The partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global entertainment hub.
Tokyo-based GLOE Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s Hawk Gaming Group, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the gaming and esports industries in Japan and the Kingdom.
The collaboration is set to accelerate growth in both markets, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its ambitions to become a global hub for gaming and digital entertainment. Under the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom aims to position the sector as a major contributor to the economy.
Hawk Gaming Group chairman and CEO Turki Faisal said: “Gamers are the driving force behind future economies. They are the centre of innovation, culture, and growth. Through our partnership with GLOE, we aim to unlock the full potential of Japan’s world-class content and talent, not only within Saudi Arabia but on a global scale. Together, we’ll create new economic opportunities, strengthen industry connections, and contribute to realizing Vision 2030.”
Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector is experiencing rapid expansion, generating $7.2bn in revenue in 2023, with a player base of 23.5m active gamers. The Kingdom is also preparing to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027, with projections showing the esports sector could contribute $13.3bn to the GDP and create 39,000 jobs by 2030.
Akihito Furusawa, GLOE Inc.’s co-CEO, said: “While Japan has a wealth of exceptional game content, localization and cultural adaptation in the Middle East have been limited. With global interest in Saudi Arabia’s esports scene at an all-time high, this is the perfect opportunity to bring Japanese games to the region. Together with Hawk Gaming Group, we will promote and expand Japanese gaming content across the Middle East.”
The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration that includes intellectual property sharing, talent development, esports infrastructure and business opportunities. Together, the two companies aim to create a dynamic, cross-cultural exchange that enriches both gaming communities and contributes to the global evolution of esports.
