Saudi Arabia has entered various markets in recent years to diversify its investments as a nation. Sports is one of the areas the country has invested in, and it has turned heads. Some watchdogs have called Saudi Arabia’s investments in sports as sports washing. It is a way for the nation to improve its image to the world through positive PR.

The country’s attempts to diversify itself and become known as more than a petrostate or human rights violator is to invest heavily into esports. Yes, the Saudi Arabian government is pushing forward with plans to invest in existing games. The control recently made a $1 billion investment in the Embracer Group, which is a Swedish videogame and media organization.

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Saudi Arabia has invested in other companies including Nintendo. The country has a 5% stake in the legendary video game company to go along with a 96% stake in SNK. Saudi Arabia now has a strong foothold in the global esports market and it is likely to increase.

Along with investing in existing games and companies, authorities plan to make the country an epicenter for game development. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to have 30 video games developed within the country in the next eight years. The game creation is a part of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which would potentially create around 40,000 new jobs.

Remarkably, Saudi Arabia’s Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, Mohammed Saud Al-Tamimi, has stated that 89% of the country’s population are gamers. The number seems ridiculously high for the country, but the authorities are attempting to show gaming is a possible career path for individuals living in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is one of the countries pushing esports as a real sport. The country’s monetary power makes it possible to host competitions and reward tournament winners with lucrative prizes. While some countries are reluctant to recognize esports as a real sport, Saudi Arabia is attempting to take control of the industry.

Its recognition of esports as a real sport will give the industry another major financial backer. The Middle Eastern country is already working with Zain Group, ESL, Anubis Gaming, and Riot Games.

The Western media believed Saudi Arabia’s investment in esports is another sports-washing practice. The country may not be able to fix the issues and views others have of the Middle Eastern nation. Saudi Arabia is working toward growing its infrastructure along with its reputation. Countries such as China, South Korea, and the Philippines have used esports to help grow their technological infrastructure. South Korea has also used esports to export its culture abroad.

Petrostates are seeking ways to diversify their economies. Using esports is a bold option for Saudi Arabia and one that few other countries may choose to do. Whether it is sports washing or a legitimate investment, Saudi Arabia is investing in esports and gaming companies seem to have no issues with it.