also have a positive impact on other sectors like tourism and entertainment. The gaming industry will thrive with this new plan as it will provide opportunities for gamers from around the world to come to Saudi Arabia, including those who don't typically visit Middle Eastern countries.
Many experts have said video games can help bridge cultural gaps because they require players to communicate and cooperate over shared digital space. It's unclear how much money would be invested to make this plan successful, but a spokesperson said the government would spare no effort or expense.
