Saudi competition authority approves AAA video game project in NEOM

Logo of NEOM

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition (GAC) approved a project to implement, manage, operate and develop a video game studio in NEOM, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The joint venture (JV) between NEOM and MBC Initiatives – which is wholly-owned by MBC Group Holdings Ltd – will be the first AAA video gaming project in the Middle East.   

The authority gave approval to the economic concentration process between the two entities, following a study of the Kingdom’s video game market and the issues related to the competition in the sector.

The study concluded that the entry of a new player will lead to healthy competition in the Saudi market.

The JV will develop a new industry in both the Kingdom and the Middle East and will contribute to the enhancement of information technology (IT) and programing activities across Saudi Arabia. This will come in line with Vision 2030 objectives, including increasing non-oil revenue, bolstering the entertainment industry and providing job opportunities.

Saad Al Masoud, spokesperson for GAC, indicated that the competition authority approved 15 requests for JVs year to date (YTD), which are all related to the fulfillment of the Vision 2030 objectives.