- 1. A strong turnout
- 2. The Global Intersection For Entertainment And Digital Entertainment
- 3. Visionaries in Gaming Defined the Next Generation of Gaming
- 4. Mobile Gaming and Digital Ownership At the Core of Digital Entertainment
- 5. Building the Future of Gaming By Addressing the Foundational Pillars of Gaming
- 6. About Global Games Show
- 7. About VAP Group
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Riyadh cemented its status as the world’s most vibrant sandbox for interactive media as the Global Games Show Riyadh held from 29-30th June, wrapped up its two-day B2B run.
The event moved away from the usual focus on console cycles. Instead, it looked at new tech that is changing how games are made behind the scenes. Topics included cloud gaming, AR/VR, and game design driven by AI. It also focused on a fast-growing gaming platform: mobile phones.
A strong turnout
The event was organized by VAP Group and powered by Times Of Games. Despite a hard geopolitical climate, it was a clear success.
It was held alongside Global AI Show Riyadh and Global Blockchain Show Riyadh. Over two days, the summit drew:
- 15,000+ registrations
- 6,723 attendees
- 100+ global speakers
- 100 exhibitors
- A 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries
It brought together game developers, publishers, Web3 gaming pioneers, esports leaders, investors, content creators, tech providers, and policymakers.
The event showed how gaming is fast becoming a global market worth billions. It now sits where AI, blockchain, immersive tech, digital ownership, and entertainment meet. If you are new to the blockchain side, our guide to what blockchain is explains the basics.
The event also saw VAP Group announce its most ambitious plan yet: The launch of VAP Ventures. This new initiative aims to back 100 startups by 2030 and speed up the next chapter of the global innovation scene.
The Global Intersection For Entertainment And Digital Entertainment
The Global Games Show opened with a keynote by Johnson Yeh, Founder & CEO of Ambrus Studio. He explored the future of immersive gaming. He showed how new tech is changing what players experience beyond traditional screens.
Another keynote came from Virginia Villar Arribas, Director of the Private Sector Partnerships Service at the UN World Food Programme. She showed how gaming and play can drive social good by raising global awareness and supporting education and aid work.
The Global Games Show Riyadh drew game studios, publishers, Web3 gaming, esports, investment, tech providers, and game communities from around the world.
The event made clear that gaming and digital entertainment have changed at record speed. Mobile gaming took center stage. The talks at the event confirmed this platform as a key economic engine.
In this context, Charity Joy, CEO, Mirai said, “The future of gaming will be defined by immersive experiences, meaningful communities and the incredible talent building them. What excites us most about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the ambition, creativity and passion of its young developers. They aren’t just participating in the future of gaming, they’re helping create it!”
Mobile gaming has also changed the competitive scene. Speakers noted that you no longer need an expensive PC or console to get into esports. Games like PUBG and Mobile Legends Bang Bang set the ball rolling, and other games around the world are following.
Visionaries in Gaming Defined the Next Generation of Gaming
Over the course of the event, key leaders and thinkers discussed the main topics in gaming and esports. These themes and agendas included:
Few Notable Speakers Included:
- Johnson Yeh – Founder & CEO, Ambrus Studio
- Nayef BinHumaid – Chairman of the Board, Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation
- Nadeem Bakhsh – Chief Executive Officer, webook.com
- Virginia Villar Arribas – Director, Private Sector Partnerships Service, UN World Food Programme (WFP)
- Hassan Yusuf – Head of Partnerships, Real Madrid Foundation – Education Football Program powered by Riyadh Schools
- Kanessa Muluneh – Chief Executive Officer, Rise of Fearless
- Yasmina Kazitani – President, Blockchain Game Alliance
Few Notable Exhibitors:
- ClubMOS Technologies LLC
- Cropr Digital Limited
- Plotdex
- JPYR
- Arkonix
- TorusChain Association
- Smartflow
- The Loopcraft
- EGS
- Setup Master the Art of Gaming
- Venn Studio
Mobile Gaming and Digital Ownership At the Core of Digital Entertainment
Mobile gaming and digital ownership are both changing fast. Together, they are changing how people around the world see and enjoy digital entertainment.
The agenda took a deep look at how decentralized systems open new paths for player ownership, earning, and community. This rewrites the old relationship between developers and their players. These ideas link closely to virtual worlds; see our guide to the future of the metaverse.
Esports pioneers and gaming founders also discussed how mature mobile esports has become across the MENA region, Asia, and LATAM. They looked at the next generation of tournament formats and ways to earn revenue.
“The future of gaming belongs to those who can bring together technology, creativity, and community. Global Games Show is where those conversations begin, and we’re excited to see the ideas born in Riyadh evolve into the next generation of global gaming experiences.” – Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO, VAP Group
Building the Future of Gaming By Addressing the Foundational Pillars of Gaming
The close of Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 set the base for the next stage of interactive gaming and digital entertainment.
The energy from attendees, exhibitors, and speakers at this event will shape the talks at the Global Games Show 2026 Abu Dhabi.
____________
About Global Games Show
The Global Games Show is the ultimate B2B gaming event for the next stage of interactive entertainment. This elite event series unites major industry leaders, visionary developers, and investors to map out the future of gaming.
About VAP Group
With 13+ years of expertise, VAP Group is a premier global consulting and media powerhouse driving the next wave of technology-led growth.
Through its media network and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, businesses, and innovators worldwide. It helps with strategic communications, building ecosystems, and finding talent.
Media Enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
This is a press release / sponsored content. Read our Sponsored Content Policy. This article is not intended as financial advice. Educational purposes only.
