Savvy Games Group and NEOM have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding to create a unified growth track for Saudi Arabia's gaming startups. The agreement links Savvy's Nine66 Incubator with NEOM's Level Up Accelerator, establishing a direct pipeline from early-stage support through to acceleration, funding, and commercial launch. Financial details weren't disclosed, but the deal represents a significant push within Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 framework to build out the Kingdom's gaming sector.
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Building a Continuous Development Track
The MoU establishes a coordinated route for Saudi game studios, with Nine66 handling early incubation and Level Up taking over once teams are ready for funding, mentorship, and global connections. The aim is to eliminate the typical gaps between incubation and acceleration, giving founders a smoother transition from concept to market-ready product. Instead of navigating fragmented programs, startups now have a defined next step.
Level Up Accelerator has backed more than 45 Saudi startups since launching in 2023. It has deployed 15 investments and maintained a 100% survival rate across its portfolio. The program has also generated over 170 jobs in the Saudi gaming industry and enabled the Kingdom's first international publishing deal, signed between Fahy Studio and UK publisher Kwalee.
Tying Into Vision 2030 and National Gaming Goals
This partnership directly supports Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy, a pillar of Vision 2030 focused on diversifying the economy and establishing the Kingdom as a global gaming hub. By connecting Nine66 and Level Up, the collaboration reduces friction across the startup lifecycle and gives teams clearer access to capital, expertise, and publishing channels. It's a structural play to make the ecosystem more efficient and less fragmented.
Amr Sager, chief of staff at Savvy Games Group, pointed to the growing number of support programs in Saudi Arabia and stressed the need for better coordination. The goal is to make the path from prototype to commercial release more predictable and less reliant on luck or personal networks.
Supporting Talent from Education to Investment
Toby Evan-Jones, NEOM's executive director and head of gaming, explained that Level Up operates across the full spectrum, from engaging students interested in game development to investing in studios ready to scale. The partnership with Savvy is designed to tighten coordination across the ecosystem, benefiting both startups and the broader industry. The long-term vision is a self-sustaining Saudi gaming sector capable of producing commercially viable studios, attracting international partnerships, and exploring emerging areas like web3 where gaming intersects with digital ownership and interactive entertainment.
The MoU is a step toward a more mature Saudi gaming infrastructure. By combining incubation, acceleration, and investment under a single framework, the partnership gives founders earlier access to resources and reduces the risk of falling through the cracks between programs. The expectation is that this will lead to more Saudi studios reaching commercial success.
What This Means for Saudi Studios
As Saudi Arabia continues investing in gaming under Vision 2030, partnerships like this will shape how the industry develops. By aligning Nine66 and Level Up, Savvy and NEOM are creating a continuous pipeline that connects early-stage founders with funding, mentorship, and publishing opportunities. The structure positions both organizations as central players in the Kingdom's push to build a globally competitive gaming sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the Savvy Games Group and NEOM partnership do?
It connects Savvy's Nine66 Incubator with NEOM's Level Up Accelerator, giving Saudi gaming startups a structured route from early incubation to funding and acceleration.
How many startups has Level Up Accelerator worked with?
Since launching in 2023, Level Up has supported more than 45 Saudi startups and deployed 15 investments with a 100% survival rate.
What has Level Up Accelerator accomplished so far?
The program has generated over 170 jobs in the Saudi gaming sector and facilitated the Kingdom's first international publishing agreement between Fahy Studio and UK publisher Kwalee.
How does this fit into Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan?
The partnership supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global gaming hub.
Does this partnership include web3 gaming projects?
While the primary focus is traditional gaming, the partnership can support web3 initiatives that overlap with interactive entertainment and digital ownership.
What impact will this have on Saudi gaming startups?
By linking incubation with acceleration and funding, the MoU streamlines growth, reduces risk, and gives teams earlier access to resources, mentorship, and international opportunities.
