Wayne Lee

KSA | and gaming - having invested $6B in acquiring gaming companies and a further $14 billion in listed firms, as the gaming landscape is evolving rapidly. Key investments include Savvy Games Group's $1.1 billion stake in Embracer Group (2022) and its $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely (2023). The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also made significant moves, investing $3.4 billion in Electronic Arts, $1.7 billion in Take-Two Interactive, $5.2 billion in Nintendo, and $3.3 billion in Activision Blizzard before Microsoft's acquisition. These investments aim to create around 39,000 jobs and contribute over $13.3 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP, particularly vital as 65% of the population is under 35. Initiatives like the $1.1 billion "Ignite" program and the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025 further position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for digital entertainment. Events like the Esports World Cup Foundation in Riyadh are driving tourism and engagement, shaping the future of gaming and esports.

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The gaming industry is experiencing an incredible shift. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the charge, the Middle East is emerging as a major player. Take Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, for instance – a government-owned company with a $38 billion war chest dedicated solely to gaming investments. Their acquisitions, like the $5 billion purchase of U.S. game publisher Scopely and the $265 million investment in a Chinese esports agency, are just the tip of the iceberg. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively attracting top gaming companies from Europe, offering them a new home in cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. But perhaps most importantly, this gaming revolution represents a cultural shift. ▶️ A recognition that the Middle East is not just a consumer of gaming experiences but a creator and shaper of them. ----- I am Talal Alhabib, CEO at Sooqista Studios Follow me if you're into entrepreneurship and web3. Check out our web3 game in development "FRACTALIANS" (Link in my profile) #Gaming #Web3 #SaudiArabia #UAE

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Differences in approaches to virtual experiences between Japan and the US. I recently attended a concert by the virtual singer Kaf. I was deeply moved by how her performance made it feel like she was truly present, despite her usual activities being in the virtual realm. In Japan, there's a thriving culture of virtual streamers known as Vtubers, who operate with virtual avatars. They start their activities virtually and, upon gaining fans, organize concerts, which are held in their virtual form. Full tracking technology enables their virtual bodies to move in real-time. Japanese anime has undeniably reached North America, and the anime-style culture seen in Vtubers is gradually spreading as well. The firm a16z is actively investing in this field. An interesting contrast is that Fortnite virtualizes popular real-world artists. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Marshmello, and Travis Scott have acquired virtual avatars. Regardless of the approach, it's clear that the world is becoming more virtualized. We are entering an era where the world is encapsulated in the metaverse, and everyone can become a NEIGHBOR. #Vtuber #metaverse #fortnite #KAMITSUBAKI

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5 years since our second hit, and we as a team AppGuruz only grown stronger with time. Game-making is more than a process; it’s a relentless act of conviction where you mold your vision, conquer your challenges, and emerge with something extraordinary. Forge Your Vision: Game development is the art of turning imagination into reality. It’s not just an idea—it’s a belief you shape with every decision you make. Embrace the Struggle: Challenges aren’t setbacks; they’re stepping stones. Each obstacle proves your commitment and pushes you to evolve the project. Fuel the Passion: Passion isn’t just the spark that starts the fire; it’s the flame that keeps you moving when the excitement fades. Feed it constantly. Command Your Process: Control the chaos. Direct every phase like it’s a vital part of your dream, not just a step to check off. #gamedevelopment #mobilegames

