Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia’s national champion for games and esports, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Alfaisal University to establish a new Game Design program. This collaboration aims to cultivate local talent and create clear pathways for professionals entering the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding games industry.
A Strategic Partnership for Talent Development
The program will be a joint initiative between Alfaisal University and Savvy Academy, the flagship talent development arm of Savvy Games Group. This partnership leverages the academic excellence of Alfaisal University and the industry-specific expertise of Savvy.
The collaboration will focus on joint curriculum development, industry insights, and significant upgrades to training facilities, including advanced hardware and laboratory enhancements. Alfaisal University will oversee the academic curriculum and student experience, with the first cohort of students expected to begin in the 2026 academic year.
Building a Hub for Global Gaming
This initiative is a key component in achieving the goals of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and is aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030 to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for the gaming sector.
“Our partnership with Alfaisal University is another important step in developing Saudi talent for the games industry,” said Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief Human Resources Officer of Savvy Games Group. “Through Savvy Academy, we are creating educational pathways that help students progress to professional careers in game development. This supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030’s ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for games.”
Fusing Academia With Industry Expertise
The program is designed to provide students with direct access to a world-leading games and esports company, offering hands-on experience that is critical for career success in this dynamic field. This partnership follows several similar collaborations between Savvy Academy and other leading universities across the Kingdom.
At Alfaisal University, we are committed to academic excellence and preparing students for impactful careers in new and emerging fields,” said HRH Dr. Maha Bint Mishari Bin Abdulaziz AlSaud, Alfaisal University VP for External Relations & Advancement. “Partnering with Savvy Games Group will enable our students to receive direct support from a world-leading company in games and esports and give them access to hands-on experience that will set them up for success in this growing industry.”
About Savvy Games Group
Savvy Games Group (“Savvy”) was formed with a mission to drive long-term growth and innovation in the games and esports industry. Backed by its shareholder, the Public Investment Fund, Savvy deploys capital over long-term horizons through acquisitions, investments, and business ventures. By expanding its portfolio and growing the games and esports ecosystem, it is shaping the future of the sector on a global scale. As Saudi Arabia’s National Champion for Games and Esports, Savvy is also focused on developing the sector’s domestic ecosystem.
About Alfaisal University
Founded in 2002, Alfaisal University is a leading private higher-education institution in Riyadh known for its commitment to academic excellence, multidisciplinary research, and innovation. The university offers programs across engineering, business, medicine, science, pharmacy and law & international relations, preparing students to become influential contributors to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic transformation. With a global outlook and a focus on developing future-ready talent, Alfaisal University plays a key role in the Kingdom’s mission to foster knowledge, creativity, and growth.
Source: Zawya
