Image via Esports Foundation Average live viewership for the Esports World Cup increased 37% year-on-year in 2026, reaching 145,100 viewers, according to a new report from Esports Charts. Total watch time also increased significantly, rising 29.5% compared with 2025 to more than 237 million hours watched across the tournaments and their qualifiers. The figures cover 25 esports tournaments and their qualifiers, with Esports Charts pointing to an expanded competition programme

Image via The National Development Fund (NDF) More than 127 game titles have received development support through Saudi Arabia's Gaming and Esports Financing Program, according to a new report detailing the programme's achievements. The National Development Fund (NDF) said more than SAR421 million ($112 million) in financing had been approved by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, benefiting 82 entities across the sector. The programme has supported the completion of 43 g

Qiddiya Investment Company is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager - Gaming IP Partnerships to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships related to gaming intellectual property (IP). This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Qiddiya's vision of becoming a leading entertainment destination by leveraging popular gaming brands and IPs to enhance the overall guest experience. Ke

Image via BSF / SEF Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Esports Federation to explore new financing products, investment programmes and specialised banking services for Saudi Arabia's growing gaming and esports sector. The agreement will see the two organisations explore ways of developing the financial ecosystem supporting gaming and esports companies, alongside potential sponsorship of initiatives and tournaments organised by th

Image via Roblox Roblox is set to establish its regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa in Riyadh, expanding the gaming and creation platform's presence in Saudi Arabia as it increases its investment in the Kingdom. The move was supported through collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment (MISA), Riyadh Creative District and the General Authority of Media Regulation (GMedia), and forms part of Roblox's plans to support the country's growing cr

Image via 3D Game Jam / AssetHub Saudi Arabia is hosting a three-day game jam bringing more than 200 developers, artists and designers together with veteran Japanese game creators to build playable prototypes using AI and 3D technology. The 3D Game Jam kicked off on August 27 at Code Lab, King Saud University in Riyadh and runs until August 30, with participants able to take part both in person and online. Powered by AI 3D platform AssetHub, the event challenges teams to move