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#Very delighted to announce that I am attending the Future Investment Initiative 8th Edition by FII Institute from October 29th to 31st 2024. It’s the most high profile business & investment conference in Saudia Arabia. #Everyone who drives the world, will be in Riyadh: The CEOs of Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Blackstone, Softbank, Bank of America, Citi Group, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Google, Meta, The Carlyle Group, Bridgewater Associates, Aramco, Public Investment Fund, Qiddiya, NEOM. Red Sea Global, Diriyah, Riyad Bank and so many more. #Infinite Horizons: INVESTING TODAY, SHAPING TOMORROW #It was the Future Investment Initiative, where his Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the pillars, key milestones and overall strategy for Vision 2030 combined with a 1 Trillion US-Dollar investment into 6 strategic sectors in a drive for economic diversification. #It was the Future Investment Initiative, where #GoldmanSachs CEO David Solomon announced their new Riyadh Headquarter #It was the Future Investment Initiative, where Qualcomm CEO Cristiano R. Amon announced their expansion into Saudi and a first partnership with #Aramco & Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) to scale up AI and Industrial iOT Tech development #FII2024 Is a wonderful opportunity to network with some of the most important global leaders. Here is a snapshot of the speaker line-up at FII 2024: Eric Schmidt, former CEO & Chairman Google // Founder Schmidt Sciences Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor Public Investment Fund (PIF) Amin Nasser, President & CEO aramco David Solomon, CEO Goldman Sachs Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman & CEO Blackstone Larry Fink, CEO BlackRock Masayoshi Son, CEO SoftBank Group Corp. Jane Fraser, CEO Citi Bank Ray Dalio, Founder Bridgewater Associates Benjamin Horowitz, Co-Founder & General Partner Andreessen Horowitz Rayan Fayez, Deputy CEO NEOM Abeer M. AlAkel, CEO The Royal Commission for AlUla Marco Mejia, CEO King Salman International Airport Development Company   Ruth Porat, President & CIO Alphabet Inc. & Google Ken Griffin, CEO Citadel Olayan AlWetaid, Group CEO stc Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO Diriyah Company l شركة الدرعية John Pagano, CEO Red Sea Global  Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) A friend of mine can gain access to tickets, so in case you plan your next big move or capital raise for 2025 - just drop me a message and let’s meet at FII 2024 at the brand new King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC)

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Saudi Arabia aims to become ‘global hub’ for gaming, esports Plan for Japan firms to set up offices in Mideast Saudi Arabia has bought stakes in top companies Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, is reportedly seeking deeper partnerships with game developers in Japan, including Nintendo and Capcom. The aim is to develop the Middle East market and ensure the Kingdom eventually becomes a global hub for gaming and esports, Nikkei Asia reported on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs Savvy Games, is keen to promote Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector, according to the report. “One of the main areas is how do we collaborate on localization products and help Japanese intellectual properties grow in a region that right now is underserved because very little is localized,” Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al-Saud, vice-chair of Savvy Games Group, was quoted as saying. Prince Faisal met with representatives of several Japanese games companies during a trip to Tokyo in late May. “Game development is our long-term goal; we want to build a global hub for gaming and esports,” he said. It is hoped that the major industry players — Nintendo, Bandai, Capcom and Konami Group — will set up offices in the region. The company also wants to make deals for its esports unit and expand its capacity to develop games. According to March 2023 financial reports from the two Japanese companies, the PIF owns 8 percent of Nintendo and 6 percent of Capcom. It also acquired mobile game developer Scopely for $4.9 billion in 2023 and two esports event companies for $1.5 billion in 2022. By arabnews عرب نيوز

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The West still needs insight and a GCC middleman to guide them in this fast-growing gaming market, BUT ⤵ I'm Jassim Dashti, here to bridge that gap! With nearly 5 years of experience, (and before that, a solo dev). I know what GCC players love and what’s needed in the local market. Here’s what I bring to the table: ✅ Produced 40+ prototypes for top mobile game publishers. ✅ VR, AR, NFT, Web3, blockchain gaming, IAP, and IAA (no casino or gambling projects are allowed). ✅ Deep knowledge of game KPIs from choosing the right game icons to in-game colors, and game themes, that reduce CPI and improve player attraction. ✅ Proven experience with major publishers like Voodoo, Applovin, Homa Games, tap-nation, Boombit, and Kwalee. ✅ Guidance through GCC rules and requirements. ✅ Specialized support in game design, storytelling, and mechanics to craft experiences players love. ✅ A strong network across the GCC gaming industry to connect Western gaming companies with the right people and resources. 🌐 BTW my website will be live soon 🛠 If you’d like to know more about me or need my help, hit the call action or DM me. I’d truly appreciate it if you ppl could: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔄 Share to help spread the word! #gamingcommunity #consultancy #advisor #gamedevs #gamingmarket #ai

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sets ambitious goals for the nation's transformation across society, economy, and governance. Key objectives include cultivating a vibrant society with enhanced quality of life, empowering women and youth, and providing world-class entertainment and public services. Additionally, the plan aims to build a thriving economy by diversifying sectors, attracting global investment, and increasing non-oil exports. The overarching goal is for Saudi Arabia to become an ambitious nation, the Europe of the Middle East. As the Kingdom progresses towards these targets, how do you envision its role in shaping the future of the Middle East and global economy? #SaudiArabia #vision2030

