Gen.G Esports Plans Regional Office in Saudi Arabia

Key insights

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First mover

Gen.G Esports is the first organization to join the Qiddiya City Club Program.

This program aims to incentivize gaming and esports companies to establish operations in a Saudi Arabian government-backed project.

Mixed reception

Other organizations have reportedly applied to the Qiddiya City Club Program.

However, some North American teams have declined due to concerns about insufficient financial incentives to cover regional executive-level salary requirements.

Varying interest. While Gen.G has publicly committed to the program, other organizations like Bleed Esports have reportedly applied, though some North American teams have declined due to concerns that the financial incentives…

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Summary

Gen.G Esports has initiated an expansion into Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the organization as the first entity to leverage the Qiddiya City Club Program. This government-backed incentive initiative aims to establish a global hub for gaming and esports by providing financial support and infrastructure to international organizations. The program facilitates a transition for participants, offering temporary office space in Riyadh’s stc Square from 2025 to 2027 before moving to custom-designed facilities within the Qiddiya City project starting in 2028.

The expansion involves strategic partnerships with local and international entities, including the Saudi Esports Federation, the Esports World Cup Foundation, stc play, and LG Electronics Business Solutions Saudi Arabia. Gen.G intends to utilize this regional presence to develop educational programming, such as esports training and career certification courses, to cultivate future industry leadership. While Gen.G is the first to publicly confirm its participation, other organizations have reportedly applied for the program.

Despite the project's ambitious scope, industry reception remains mixed. Some North American esports organizations have expressed hesitation, citing concerns that the provided financial incentives are insufficient to cover the operational costs of maintaining the required executive-level staff in the region. The initiative reflects a broader effort by the Saudi government to attract global gaming and esports stakeholders to its developing infrastructure, with the Gaming and Esports District scheduled for a phased opening beginning in 2026.