Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – July, 2025: In a strategic move to bolster Saudi Arabia’s digital and creative economy, Savvy Games Group, the Kingdom’s national champion for games and esports, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King Abdulaziz University (KAU). This landmark partnership aims to introduce two specialized diploma programs in Games Production and Esports Management, beginning in the upcoming academic year.
This collaboration is designed to equip Saudi students with practical, industry-relevant skills that align with the growing demand in the games and esports sectors—both key pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
Empowering the Next Generation of Saudi Gaming Professionals
Through these diploma programs, students will gain deep insights into game development processes, production workflows, and the business of esports—from planning professional tournaments to managing high-impact digital experiences. The curriculum blends academic instruction with hands-on training, ensuring graduates are job-ready and capable of contributing to the global gaming economy.
Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief Human Resources Officer at Savvy Games Group, highlighted the importance of this partnership:
“Our collaboration with King Abdulaziz University is a critical step toward developing local talent in game development and esports operations. Through our Savvy Academy initiative, we’re building pathways for Saudi youth to thrive in this industry and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming.”
Bridging Academia and Industry
The diplomas will not only offer in-class learning but also expose students to real-world opportunities, including potential involvement in international events such as the Esports World Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, Dean of the Applied College at KAU, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative:
“This partnership reflects our commitment to aligning education with emerging industry needs. As the gaming and esports landscape evolves, so does the need for professionals who can blend creativity with operational excellence. These programs will open up transformative career opportunities for our students.”
A Pillar of the Savvy Academy’s “Level-Up” Program
This initiative is part of Savvy Academy’s broader “Level-Up” vocational training program, which aims to collaborate with leading academic institutions across Saudi Arabia to offer specialized training in high-growth sectors. The program is designed to foster a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to the country’s long-term digital ambitions.