Savvy Games Group, a leading games and esports company based in Riyadh, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The American University of Bahrain (AUBH). The partnership aims to enhance student training and professional development, building a robust talent pipeline for the region’s burgeoning games and interactive entertainment sector.
This collaboration is a key part of Savvy Academy, the company’s flagship initiative designed to nurture local talent for the games and esports industry. The move underscores a growing trend of aligning academic curricula with practical industry demands to support the digital economy across Bahrain and the wider MENA region.
Bridging Academia And Industry
Under the agreement, Savvy Academy and AUBH will develop several initiatives to provide students with direct exposure to the professional gaming world. Students from AUBH’s College of Media and Design will gain access to valuable internship opportunities and organized studio visits with Savvy Games Group’s teams in Riyadh.
These programs are structured to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to work with real-world industry tools, workflows, and professional production environments.
Addressing A Regional Talent Gap
The partnership comes as demand for talent in game art, design, and interactive media surges across the region. With the global games and esports industry expanding rapidly, there is a critical need for professionals who possess a mix of creative and technical skills. This collaboration directly addresses this demand by creating a new generation of industry-ready graduates.
Dr. Layal Halawani, Dean of the College of Media and Design at AUBH, commented on the partnership’s value. “Connecting our academic programs with real-world industry experience and providing students with direct exposure to leading creative organizations reflects AUBH’s vision of preparing graduates who possess the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers, particularly in emerging and future-focused fields.”
A Strategic Push For Ecosystem Growth
For Savvy, this partnership is a strategic step towards building a more connected and sustainable talent ecosystem for the regional games industry. By engaging directly with academic institutions, the company aims to create clear pathways for aspiring professionals.
“As the games and esports sector continues to expand across the region, it is increasingly important to build stronger links between education and industry,” said Amr Sager, Group Chief of Staff at Savvy Games Group. “By working closely with institutions such as the American University of Bahrain, we aim to support the development of a more connected and sustainable talent pipeline for the regional games ecosystem.”
About Savvy Games Group
Savvy Games Group is a leading games and esports company headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Savvy is focused on driving the long-term growth and development of the global games and esports sector. The company’s investments are aimed at creating opportunities for participation and progression in the industry.
Source: Zawya
