Savvy Games Group and Alfaisal University have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a game design program in Saudi Arabia. The program targets students preparing for careers in the Kingdom's games industry and will mix academic coursework with hands-on training. Students are set to enroll starting in the 2026 academic year.
The agreement is part of a larger push to create structured career paths for aspiring game developers in Saudi Arabia. Alfaisal University will handle the educational framework, while Savvy Academy brings studio-level expertise to the table. The split is designed to give students both foundational knowledge and exposure to how actual development teams operate.
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Academic Curriculum Meets Studio Workflows
Alfaisal University will manage the academic side, and Savvy Academy will deliver training based on what studios actually need. The setup aims to connect classroom theory with the workflows students will encounter once they're hired. This isn't just lectures and exams—it's meant to prepare students for the realities of working in game development.
Alfaisal University plans to upgrade its facilities and labs to support the program. These spaces will cover production pipelines, interactive systems, and technologies used in online and web3 gaming. The idea is to make sure students are working with tools and processes that match what's being used in the industry right now.
Building Talent for Saudi Arabia's Games Push
Savvy Games Group says the program is focused on developing local talent for the Kingdom's expanding games sector. The partnership builds on Savvy's existing university collaborations across Saudi Arabia and ties into national goals to strengthen the workforce for games and esports.
Majed Al-Muhanna, chief human resources officer at Savvy Games Group, said the partnership creates a clear path from university to professional game development roles. He noted that the program supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030's push to make Saudi Arabia a global games hub.
Training for Jobs That Didn't Exist Five Years Ago
Alfaisal University sees the program as part of preparing students for industries that are still taking shape. HRH Maha Bint Mishari Bin Abdulaziz AlSaud, vice president of external relations and advancement at Alfaisal University, said students will get direct backing from a company operating at scale in games and esports, plus practical experience tied to what the sector actually needs.
The program combines academic leadership, upgraded infrastructure, and industry input to train the next wave of Saudi game developers. With the first group of students starting in 2026, the partnership marks another formal step in integrating gaming education into Saudi Arabia's long-term economic and creative plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Savvy Games Group and Alfaisal University partnership?
It's a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a game design program in Saudi Arabia. Alfaisal University provides the academic structure, and Savvy Academy delivers industry training.
When will the game design program start?
The first students will begin in the 2026 academic year.
Who will deliver the program?
Alfaisal University handles the academic curriculum. Savvy Academy brings in the industry-focused training.
What will students learn in the program?
Students will study game design and development through a mix of theory and hands-on work. They'll use upgraded labs and facilities that mirror modern studio workflows, including technologies connected to web3 gaming.
How does this support Saudi Arabia's games industry?
The program trains local talent for the Kingdom's growing games ecosystem. It supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030 goals to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for games and esports.
