The Intelligence from The Economist Dune raider: Saudi is a video-game superpower
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Oct 10, 2025 
Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, discusses Saudi Arabia's ambitious investments in the global gaming industry, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's passion for video games. He highlights the kingdom's strategic goals to create jobs and develop a domestic gaming culture. Additionally, Fraser McIlwraith shares insights on Finland's icebreaker industry, addressing its significance for Arctic geopolitics and the growing demand for specialized vessels amid concerns about US Arctic capabilities.
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Saudi's Fast Rise In Gaming Ownership
- Saudi Arabia now owns large stakes in many household-name gaming companies globally.
- This concentrated ownership gives the kingdom rapid influence over the $multi-billion games industry.
Passion Meets Economic Strategy
- Mohammed bin Salman's personal enthusiasm for games helps drive the strategy but isn't the only motive.
- Saudi sees gaming as a way to diversify its economy and create thousands of jobs by 2030.
Build A Live-Event Gaming Ecosystem
- Invest in live gaming experiences and esports to build a local entertainment ecosystem.
- Use acquisitions (like ESL and Faceit) to quickly capture market share and run large competitions.
