How the strategy will create gaming jobs in Saudi Arabia 

The National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) lays the foundation for job creation by enabling real industry building — not just participation. 

It outlines key areas where talent is needed: 

• Developing local game studios and attracting global publishers 

• Building esports infrastructure and live event circuits 

• Launching gaming-related academic programs and esports academies 

• Setting up high-tech development labs and immersive tech R&D 

• Expanding regional server networks and cloud-based platforms 

This is how Saudi Arabia aims to turn gaming from a growing hobby into a sustainable industry — and build 39,000+ jobs by 2030 [1]. 

Where exactly will these jobs be created? 

With 23.5 million gamers (67% of the population) and 42% female participation in gaming [1], the NGES is tapping into an already-active base. But the strategy’s real value lies in where it channels this engagement — into meaningful, skilled employment across multiple sectors: 

Game development 

• AAA studios, indie game hubs, and local Saudi IP 

• Careers in design, programming, testing, art, and publishing 

️Esports & live events 

• Hosting global tournaments (like Gamers8) 

• Roles in event production, broadcasting, team management, and logistics 

Tech & hardware 

• Cloud gaming, immersive XR, regional server infrastructure 

• Jobs for hardware engineers, immersive tech researchers, and data ops 

Education & talent development 

• Gaming-focused curriculums and esports academies 

• Careers in training, research, coaching, and institutional management 

Infrastructure & investment 

• Esports arenas, game cafés, production studios 

• Opportunities in construction, IT operations, and real estate development 

Regulation & governance 

• Supportive frameworks to attract global companies 

• Roles in policy, compliance, localization, and corporate law 

What this means for gamers and jobseekers 

Whether you’re an aspiring game designer, an esports coach, or a global studio looking for expansion — the opportunity is real. 

• Students & creators: Consider careers in Saudi’s growing dev ecosystem 

• Tech professionals: Get involved in immersive tech, XR, cloud gaming 

• Event organizers & media pros: The rise in tournaments, festivals, and live streams opens new doors 

The NGES isn’t just a plan — it’s a platform for thousands of careers to be launched. 

Games are no longer just a hobby

It’s time to rethink the stereotype. Gaming isn’t a timewaster anymore — it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing career spaces in Saudi Arabia. 

Whether you're a gamer, designer, content creator, or developer — the opportunities are now real, relevant, and ready. 

Here are a few roles open right now: 

• Senior Game Designer – Sandsoft Games, Riyadh 

• Product Manager (Mobile) – Steer Studios, Riyadh 

• Game Data Analyst – Sandsoft Games, Riyadh 

• Senior Concept Artist – Steer Studios, Riyadh 

• Senior 3D Artist (Generalist) – Sandsoft Games, Riyadh 

Didn’t find the right fit? Head over to Naukrigulf.com and explore hundreds of new roles in the gaming industry. 

Already got an offer but not sure if the salary is right? Use Naukrigulf’s Salary Search to check your worth and negotiate smart. 

References: 

[1] NGES Strategy (General Content & Job Projections) – Retrieved from: https://www.nges.sa