Side Expands to Saudi Arabia With New Studio Plans and Savvy Games Partnership

Side - the award-winning gaming services company behind some of the world’s biggest releases - is leveling up once again, this time planting its flag in the Middle East. The company just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports powerhouse, as part of its official expansion into the region

The deal was inked at Side’s London HQ, but the real action is coming to Riyadh, where the company plans to launch a brand-new physical studio by Q4 2025. Once up and running, the studio will serve as a regional hub for co-development services, aimed squarely at MENA-based developers.

Saudi Arabia is quite possibly the most important market for the global gaming industry right now,” said Deborah Kirkham, CEO at Side. “It’s got all the right pieces in play — a supportive government, a hungry audience, and a national champion like Savvy who’s eager to build something big.

That “something big” includes cultivating local talent, expanding creative infrastructure, and helping push Saudi Arabia closer to its goals of making the Kingdom a global gaming and entertainment hub by the year 2030.

What's important to note is that the deal is more than just a flashy new office. Speaking at the signing, Side made sure to note that this is a calculated step in the company's bigger global play, following a full rebrand and the company’s HQ move to London earlier this year.

The new Riyadh studio will connect regional developers with Side’s international network of 20 studios across 14 countries, offering everything from co-dev and audio to localization and community support.

“This is really just the beginning of our story here,” added Jacob Madsen, VP EMEA at Side. “With Savvy as our partner, we’re bringing serious firepower to a region that’s brimming with potential.”

In response, Savvy Games Group echoed the excitement.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Side to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant gaming scene,” said Dr. Nika Nour, SVP at Savvy. “Together, we’re aiming to build something that truly elevates the experience for players and creators alike.”

With Saudi Arabia doubling down on gaming and global giants like Side jumping in, the Kingdom’s rise as a developer-friendly powerhouse is shifting from ambition to reality.