Savvy Games Group and NEOM have announced a strategic partnership to unify their support for emerging Saudi game studios. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to create a seamless transition for startups moving from incubation to acceleration phases. The collaboration is a significant step toward fulfilling the objectives of the Kingdom's National Gaming and Esports Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030.
Forging a Cohesive Startup Pipeline
The agreement formalizes a direct pathway from Savvy’s Nine66 Incubator Program to NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator. This structured approach is designed to eliminate fragmentation and provide continuous, end-to-end support for fledgling game developers. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to build a more robust and investable pipeline of local gaming talent within the Kingdom.
Under this new framework, the Nine66 Incubator will focus on helping early-stage studios validate their game prototypes and establish core business capabilities. This foundational support ensures that graduates are fully prepared for investor engagement and market entry. The program effectively de-risks the initial stages of development, setting startups on a firm path to success.
Accelerating Growth and Investment
Once incubated, studios will transition to NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator, which concentrates on funding, mentorship, and long-term scalability. Since its launch in 2023, the accelerator has supported over 45 startups and deployed 15 investments. Impressively, the program boasts a 100% survival rate across its portfolio, outperforming many global industry benchmarks.
The accelerator's impact extends beyond funding, having enabled the creation of more than 170 jobs in the sector. A key milestone was facilitating the Kingdom’s first international publishing deal for a domestic studio, signed between Fahy Studio and UK-based Kwalee. This achievement underscores the program's success in connecting local talent with the global gaming market.
A Shared Vision for a National Gaming Hub
Amr Sager, Group Chief of Staff at Savvy Games Group, highlighted the need for greater synergy as the Saudi games industry expands rapidly. He noted that this partnership with NEOM is about creating a clearer and smoother journey for entrepreneurs to find necessary support. The collaboration aims to align efforts to better empower Saudi studios and game makers on their path to growth.
Echoing this sentiment, Toby Evan-Jones, Executive Director and Head of Gaming at NEOM, emphasized the pride in nurturing the Kingdom's gaming ecosystem. He stated that increasing coordination around the startup journey benefits all parties, especially the young developers they support. This shared vision underscores the commitment to building a viable and self-sustaining industry in line with national goals.
This strategic alignment between Savvy Games Group and NEOM marks a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's burgeoning gaming industry. By creating a unified and comprehensive support system, the partnership not only empowers local creators but also strengthens the Kingdom's position as a global gaming hub. The initiative is a clear demonstration of the commitment to achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the National Gaming and Esports Strategy.