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🌍 Riyadh has become a booming hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, making it one of the most exciting places to launch a business. A destination for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. With a booming economy and an ecosystem ripe for innovation, the city offers unmatched opportunities for startups to thrive. From government support programs to accelerator networks, Riyadh is equipped with all the tools to help businesses scale quickly and effectively. The combination of a diverse talent pool, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a vision for a future built on innovation positions Riyadh as a key player in the global business landscape. As an entrepreneur in this exciting market, I’ve seen how Riyadh provides not only the resources but also the network to help businesses succeed. Whether you’re a startup founder or an established company looking to scale, the city’s forward-thinking business climate offers fertile ground for growth. Riyadh’s strategic location, combined with a culture that embraces innovation, makes it the ideal place to start and grow a business. The future of entrepreneurship is happening here, and there’s no better time to be part of it. 🚀🚀

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EWC Week 1 Highlights: 🎉What a start to the Esports World Cup! From an amazing Opening Ceremony to the event’s first trophy lifts, Week 1 had it all. 🏆🏆 We said let the games begin and they began! 🪖Team Falcons dominated the Call of Duty: Warzone game championship from start to finish. The Falcons’ trio of Biffle, Hisoka and MVP Shifty played up to their world-class pedigree, amassing a 100+ points lead in the Group Stage before overcoming Fnatic (2nd Place) and Twisted Minds (3rd Place) in the Finals. 🐐 No surprises on the surface, but actually if you are deep its big in League of Legends — T1, the reigning World Champions, defeated Top Esports 3-1 to set their key into the trophy. Led by standout performances from legendary mid-laner Faker, the game’s greatest player and tournament MVP, T1 once again outdueled a Chinese opponent on their way to Finals glory. Saying that they have been struggling this year, it was their chance to turn the momentum and they did! ✅With Call of Duty: Warzone and League of Legends in the books, here are the Club Championship standings going into Week 2! As you can see, Team Falcons and T1 are in pole position for the top prize, but there is a LOT of EWC left 🥇 The rankings will be our overarching narrative, culminating with the crowing end of august! 🏆 Team Falcons - 1060 (Call of Duty: Warzone Champs) 🥈 T1 Entertainment & Sports - 1000 (League of Legends Champs) 🥉 Fnatic - 660 🏅 Top Esports - 600 🏅 Twisted Minds - 350 🏅 Team Liquid - 335 🏅 G2 Esports - 275 🏅 Guild Esports - 200 🏅 Natus Vincere - 110 🏅 Team abWizz - 70 Personally, I was very excited to see League of Legends back at a major third party tournament. Watching Faker rule Summoner’s Rift on Ahri and Azir, two of his signature champions, was very special to witness. We did call it though, check out the video below — the GOAT surely turned the Boulevard into “Faker Street” 😂 🛣️ On to Week 2!!! #EWC2024 #EsportsWorldCop #Esports #Gaming #leagueoflegends #callofdutywarzone

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Saudi Arabia's Gaming Heritage and Prestige: Esports in Riyadh 🔆 Hosting the Esports World Cup is a historic step for Saudi Arabia, showcasing the country's vision, dedication, and passion for the entire industry. 🥇 For the first time, a country is really supporting the sport like it happens in traditional sports. The missing links are being directly addressed in Riyadh during the Esports World Cup. 🔆 Currently, Saudi Arabia is on track to become the epicenter of Esports, ticking many of the right boxes with organizations, sponsors, athletes, and viewers alike! #Eurosport: 🎯 "Hosting the Esports World Cup is a huge step in history for Saudi Arabia, with the country being eager to showcase its vision, dedication, and passion for the industry as a whole." 🎯 "For the first time, a country is really supporting the sport like it happens in traditional sport. The connecting tissue is somehow missing, which is being directly addressed at Riyadh in the Esports World Cup." 🎯 "Right now, Saudi Arabia is on track to become the epicentre of Esports, ticking many of the right boxes with organisations, sponsors, athletes, and viewers alike!" 💡 Reasons for Saudi Arabia's Support for Esports: 1. Large Youth Base: With over 70% of the population under the age of 30, Saudi Arabia has a vast youth base that is keen on engaging in Esports. 2. Capitalizing on Global Momentum and Financial Industry: The global Esports industry generates over $150 billion annually, and Saudi Arabia aims to capitalize on this momentum. 3. Promoting Saudi Vision 2030 and Inspiring Innovators: Supporting Esports contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering creativity and innovation among the youth, with Saudi Arabia aiming to be among the top 20 countries in the world in innovation. #esports #gamingindustry #saudiarabia #riyadh #gamingcommunity #gaming #gamer #twitch #gamers #streamer

