Global Games Show 2026 Set to Strengthen Riyadh’s Position as a Regional Gaming and Esports Hub

admin – May 16, 2026

Riyadh is preparing to host the Global Games Show 2026 on 29–30 June 2026, bringing together gaming developers, esports leaders, investors, publishers, and technology innovators from across the international gaming ecosystem. The event is expected to further reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global gaming, esports, and digital entertainment industries.

Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the two-day exhibition and conference will focus on emerging gaming technologies, immersive entertainment experiences, esports development, and the future of interactive digital economies.

The event will feature live demonstrations, panel discussions, networking sessions, and technology showcases covering areas such as AR/VR gaming, AI-powered game development, Web3 gaming, esports ecosystems, and next-generation gaming monetization models.

Industry analysts view the event as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to expand its digital entertainment and gaming sectors under Vision 2030, positioning Riyadh as a major regional hub for gaming innovation and esports investment.

Gaming, Esports, and Web3 Leaders to Join the Event

The Global Games Show has previously hosted internationally recognized figures from the gaming, esports, blockchain, and immersive technology sectors. Past speakers have included:

Johnson Yeh, Founder and CEO of ROEHL/Ambrus Studio
Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Chairman of Animoca Brands
Dirk Lueth, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Uplandme, Inc.
Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Holodeck Ventures
Ilman Shazhaev, Founder of Farcana
Klaus Kajetski, Founder and CEO of YaLLa Esports
Jonathan Bouzanquet, Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of PLAYA3ULL Games
Assad Dar, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Medieval Empires

The event is expected to attract game developers, publishers, venture capital firms, esports organizations, content creators, and technology companies seeking opportunities within the rapidly evolving gaming industry.

Riyadh Expands Its Digital Entertainment Ecosystem

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing gaming and esports markets in the Middle East, supported by major investments in digital infrastructure, gaming studios, esports tournaments, and entertainment initiatives.

According to organizers, the Global Games Show 2026 will provide a platform for collaboration between developers, investors, publishers, and technology companies while exploring how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive technologies are reshaping the gaming landscape.

The event will also include dedicated networking and matchmaking sessions designed to connect startups, developers, publishers, and investors from across the global gaming ecosystem.

Key Themes and Highlights of Global Games Show 2026

The conference agenda will focus on several major trends shaping the future of gaming and interactive entertainment.

Day One Highlights

Future gaming technologies and innovation
Saudi Arabia’s expanding esports ecosystem
AI-assisted game development
Gaming engine advancements
Brain-computer interfaces in gaming
Immersive AR/VR experiences

Day Two Highlights

Gaming business models and monetization
Crowdfunding and investment opportunities
Mobile gaming growth
Community-driven gaming ecosystems
Investor-developer collaboration
Future digital economies in gaming

Organizers stated that attendees will have access to interactive experiences, gaming showcases, startup demonstrations, and discussions on the convergence of gaming, blockchain, AI, and virtual economies.

Integrated Access Across Multiple Technology Events

One of the notable features of the Global Games Show 2026 is that registered attendees will also receive access to the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show, both taking place alongside the gaming event in Riyadh.

Industry observers believe this integrated format reflects the increasing convergence between gaming, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and immersive technologies, particularly in the development of Web3 gaming ecosystems and digital entertainment platforms.

VAP Group Expands Its Global Technology Event Portfolio

VAP Group, the organizer behind the event, specializes in AI, blockchain, gaming, media, and strategic communications. With more than 13 years of industry experience, the company has developed a portfolio of international conferences and exhibitions focused on emerging technologies and digital innovation.

Its flagship platforms — including the Global Games Show, Global AI Show, and Global Blockchain Show — aim to connect governments, businesses, investors, innovators, and technology communities through networking, ecosystem development, and strategic collaboration.

The Global Games Show 2026 is expected to further elevate Riyadh’s profile as a major destination for gaming innovation, esports investment, and next-generation digital entertainment technologies.