In a bold move that reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s deep-rooted passion for electronic games, Saudi Arabia has recently signed a $3 billion deal to establish an academy for developing and training in electronic games. This venture, spearheaded by the Crown Prince’s “Savvy” gaming group, raises questions about the use of public funds at a time when the kingdom faces pressing economic and social challenges.
The gaming academy, created in partnership with Niantic, the developers of the popular “Pokémon Go,” and Xsolla, will bring part of Niantic’s operations to Saudi Arabia. Plans are already underway to incorporate significant Saudi landmarks like Al Ula and Abha into Niantic’s games. However, this has sparked security concerns, with experts warning that real-time mapping of key Saudi sites could pose risks to national safety.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known for his personal love of video games, is said to be behind this project, continuing his high-stakes investments in the gaming sector. So far, the prince has funneled approximately $8 billion into gaming ventures, without seeing any tangible returns that would benefit the kingdom. Despite the enormous costs, the Crown Prince seems undeterred, forging ahead with plans to host global e-sports events in Riyadh and further expanding Saudi Arabia’s role in the global gaming industry.
While the gaming world may welcome Saudi Arabia’s new academy, the timing of this multi-billion-dollar investment has drawn sharp criticism from observers both inside and outside the country. With Saudi Arabia facing high unemployment rates, a struggling economy, and ongoing regional conflicts, many question whether now is the time to invest so heavily in video games. The stark contrast between the Crown Prince’s personal spending habits and the public’s economic realities has become a point of tension, with critics questioning the rationale behind this focus on gaming at a time of financial austerity.
Even before the launch of this academy, Mohammed bin Salman’s enthusiasm for gaming was well known. His personal spending on gaming has been widely reported, with the Crown Prince reportedly spending more than $69,000 over the past three years on “Battle Pass” games like “Dota 2” and achieving top rankings under the pseudonym “Purrrrrfect Devil Angel Yukeo.” His gaming habits are further exemplified by his more than 9,000 hours logged on the popular platform “Steam.”
Beyond gaming, the Crown Prince’s broader investments in entertainment have drawn criticism for their disconnect from Saudi Arabia’s pressing needs. Under his direction, the kingdom has invested billions in international sports and entertainment ventures, including buying stakes in Disney, Facebook, and Carnival Cruise Lines. Meanwhile, domestic projects like the $500 billion Neom project and the $8 billion Qiddiya infrastructure near Riyadh have faced delays and setbacks, leaving many questioning the return on these enormous investments.
This fascination with video games and other entertainment ventures has led some to accuse the Crown Prince of using public funds for personal indulgences while neglecting the needs of the Saudi people. Poverty, unemployment, and economic instability continue to plague the kingdom, despite its vast oil wealth. As the Saudi government racks up debt—recently borrowing billions to cover budget shortfalls—critics are asking whether Mohammed bin Salman’s spending priorities are truly in the best interest of the country.
The establishment of the gaming academy, though positioned as part of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” plan to diversify its economy away from oil, has become a symbol of the Crown Prince’s controversial leadership. With billions at stake and the economic future of the kingdom hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether this investment in electronic games will pay off or become yet another costly misstep.
In the meantime, the Saudi public and international observers alike will continue to watch as Mohammed bin Salman steers the kingdom through its ambitious, yet contentious, transformation. The question remains: Will his passion for gaming help or hinder Saudi Arabia’s quest for modernization and economic stability?
