Gaming And Tech Leaders Discuss Future Developments At Riyadh's NGSC 2025 Conference

The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC 2025) is currently taking place in Riyadh, organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation. This event coincides with the end of the Esports World Cup. Participants are delving into gaming, esports, and sports advancements through sessions on investment, technology, tourism, intellectual property, and talent empowerment. These discussions underscore Saudi Arabia's significant influence in this sector.

During the opening session, the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on positioning the Kingdom as a global esports hub was explored. Following this, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot highlighted the company's history and praised Saudi Arabia's appeal for investment and creativity. The conference also featured insights from leaders of major companies like Electronic Arts, Krafton, Ubisoft, and Tencent.

Yves Guillemot from Ubisoft emphasised Saudi Arabia's potential for investment and creative opportunities. He outlined how the Kingdom's environment is conducive to fostering innovation within the gaming industry. This sentiment was echoed by other industry leaders who recognised Saudi Arabia's strategic position in the global gaming landscape.

Monica Dinsmore, Head of Esports at Electronic Arts, noted that Saudi Arabia is becoming a central hub for international gaming. She pointed out its favourable conditions for investment which attract global attention. This aligns with the Kingdom's broader vision to enhance its role in the esports industry worldwide.

Jumana Haj Ahmad from UNICEF Gulf Area Office mentioned that partnerships with international institutions boost the gaming industry's social impact. These collaborations are crucial for leveraging gaming as a tool for positive societal change. The focus on social impact reflects a growing trend within the industry to address broader societal issues through gaming.

Rawan AlButairi, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), stated that audiences are now active participants in esports events. The federation actively promotes this engagement by creating platforms where audiences can interact more directly with esports content. This shift towards audience participation marks a significant change in how esports events are structured.

Intellectual Property and Sustainability

The importance of intellectual property was discussed during the conference's concluding sessions. Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, highlighted its strategic significance in maintaining competitive advantage within the industry. Protecting intellectual property is essential for sustaining innovation and ensuring long-term growth in esports.

Sega President Shuji Utsumi stressed safeguarding innovation to ensure sustainability within the sector. By protecting creative ideas and innovations, companies can maintain their competitive edge while contributing to a vibrant and sustainable esports ecosystem.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation, spoke about national identity as soft power. He cited Saudi Arabia as an example for other nations looking to leverage their cultural identity within the esports realm. This approach helps countries build a unique presence on the global stage through their distinctive cultural narratives.

The conference provided valuable insights into how Saudi Arabia is shaping its future as a leader in esports and gaming industries globally. By focusing on investment-friendly policies and fostering creativity, it aims to solidify its position as a key player in these rapidly evolving sectors.

With inputs from SPA