However, they also acknowledged the struggles of esports teams and the need for sustainable growth. They emphasized the importance of fan engagement and direct-to-consumer microtransactions for team revenue. The executives also discussed the potential of AI in content creation and gameplay experiences. They believe that AI could increase productivity and free up resources for other areas, potentially leading to new job creation in the gaming industry.
Key takeaways:
- Savvy Gaming Group, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is aiming to create an esports powerhouse by acquiring platforms like ESL and FaceIt, and expanding into mobile games with the $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely.
- Despite facing political headwinds and accusations of "sportwashing" human rights abuses, Saudi Arabia plans to invest $37 billion into the global games industry, aiming to turn esports into the world's largest sport.
- ESL FaceIt Group sees great opportunity in the Middle East, where 70% of the population is under 30 and there is a high level of engagement with gaming.
- ESL FaceIt Group believes that AI and blockchain technology have the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry, with AI democratizing the creation of new experiences and blockchain enabling persistent digital ownership.