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Saudi video gaming giant Savvy eyes China after success of Delta Force, Black Myth: Wukong

The state-owned firm is looking for opportunities beyond mature Western markets, particularly in emerging and Asian markets

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Saudi Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, vice-chairman of Savvy Games (right), and CEO Brian Ward. Photo: Handout
Ann Caoin Shanghai

Savvy Games Group, the video gaming powerhouse owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is looking to the Chinese market for inspiration as it embarks on a new phase of global expansion, according to company executives.

During a recent visit to Shanghai, Saudi Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, vice-chairman of Savvy, highlighted China’s appeal, citing its vast consumer base and exceptional talent pool.

“What is unique to China is its ability to be successful in games and esports without an international market,” the prince said in an interview with the Post. He cited the example of Delta Force, a shooting game developed by Tencent Holdings, which attracted nearly 13 million daily active users in China within months after its launch.
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“There’re very few markets anywhere else where you can get that kind of growth locally to set up and give you the time to have that international growth,” he said.

Delta Force, a popular shooting game from Tencent Holdings. Photo: Handout
Delta Force, a popular shooting game from Tencent Holdings. Photo: Handout

Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy, said the firm was actively seeking “great companies worldwide that we can partner with, either commercially or strategically”, with China identified as a particularly promising market.

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