- Saudi Arabia introduces game development and esports in schools
- Students to learn coding, design, and digital collaboration skills
- Move supports jobs and careers in the digital economy
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in reshaping its education system by introducing video game development and esports into the national school curriculum. The initiative aims to equip students with future-ready digital skills and prepare them for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
For years, video games were seen as distractions in classrooms. Saudi Arabia is now changing that mindset by teaching students how games are created, not just how they are played. The curriculum focuses on core skills such as coding, animation, storytelling, game design, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students will also learn how esports ecosystems work, including strategy, competition formats, and digital professionalism.
The move is closely linked to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize economic diversification and job creation beyond oil. Saudi Arabia has already invested heavily in gaming studios, esports events, and global partnerships. By bringing gaming education into schools, the country is building a strong local talent pipeline from an early age.
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Educators see this as a practical way to engage students while teaching valuable technical and creative skills. Game development blends technology with creativity and helps students develop logical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. These skills are relevant not only to gaming but also to software development, media, design, and emerging tech roles.
By treating gaming as a serious academic subject, Saudi Arabia is aligning education with industry demand. The initiative signals a shift toward modern learning models that connect classrooms directly with future jobs and the digital economy.
