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Savvy Games Group: Driving Growth Amidst Industry Challenges

The game industry is navigating a period of recovery, but Savvy Games Group is prioritizing its own growth strategy, showing resilience in a fluctuating market.

In a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference, Brian Ward, the CEO of Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group, shared insights on the company’s direction. Notably, Savvy’s subsidiary, Scopely, has made headlines with its $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic, the developer behind the popular game Pokémon Go.

As Scopely shifts its focus to integrating Niantic, Savvy is simultaneously working on expanding its various gaming properties, which encompass esports and mobile gaming. This growth initiative is critical for Saudi Arabia as the nation seeks to create job opportunities for the youth and transition away from an oil-dependent economy.

The challenges facing the gaming sector, including significant job losses—35,000 in just over two years—may create a unique chance for Savvy Games Group to attract other gaming companies to Saudi Arabia. This positioning could encourage sizable firms to align with the vision that has drawn Scopely and Niantic into the Savvy fold.

Ward emphasized that Savvy’s strategy is centered around games, esports, and the development of a robust gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Interview Highlights with Brian Ward

GamesBeat: How is your strategy evolving? Are there any key milestones?

Brian Ward: Over the last year and a half, we’ve concentrated on finding top-tier gaming teams and titles through Scopely. Our recent acquisition of Niantic exemplifies that focus, and now Scopely is tasked with the integration process.

GamesBeat: Was the acquisition of Niantic a strategic move to secure substantial growth?

Ward: Absolutely. Niantic’s established audience provides a stable foundation for growth.

GamesBeat: Does this align with Scopely’s overarching philosophy?

Ward: Smaller deals no longer create significant impact; Scopely needs larger acquisitions to drive growth.

GamesBeat: What does the future hold for this strategy?

Ward: We are confident in our collaborative efforts, especially with our recent acquisition of Niantic’s game business. While integration will take time, we plan to continue pursuing genre-leading titles in the future. Enhancing our esports initiatives, including the Esports World Cup and upcoming events, remains a key facet of our approach. Additionally, fostering a thriving gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia is critical for future success.

GamesBeat: How is the community engagement in Riyadh evolving? Are local developers collaborating effectively?

Ward: The enthusiasm for gaming among Saudis is remarkable. As dedication to gaming grows, many are pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities in development. The lack of infrastructure in the past is being addressed, fueling community engagement and collaboration.

Strategic Focus and Job Growth

GamesBeat: How is Savvy Games Group contributing to job growth in the region?

Ward: We currently employ over 150 individuals in Riyadh across various divisions, including Steer Studios and Marai. We’re focused on enabling growth in roles that generate revenue, emphasizing our commitment to expanding our talent base.

GamesBeat: Do you envision facilitating more startups in the region?

Ward: While fostering startups isn’t currently our primary initiative, space exists within the ecosystem for greater incubation and acceleration opportunities.

GamesBeat: How does Savvy Games Group view its competitive landscape in the Middle East?

Ward: We respect the competitive environment in the region, believing that a rising tide lifts all boats. Collaboration and competition can coexist, enhancing the overall gaming landscape across the Middle East.

Future Perspectives on Esports

GamesBeat: What are your expectations for upcoming esports events?

Ward: We will host the Esports World Cup in Riyadh from early July to late August, featuring a broader range of games this year. The inaugural Esports Olympics is scheduled for 2027, catering to national teams, contrasting with the club and title-based World Cup format.

GamesBeat: Will the Qiddiya project be ready in time for these events?

Ward: That’s uncertain, but we’re in constant communication with Qiddiya, providing feedback on essential project elements.

Outlook for the Gaming Industry

GamesBeat: Reflecting on the gaming industry’s fluctuations, what is your outlook for recovery?

Ward: Historical patterns suggest that the gaming market will find equilibrium. With approximately 3.4 billion gamers worldwide, interest in entertainment remains strong despite current challenges across various platforms.

GamesBeat: How do you perceive the impact of new console launches on the market?

Ward: Nintendo’s continued success is admirable, but the gaming landscape is broader than just consoles. Presently, only a small fraction of gamers engage with console systems.

GamesBeat: In terms of regional storytelling, do you see potential for Middle Eastern narratives in gaming?

Ward: The Middle East holds immense potential for storytelling through gaming. The rich cultural history of the region provides fertile ground for creating globally appealing content, which has yet to be fully explored.

Source
venturebeat.com