From Vision to Victory: How Saudi Arabia Is Building a Global Gaming Powerhouse

Crafting a Digital Legacy: Inside Saudi Arabia’s Rise as a Gaming Giant

A Bold Leap Into the Unknown

When Yannick Theler, a veteran of Ubisoft with two decades of experience across Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, decided to take a leap of faith and join Steer Studios, he knew the challenge ahead would be unlike anything he had faced before. There was no existing team, no infrastructure—just an ambitious vision to create a comprehensive gaming ecosystem within Saudi Arabia. Yet, within the first hour of posting job listings, the studio received more than 1,500 applications. That overwhelming response was not only a testament to the growing interest in gaming careers within the Kingdom but also a clear indicator of latent talent waiting to be harnessed.

Theler’s leadership philosophy centered around learning by doing, a principle he honed during his years at Ubisoft. He believed that starting with a mobile game would allow new developers to gain hands-on experience while iterating quickly—an ideal training ground for a fledgling team. Grunt Rush, their first release, took exactly one year to go from concept to launch, with a team of 20, half of whom were Saudi nationals. The result was a polished, performance-optimized mobile strategy game that resonated with players worldwide, achieving over 1.5 million downloads in its initial weeks. More importantly, it demonstrated that Saudi Arabia could produce games that meet international standards while maintaining technical excellence.

Making Mobile Matter: Why It’s the Gateway to Growth

In Saudi Arabia, mobile gaming dominates the landscape. According to UK-based research firm YouGov, approximately 75% of gamers prefer using smartphones due to their accessibility and portability. This trend mirrors global patterns, where mobile gaming has surpassed console and PC in both revenue and user engagement. For Steer Studios, launching with a mobile-first approach wasn’t just strategic—it was essential. It allowed them to tap into a familiar medium while offering a fresh, high-quality experience that stood out in a crowded market.

Grunt Rush distinguished itself by prioritizing device optimization, ensuring smooth gameplay without overheating phones—a common issue with many mobile titles. This attention to detail helped the game earn positive reviews and sustained player retention. As Theler explained, the goal was never to create a disposable app but rather a well-crafted product capable of long-term engagement. Future updates will introduce regional themes and events, further deepening the connection between local culture and global audiences. With mobile gaming continuing to grow, Saudi studios like Steer are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this momentum while preparing for more complex projects on other platforms.

Educating the Next Generation: Talent Development as a Foundation

For any sustainable gaming industry to thrive, education and workforce development are non-negotiable. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to equip young professionals with the skills needed to succeed in game development. One such initiative is the Savvy Games Academy, launched earlier this year in collaboration with universities across the country. The academy aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice by offering structured curricula, internships, and mentorship opportunities tailored specifically for aspiring developers.

Steer Studios has been actively involved in these initiatives, hosting interns for the past two years and integrating them into live projects. This immersive learning model ensures that students gain practical experience before even entering the job market. Moreover, it provides companies like Steer with a pipeline of skilled talent ready to contribute immediately. By investing in education today, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining creative economy tomorrow—one where homegrown developers can compete on the world stage without relying on foreign expertise.

Scaling Ambitions: From Mobile to Consoles

With Grunt Rush successfully launched and gaining traction globally, Steer Studios is now setting its sights on more ambitious frontiers—console game development. While mobile served as the perfect entry point for training and onboarding, consoles represent the next logical step in the studio’s evolution. According to Theler, work has already begun on assembling a dedicated console team, with the first major project slated to kick off later this year. This dual-track approach—developing both mobile and console titles simultaneously—reflects a broader strategy to diversify the studio’s portfolio while catering to different segments of the gaming audience.

Console development introduces a new level of complexity, requiring larger teams, more advanced tools, and higher production values. However, the foundational experience gained from Grunt Rush has given Steer a solid base upon which to build. The studio plans to maintain its current team while expanding selectively to accommodate the demands of console development. This growth trajectory not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position in the global gaming industry but also signals confidence in the country’s ability to produce high-caliber content across multiple platforms.

Gaming as a Cultural Bridge: Connecting Players Through Shared Experiences

One often overlooked benefit of locally developed games is the sense of pride and identity they instill in players. When gamers discover that a title they enjoy comes from their own country, it fosters a deeper emotional connection. Theler highlighted this phenomenon, noting that players appreciate knowing their compatriots created the experiences they engage with daily. This cultural resonance enhances player loyalty and encourages community interaction, something that traditional AAA studios based in North America or Europe rarely achieve on a national level.

As Saudi developers continue to refine their craft, there’s a growing opportunity to infuse games with regional narratives, aesthetics, and traditions—creating a unique niche in the global market. Whether through character design, storylines, or in-game events tied to local festivals, these elements can differentiate Saudi-made games from generic offerings. Furthermore, fostering direct communication between developers and players builds trust and transparency, reinforcing the idea that gaming is not just entertainment but also a shared journey of creativity and innovation.

The Road Ahead: A New Era for Saudi Gaming

Saudi Arabia’s rise as a gaming powerhouse is still in its early chapters, but the momentum is undeniable. With the Esports World Cup set to elevate Riyadh onto the global stage and studios like Steer pushing boundaries in game development, the Kingdom is proving that it’s not just investing in technology—it’s cultivating a creative culture with lasting impact. As more resources flow into the sector, from venture capital funding to government-backed educational programs, the foundation is being laid for a thriving digital ecosystem.

The implications extend beyond entertainment. A robust gaming industry creates jobs, drives technological advancement, and positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It also opens doors for cross-border collaborations, partnerships with international studios, and the potential for homegrown intellectual property to reach millions worldwide. In essence, what began as a bold experiment is evolving into a strategic pillar of the nation’s post-oil economy.