Savvy Games Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NEOM to strengthen the growth pipeline for Saudi gaming startups. The partnership links Savvy’s Nine66 Incubator with NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator, providing a clearer path for studios to move from early-stage incubation to acceleration, funding, and market-ready growth. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the collaboration is positioned as a key step in the development of Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry under Vision 2030.
Connecting Incubation with Industry Support
The MoU creates a structured progression for Saudi gaming startups, allowing Nine66 to prepare early-stage studios for investment, product development, and operational scaling. Once ready, Level Up Accelerator steps in to provide funding, mentorship, and connections to international partners. By bridging these two programs, the partnership aims to streamline the startup journey and reduce the gaps that often exist between incubation and acceleration.
Level Up Accelerator has a track record of supporting over 45 Saudi startups since its launch in 2023. The program has invested in 15 companies and maintained a 100% survival rate for its portfolio. In addition, it has facilitated over 170 new jobs in the gaming sector and played a role in Saudi Arabia’s first international publishing agreement, signed between Fahy Studio and UK-based publisher Kwalee.
Alignment with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming Strategy
The collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which is part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 plan. The strategy focuses on developing the creative economy, diversifying digital industries, and establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and esports. By linking Nine66 and Level Up, Savvy Games Group and NEOM aim to increase efficiency and coordination across programs, giving startups better access to resources and clearer pathways to growth.
Amr Sager, chief of staff at Savvy Games Group, highlighted the growth momentum in the Saudi games industry and the increasing availability of programs to support studios. Sager emphasized the need for stronger alignment between initiatives to make the development journey smoother and more predictable for startup founders.
Early Support for Talent and Industry Development
NEOM executive director and head of gaming Toby Evan-Jones noted that Level Up engages with the industry at multiple levels, from sparking interest in gaming among students to investing in young studios ready to scale. He explained that the collaboration with Savvy Games Group is designed to improve coordination across the ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both the startups and the broader industry. The goal is to create a self-sustaining gaming sector that can generate viable commercial opportunities while attracting international collaboration, including in web3 projects that intersect with interactive entertainment and digital ownership.
The partnership is seen as a step toward a more structured and mature Saudi gaming ecosystem. By combining incubation, acceleration, and investment support, the MoU is expected to give founders earlier access to resources, reduce risk, and increase the likelihood of commercial success for Saudi studios.
Future of Saudi Gaming Startups
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its gaming sector under Vision 2030, collaborations like the Savvy-NEOM MoU are expected to play a central role in shaping the industry. By aligning programs and creating a continuous development pipeline, the partnership provides startups with access to funding, mentorship, publishing opportunities, and industry expertise. This approach positions both organizations as key players in driving the growth of gaming and esports in the Kingdom.
Source: PocketGamer
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the Savvy Games Group and NEOM MoU?
The MoU is designed to connect Savvy’s Nine66 Incubator with NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator, creating a clear pathway for Saudi gaming startups to progress from early-stage incubation to investment and acceleration.
How many startups has NEOM’s Level Up Accelerator supported?
Since its launch in 2023, Level Up has supported more than 45 Saudi startups, deploying 15 investments with a 100% survival rate for its portfolio.
What notable achievements has Level Up Accelerator had?
Level Up has facilitated over 170 jobs in the Saudi gaming sector and supported the Kingdom’s first international publishing deal between Fahy Studio and UK publisher Kwalee.
How does this partnership relate to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
The collaboration supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, grow the creative sector, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming.
Will this partnership support web3 gaming projects?
While the focus is primarily on traditional gaming studios, the partnership can support web3 initiatives that intersect with interactive entertainment and digital ownership models.
What is the expected impact on Saudi gaming startups?
By connecting incubation with acceleration and funding, the MoU is expected to streamline growth, reduce risk, and provide early access to resources, mentorship, and international opportunities for Saudi gaming studios.
