Details of the Global Games Show Riyadh – June 2026 are as follows:
Powering the Future of Play: Riyadh Welcomes the Global Games Show 2026
Table of Contents
Date : 29–30 June 2026
Venue : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Register : Grab your tickets
Riyadh is set to become the global hub for gaming innovation as it hosts the Global Games Show 2026, welcoming gamers, developers, and industry leaders from around the world. The two-day event celebrates the evolution of gaming through cutting-edge technology, immersive experiences, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Powered by Times of Games, Global Games Show 2026 offers a dynamic lineup featuring:
- Live demos of next-generation games
- Immersive AR and VR experiences
- Expert panels on game development, publishing, and esports trends
Attendees will gain insights into the latest innovations in AI-driven design, player engagement, monetization, and storytelling while connecting with pioneers shaping the future of play.
The event also emphasizes collaboration and community — with dedicated networking lounges, matchmaking sessions, and a startup showcase spotlighting the most promising gaming ventures.
Together, these leaders have inspired thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of gaming, blockchain, esports, and immersive digital economies.
What to Expect at Global Games Show 2026:
- Day 1 – The Next Frontier of Gaming Tech:
Saudi Arabia’s rise as an esports powerhouse, breakthroughs in game engines, and futuristic concepts such as brain-computer interfaces and AI-powered design. - Day 2 – Gameconomics:
Exploring the evolving business of gaming — from crowdfunding and mobile ecosystems to investor-developer partnerships and community-led growth.
Each day blends visionary talks, live showcases, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and connect the global gaming ecosystem.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, learn, and connect at one of the Middle East’s most exciting tech events of 2026.
Media Enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
Press Releases Updates:
In this section, we list all the press releases for the event.
Press Release 9th July 2026
AI-Driven LiveOps and Mobile Dominance Take Center Stage at Global Games Show Riyadh 2026
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, concluded its highly anticipated two-day B2B run. Shifting focus away from traditional console lifecycles, the event leaned heavily into technological innovations that transformed the back end of game development, including cloud gaming, AR/VR, and automated AI game design. It also focused on an emerging gaming platform: mobile phones.
Defying the challenges of the prevailing geopolitical landscape, organized by VAP Group and powered by Times Of Games, the event emerged as a resounding success. Co-located with Global AI Show Riyadh and Global Blockchain Show Riyadh, the two-day summit attracted 15,000+ registrations, welcomed 6,723 attendees, featured 100+ global speakers and 100 exhibitors, and convened a 70% CXO-level delegation from 80+ countries. Bringing together game developers, publishers, Web3 gaming pioneers, esports leaders, investors, content creators, technology providers, and policymakers, the event showcased how gaming is rapidly evolving into a multi-billion-dollar global ecosystem at the intersection of artificial intelligence, blockchain, immersive technologies, digital ownership, and entertainment. The event also witnessed the announcement of VAP Group’s most ambitious initiative yet- The launch of VAP Ventures, a strategic initiative to back 100 startups by 2030 and accelerate the next chapter of the global innovation ecosystem.
The Global Intersection For Entertainment And Digital Entertainment
The Global Games Show opened with a keynote by Johnson Yeh, Founder & CEO of Ambrus Studio, who explored the future of immersive gaming, highlighting how emerging technologies are redefining player experiences beyond traditional screens.
Also, a keynote by Virginia Villar Arribas, Director of the Private Sector Partnerships Service at the UN World Food Programme, who demonstrated how gaming and play can drive social impact by advancing global awareness, education, and humanitarian initiatives.
The Global Games Show Riyadh attracted game studios, publishers, Web3 gaming, esports, investment, technology providers, and game communities from across the globe. The event highlighted the fact that the world of gaming and digital entertainment has evolved at an unprecedented rate. Mobile-centric ecosystems took the center stage, and the discussions at the event have established this new 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 altered the competitive landscape, with discussions highlighting that expensive PCs and consoles aren’t a requirement to get into esports. Games like PUBG and Mobile Legends Bang Bang set the ball rolling, and other games are following suit all over the world.
