Saudi gaming to get 150 New E-sports Centers
The gaming industry in Saudi Arabia is set to grow significantly as True Gamers, a UAE-based esports network, plans to establish 150 centers in the Kingdom. True Gamers, established in 2019, aims to make video gaming more accessible by providing an immersive experience to a wide range of players.
Vlad Belyanin, co-founder of True Gamers, explained the company’s strategic expansion plans in Saudi Arabia. The $45 million investment includes launching over 150 True Gamers lounges, enhancing the gaming experience for fans and boosting the country’s esports scene. The first True Gamers lounge in Jeddah is set to open in the first half of 2024.
Belyanin emphasized the company’s openness to collaborations with other businesses and organizations to enhance the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem. True Gamers plans to open 10 centers in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024 and aims to establish 150 centers by 2030.
The company also plans to launch esports tournaments in Saudi Arabia to inspire the younger generation and develop their gaming and social skills. Belyanin noted that True Gamers’ approach aligns with the expected growth of Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry, projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2026.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, True Gamers is independently establishing new clubs in the UAE and aims to open more than nine gaming centers this year. Expansion talks are also underway for projects in Egypt and nearby nations such as Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
True Gamers offers a variety of amenities in its clubs, including automobile simulators, PlayStation lounges, and VIP capsules. The company’s game library features over 120 titles, and it has grown significantly, generating over $20 million in revenue and attracting over 450,000 gamers in 2023.
Belyanin highlighted the company’s commitment to the esports industry, with a $13.5 million investment for expansion in the MENA region and over $11 million invested in creating world-class cybersport infrastructure.
True Gamers’ business model includes generating income from royalties, direct sales, franchise sales, marketing, equipment supply, white-label solutions, and sponsorship contracts. The company is focused on securing strategic investments to support its core operations and exploring funding opportunities for various projects.
Belyanin shared his passion for video games and esports, and True Gamers’ entrepreneurial journey, starting with an $80,000 investment in their first lounge in 2019. The success of their franchise model contributed to their growth and social mission of providing access to professional gaming facilities for young people from diverse backgrounds. True Gamers is now focused on innovation, including the introduction of robotic dog waiters in their Dubai clubs, aligning with their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
