As the first-ever Esports World Cup in Riyadh approaches this summer, it is evident that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as a thriving center for the gaming industry. In an exclusive interview, we had the opportunity to speak with ESL FACEIT Group Co-CEO Craig Levine and Qiddiya gaming chair Mike Milanov to gain insights into the accelerating growth of esports in the MENA region.
Levine and Milanov discussed the substantial investments being made in the region, their collaboration to establish a Gaming & Esports District that promotes inclusivity and opportunities for female gamers, and the challenges faced in building an esports and gaming hub in Saudi Arabia.
Q: How will the partnership between ESL FACEIT Group and Qiddiya contribute to the growth of esports in the Middle East?
Craig Levine: Our partnership with Qiddiya City to develop the Gaming & Esports District is a testament to our commitment to engaging gamers globally. We aim to understand their vision for the future of gaming and esports, leveraging our extensive portfolio of events and platforms to connect with gamers and shape the future of play. Together, we aspire to establish a global gaming hub in the Middle East.
Q: What initiatives and facilities will be part of the gaming district, and how will they cater to the needs of gamers in the region?
Mike Milanov: Our goal with the Gaming & Esports District is to create a unique destination that offers immersive experiences for gamers of all backgrounds. Spanning 500,000 square meters, the district will feature four distinct zones with varying themes, designed to transport visitors into different gaming worlds. Gamers will play a key role in shaping the district, ensuring that their needs and interests are at the forefront of the development process.
Q: How do you plan to support local game developers and content creators within the esports and gaming district?
Milanov: Our approach includes creating opportunities for content creators to thrive within the district. We are dedicated to incorporating innovative technologies and amenities that cater to the evolving needs of the creator economy. Additionally, we are committed to supporting game development initiatives and will reveal more details about these endeavors in the near future.
Q: What makes you optimistic about the future of esports, especially in emerging regions like the Middle East?
Levine: Despite challenges, esports continues to show promise and growth potential. The gaming market is projected to expand significantly, offering new opportunities for stakeholders. Regions like the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, hold immense potential with a young, enthusiastic gaming audience. Initiatives like the Esports World Cup and the rise of mobile esports are reshaping the landscape, democratizing access to competitive gaming.
Q: Why is there a focus on investing in esports in the MENA region, and what are the goals for the future?
Levine: The MENA region presents a lucrative market for esports, with a rapidly growing gaming industry. The strategic Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia recognizes the significance of esports in youth culture and aims to leverage this momentum. By partnering with Qiddiya and exploring opportunities for local engagement, we aim to establish the Middle East as a global gaming hub.
Q: How do you plan to engage and cater to the younger demographic in the region through esports initiatives?
Levine: Our focus is on fostering community engagement among young gamers through various platforms and events. We strive to create immersive experiences that go beyond gameplay, allowing fans to connect with their favorite games, teams, and creators. By providing diverse opportunities for interaction and participation, we aim to cultivate a vibrant esports community in the Middle East.
Q: What challenges do you anticipate in establishing an esports and gaming hub in the Middle East, and how do you plan to address them?
Milanov: Building an esports hub of this scale presents inherent challenges, but we are determined to overcome them. With strong support from partners like Saudi Arabia and a commitment to innovation, we believe that the Gaming & Esports District will drive sustainable growth and elevate the industry in the region.
Q: How will this partnership promote inclusivity and opportunities for female gamers in the Middle East?
Milanov: Through our partnership with ESL Impact, we are dedicated to creating a more diverse and equal gaming environment. This includes supporting initiatives like the Women’s CS2 League to empower female gamers and ensure their participation in esports activities.
Q: Are there plans to collaborate with regional organizations or developers to create tailored esports experiences for Middle Eastern audiences?
Milanov: Yes, we are committed to collaborating with local organizations and developers to create unique esports experiences that resonate with Middle Eastern audiences. Our goal is to build a destination that caters not only to tourists but also to the passionate gaming community in the region.
Q: What impact do you foresee this partnership having on the growth of the esports industry in the MENA region in the next 5 years?
Levine: The partnership with Qiddiya will have a transformative impact on the esports industry in the MENA region. By establishing Qiddiya as a global gaming hub, we anticipate driving innovation, fostering talent development, and hosting major esports events that elevate the industry regionally and globally.
