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Esports and the gaming sector have taken the lead in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy as Saudi Arabia moves closer to the goals of Vision 2030.
There are an estimated 23.5 million gamers in the Kingdom – with 70% of the population younger than 35.
According to Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Gaming Group, a Saudi gaming company created by PIF, the gaming and esports sector will contribute more than $13.32 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030.
Women & Gaming
Saudi Ministry of Communication and Information Technology recently published figures revealing that a staggering 48% of gamers in Saudi Arabia are women – unlocking a potential milestone for the Kingdom.
Additionally, Girls Convention, or GCON, has experienced an increase in female gamers in Saudi Arabia. Since their inception in 2012, more than 20,000 people have attended each of their annual events.
With the growth of the esports and gaming sector in KSA, women may find employment as marketers, event planners, game designers, and developers. For instance, a team roster might have positions like manager, coach, analyst, mentor, and psychologist. Additionally, there may be editors and publishers of content, managers of social media and content, marketing executives, etc.
Creating a thriving female gaming community can help Saudi women feel included, proud, and confident. Giving women additional opportunities to work in the gaming sector will advance the nation’s efforts to create a more inclusive society while also boosting the economy, social cohesion, and a sense of unity.
3 Saudi Female Gamers You Should Know
Meshael
Meshael is a genuine Saudi success story in content development for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. You can’t argue that she is an expert on YouTube with a staggering half million subscribers.
Bashayer
Bashayer is a YouTuber, Twitch partner, and accomplished artist. When asked about representing Saudi Arabia on a worldwide social media platform, this young gamer said that she takes it as a responsibility.
Jude Khaled
Thanks to her humorous and true Saudi personality, this gamer has become a new celebrity in the community. Jude used to play the traditional game Crash Bandicoot, but these days she prefers POV games like Overwatch and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Social media and online platforms have been instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for Saudi women gamers. According to reports, female participation in gaming communities across various platforms has increased, with Saudi women making up about 25% of the group as a whole. Through these platforms, they communicate, exchange ideas, and make bonds with one another, developing a thriving network that cuts through conventional borders.