- Saudi Arabia signs MoU to strengthen support systems for video game startups nationwide.
- Partnership to enhances incubation, acceleration, funding access, and mentorship for emerging gaming studios.
- Initiative aligns with Vision 2030, promoting innovation, job creation, and global gaming competitiveness.
Saudi Arabia has made a major move to facilitate the development of its local video game industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Savvy Games Group and NEOM. This new development aims to create a better pipeline for video game startups to transition from incubation to acceleration phases, thus improving the gaming ecosystem in the Kingdom.
As part of the MoU, the Nine66 Incubator Program offered by Savvy Games Group’s Nine66 Incubator Program and the Level up Accelerator offered by NEOM will collaborate to offer comprehensive support to new game development companies.
Startups that have gone through the incubation process offered by the Nine66 Incubator Program will be in a better position to join the NEOM accelerator program, where they will have access to further funding, guidance, and development support.
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Savvy’s Nine66 initiative is already working with early-stage studios to validate prototypes, develop a foundation of skills, and get ready for investor meetings, while NEOM’s Level up Accelerator has already supported more than 45 Saudi gaming startups, made 15 investments, and maintained a 100% survival rate in its portfolio companies.
The collaboration will also leverage global publishing and support networks, which will help the studios, connect with international partners and further the Kingdom’s position in the global gaming sector.
This new initiative is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to diversify the economy.
With the improvement of support services throughout the startup life cycle, Saudi Arabia aims to develop a thriving and internationally competitive video game industry and unlock new career opportunities for game developers in the region.