Chinese multinational video game developer Montoon Games recently strengthened its partnership with Qiddiya City, an entertainment and tourism megaproject in Riyadh.
The partnership’s sole partnership is to promote the former’s online battle arena game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang eSports tournaments.
Designed specifically for these purposes, Qiddiya will be the global presenting partner of the MLBB M6 World Championship, the game’s elite competition this year.
Saudi Arabia’s lucrative project will be the official sponsor for the MLBB Professional Leagues in the Middle East, North Africa and Indonesia.
“Through this partnership, Qiddiya and Moonton will provide additional multi-level support to MLBB competitive communities in key local territories, further solidifying their commitment to building and growing a sustainable environment for athletes and fans in key territories worldwide,” a statement by Montoon read.
As the most popular online battle arena in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, MLBB boasts more than 110 million monthly active users.
The Philippines capital, Manila, staged the MLBB M5 World Championship last December, and it was a resounding success, with a viewership peak of over 500 million.
Having exceeded all expectations by becoming the most popular mobile eSports event in 2023, the tournament switches to Malaysia in 2024.
Kuala Lumpur will hold the MLBB M6 World Championship, with Qiddiya expected to retain its status as the global sponsor of MLBB’s competitions, as was the case last year.
Qiddiya Paramount to Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Diversification Plans
Qiddiya occupies a pivotal spot in Saudi Arabia’s bid to develop into a global eSports, gaming and iGaming hub.
Located only 40 kilometres west of Riyadh, it is widely expected to become the world’s first exclusive territory for gaming and eSports.
Qiddiya is a focal point of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and enhancing the entertainment sector, including iGaming.
As one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, iGaming is close to gaining a solid foothold in Saudi Arabia.
Backed by technological advancements and a tech-savvy population, every online casino in Saudi Arabia can expect a promising market with significant growth potential.
The burgeoning iGaming industry offers more than just entertainment. It provides opportunities for economic diversification and growth, not to mention boosting employment prospects within the region.
Hellbent on reducing its over-reliance on petroleum, Saudi Arabia has laid the groundwork for a more diversified economy, with iGaming and eSports at the heart of this revolution.
Some predictions go as far as assuming it could create 39,000 jobs in the game industry and increase the gross domestic product for game-related sectors to $13.3 billion.
Partnerships such as one between Moonton Games and Qiddiya City highlight the kingdom’s increasing investment in eSports and online gaming.
With the legal landscape evolving to accommodate the upcoming changes, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a gaming hub in the Middle East.
Upcoming eSports World Cup set to Boost Gaming in the Middle East
Qiddiya will have the privilege of hosting the inaugural 2024 eSports World Cup. Run by the eSports World Cup Foundation and funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the event will run from July 4 to August 25.
With a lucrative $60 million prize pool, it will be a pinnacle of the eSports scene, attracting top-tier talent from around the globe to compete in 21 different video game titles.
From Counter-Strike 2 and PUGB: Battlegrounds to Dota 2 and League of Legends, this event promises to showcase the highest level of competitive gaming.
If PIF’s investments in the Saudi Pro League are any indication, local gaming enthusiasts can expect significant financial backing and strategic initiatives in the kingdom’s eSports sector.
It took PIF only a few months to turn Saudi Arabia’s elite football division into one of the world’s most attractive championships.
It is natural to assume the fund will be keen to emulate that success on the eSports scene, especially considering the industry’s vast potential.
The wheels are already in motion, most recently evidenced by adidas’ shock return to Saudi Arabia after taking a notable sponsorship position at the maiden eSports World Cup.
The famous German sportswear brand has agreed to become the official merchandise sponsor of the event and supply players with an exclusive line of clothing.
