Savvy Games signed an MoU with Sweden’s NMBRS to bring cinematic game production and visual effects expertise to Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming sector.
Savvy Games Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish visual effects studio NMBRS, marking another move to deepen Saudi Arabia’s growing games and esports ecosystem.
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The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the D.I.C.E. Summit in Las Vegas, outlines plans for NMBRS to establish operations in Riyadh, bringing high-end visual effects and cinematic production capabilities closer to the Saudi market. The partnership aims to support local talent development while enabling Saudi-based teams to work on game trailers, in-game cinematics, and real-time 3D content domestically.
NMBRS, headquartered in Stockholm, has contributed to major global titles including Battlefield, Valorant, Dune, and Call of Duty, and has partnered with international esports events such as the Esports World Cup and League of Legends World Championship. Its entry into Riyadh signals a shift toward localising advanced creative production within the Kingdom rather than outsourcing such work to Europe or other established markets.
Victor Hedström, founder of NMBRS, described Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region as a rapidly expanding frontier for games and esports. He highlighted the studio’s interest in long-term collaboration, talent development, and new project opportunities in the market.
From the Savvy’s side, Dr. Nika Nour, senior vice president and head of international business development, said the partnership reflects the momentum building in the Kingdom’s gaming sector. She noted that establishing advanced production capabilities locally will help strengthen the broader ecosystem while creating opportunities for emerging Saudi talent.
Beyond technical collaboration, the two parties also plan to explore developing original intellectual property inspired by Saudi culture, with local creatives involved from early-stage production.
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aim to position the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming by building sustainable creative infrastructure rather than relying solely on imported content.
Why Savvy Games Matter to MENA
Saudi Arabia isn’t just investing in gaming; it’s investing in gaming infrastructure.
While headlines often focus on tournament prizes or studio acquisitions, partnerships like this signal something deeper: the localization of high-end creative production. By bringing cinematic expertise and real-time 3D capabilities to Riyadh, Savvy is helping shift the Kingdom from a gaming consumer market to a production and IP creation hub.
For MENA, this reflects a broader regional shift toward building sustainable creative industries rather than relying on imported content. It also aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of developing local talent pipelines and exporting cultural narratives through original intellectual property.
As global studios look toward high-growth gaming markets, Saudi Arabia’s strategy appears increasingly focused on long-term ecosystem building — not just splashy deals.
