"The Market, Both in MENA and at a Global Scale, Is Becoming Increasingly Competitive"

Why It Matters

The announcement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a world‑class gaming ecosystem, attracting global IP partnerships and driving economic diversification. It also signals to regional developers that cross‑platform IP creation is essential for competing in a crowded market.

Key Takeaways

• Steer Studios targets 2026 milestone with second game launch
• CEO Yannick Theler named Saudi Top 100 business leader
• Tom & Jerry Blast slated for global release this year
• Gaming seen as key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030
• MENA studios urged to build cross‑platform IP, not platform focus

Pulse Analysis

Vision 2030 has placed entertainment and gaming at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, channeling public and private investment into talent development, infrastructure, and regulatory support. This policy backdrop has accelerated the emergence of home‑grown studios and attracted multinational IP holders seeking a foothold in the fast‑growing MENA market. As a result, the Kingdom is rapidly transitioning from a consumer of games to a producer, with a pipeline of titles that aim to compete on both regional and global stages.

Steer Studios exemplifies this shift. After a successful debut, the studio is racing toward a 2026 milestone with its second title, Tom & Jerry Blast, leveraging the iconic cartoon franchise to showcase production capabilities. The studio’s CEO, Yannick Theler, earned a spot on Saudi Arabia’s Top 100 business leaders list, signaling industry validation and raising the profile of local development talent. The upcoming global launch demonstrates the studio’s ability to secure high‑profile licenses and deliver live‑service experiences that meet international quality standards.

However, the accelerating pace of competition across MENA and worldwide introduces new challenges. Live‑service models promise recurring revenue but demand constant content updates, heightening operational risk. Theler stresses that studios should prioritize building recognizable IP that can migrate across consoles, mobile, and emerging platforms, rather than anchoring strategy to a single ecosystem. This IP‑centric approach not only mitigates platform volatility but also positions MENA developers to export culturally resonant games, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a regional gaming hub.