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The e-commerce landscape in Saudi Arabia is not just growing; it's booming, redefining market potential. Let's explore why... - 🚀 Youthful Demographics: With a youthful population leading the charge, there's an insatiable appetite for online shopping. - 🌐 Internet Penetration: High internet usage is propelling this sector into unprecedented territory. - 💡 Governmental Support: Investments in technology and infrastructure by the government are accelerators we can't ignore. - 🛍️ Cultural Nuance: Understanding and respecting Saudi cultural preferences is non-negotiable for e-commerce success. - 👑 Customer Service: Above all, exceptional customer service builds the trust and loyalty that crown market leaders. - 🤝 Partnerships: Aligning with trusted partners can optimize our online presence efficiently. Considering these points, how can we further innovate and tailor our e-commerce strategies to make an impact in the Saudi market? #marketing #stratégies #SaudiArabia

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FOLLOW THE GOLD – it is summer, it is hot, and the video game industry in Saudi Arabia is booming, making it a key player in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. With a market growth rate of 41.1% year-on-year, the country generated over $1 billion in gaming revenues in 2020, supported by 21.1 million gamers. Demographically diverse, Saudi gamers include 42% women and a broad age range. Esports, bolstered by government investment and initiatives like the Savvy Gaming Group, is rapidly expanding, contributing to projected revenues of $6.8 billion by 2030. The industry also sees rising female participation, despite cultural challenges. https://lnkd.in/d2kH6p_R

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Attending the Dubai Game Expo Summit? Working on your next multiplayer hit title? Need the best solution to scale your game to success? Come find Adam Brennan 🔜 Dubai Game Expo Summit at the show and he can fill you in on all the details!

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“One misconception when it comes to Arabic localization is that it’s as simple as creating a master translation sheet that is sent to a localization agency who can work on it overnight. But that’s not how it works. Certain UI elements need to be changed, the game engine needs to be able to support RTL languages, and there are so many other considerations on a language and cultural level to ensure the translation works for the game." A small snippet of my involvement in this white paper around localization for the Arabic speaking world courtesy of Niko Partners.

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🎮 What's Amir Gaming This Week? 🎲 Hello friends! I'm excited to introduce a new series, “What's Amir Gaming This Week?” that celebrates greatness in the games ecosystem. In these challenging times, it's important not only to stay informed but also to appreciate and celebrate remarkable achievements occurring in our field. For the first installment, I’m highlighting a gem and new favorite of mine, "Divinity: Original Sin The Board Game." As an avid collector of over 100 board games, this game distinguishes itself with its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and the enjoyment it brings to every session. Larian Studios, known for their significant contributions to the video games world with titles like "Baldur's Gate 3," have masterfully extended their expertise into board games. "Divinity: Original Sin" successfully translates Larian’s rich storytelling and engaging gameplay into a physical format. Upon opening the box, players are greeted with a whirlwind of game components. These include detailed miniatures, multifaceted player boards, and over a thousand vividly illustrated cards, on a scale I haven't seen outside of Gloomhaven. The game also provides organizational trays to manage these pieces, a rarity and much appreciated. Character creation is engaging, allowing players to choose from predefined characters or to design their own using a mix of skills, backgrounds, and gear. The choices are vast, and there is room for even greater specialization. The game eschews traditional tile-based maps for a novel "Divine Atlas," a ring-bound book that dynamically serves as the game board. This atlas speeds up game setup and simplifies gameplay, as players explore their surroundings, making decisions and interacting with scenarios that propel the story forward and sometimes lead to combat. Combat is streamlined and true to its video games origins. It features a tactical, accessible system where actions are controlled by Action Points and an innovative cooldown mechanic for abilities, demanding strategic planning and management. Elemental interactions and various combat effects introduce additional layers of strategy and unpredictability. Boss battles offer distinct challenges with specialized abilities that require players to adjust strategies. The game encourages multiple playthroughs, with choices in one session affecting future sessions. With its strategic gameplay, exquisite components, and a compelling narrative, "Divinity: Original Sin The Board Game" is a profound extension of its digital counterpart into the world of board games. If you crave Larian in a box, this is it. This is the best board game I have bought in 10+ years and the best campaign-based board game I have ever played. Don’t worry about running out – when you love it, there is enough DLC to last you a lifetime. Stay tuned for more posts where I will spotlight companies and efforts in the games ecosystem that remind me why I fell in love with games, and I hope you too!

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Interested in the Saudi market or in raising funds in Saudi? join #StartupDestination. Like or comment to get an invitation to the webinar #Growth #Expansion #Startups

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