Visionaries in Gaming Defined the Next Generation of Gaming
Over the course of the event, key visionaries and thought leaders discussed key aspects of 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, 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
As mobile gaming and digital ownership rapidly evolve, their combination is redefining how digital entertainment is perceived and consumed worldwide. The agenda featured deep dives into how decentralized architectures enable new avenues for player ownership, monetization, and community engagement, rewriting the traditional dynamic between developers and their audience. Furthermore, esports pioneers and gaming founders addressed the maturity of the mobile esports ecosystem across the MENA region, Asia, and LATAM, examining the next generation of tournament structures and revenue-generation models.
“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 conclusion of Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 set the foundation for the evolution of interactive gaming and digital entertainment. The positive momentum generated by attendees, exhibitors, and speakers at this event will inform the decisions that will shape the discussions 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 evolution of interactive entertainment. This elite event series is dedicated to uniting major industry titans, 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 ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.
Media Enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
Press Release 26th March 2026
Global Games Show Riyadh Unveils Star-Studded Speaker Lineup of Gaming Legends and Industry Leaders
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—The Global Games Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be held between 20 and 30 June 2026, highlighting e-sports visionaries, game developers, and other industry experts who confirm the Kingdom’s position as an internationally recognized gaming and e-sports destination. These leaders will discuss the future of e-sports and gaming on topics such as game development in Web3, content creation, and digital entertainment through keynote sessions and panel discussions while providing visibility and showcasing a rapidly evolving landscape in Saudi Arabia that supports their Vision 2030.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the exhibition will provide a comprehensive experience for all aspects of the gaming industry, esports, and interactive entertainment. An entire value chain will be represented at the Global Games Show, from development to publication to pro esports franchises and players, game developers, investors, and policymakers.
With expected attendance of over 10,000, a total of 100 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing new gaming technologies/experiences, and more than 200 global and regional media representatives expected to be present, this is going to be one of the most significant events for the gaming industry globally, thereby providing demonstrative quality for the future of the gaming industry regionally.
The speaker lineup includes representatives from various sectors including game development, e-sports, government, and creative industries, which wil provide the audience with exclusive, upcoming views on the next gen of innovation in the gaming industry development in the Middle East and beyond.
Featured speakers include:
- Elie Honain, Chief Executive Officer, NES, addressing the evolution of esports infrastructure and competitive gaming ecosystems.
- Majed Aleid, CIRO & Director, Ministry of Investment (MISA), will present views on national gaming investment strategies and ecosystem development.
- Johnson Yeh, founder and CEO of Ambrus Studio, will discuss the future of global tournaments: from grassroots to international leagues.
- Malak AlQhtani, CEO & Founder of Valar Club, will highlight innovation in gaming communities, entrepreneurship, and next-generation player experiences.
- Xzit Thamer, Gaming Content Creator & PlayStation Playmaker, TikTok | Sony Interactive Entertainment, will share insights on creator-led gaming communities and platform-driven engagement
When they speak formally in keynote speeches, fireside chats, and panel discussions, these industry trailblazers will explore many facets of esports, gaming, content creation, and immersive gaming technologies. They will also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning gaming industry, which is evolving alongside its Vision 2030 Initiative. The event will serve as a pivotal opportunity for the gaming industry’s future in the region through its star-studded collection of speakers and forward-focused agenda.
About Global Games Show
The Global Games Show is a series of global business events focused on the ongoing development of interactive entertainment. This series is committed to facilitating connectivity between major players and discovering new industry trends in the area of Web3 (blockchain) games, artificial intelligence game creation, and next-generation levels of immersive experience.
About VAP Group
VAP Group is a global consulting and media group focused on AI, blockchain, and gaming, with over 13 years of experience driving technology-led growth through strategic PR, marketing, and content platforms.
Through its media ecosystem and flagship events, including the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, VAP Group connects policymakers, enterprises, and innovators worldwide, enabling strategic communications, ecosystem-building, and talent solutions.
Media Enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
Press Release 26th March 2026
Powering the Future of Play: Riyadh Welcomes the Global Games Show
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—The Global Games Show is from June 29th to 30th, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition enables developers, gaming pioneers, and gaming innovators to meet one another through mutual interest and experiences. A 360-degree space for any member of the gaming ecosystem (gaming/development/gamers/esports investors, etc.). You have a chance to explore new gaming products, technologies, and interactive games and also meet others who are gaming and mingle with other gaming community members in person.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by the Times of Games, the event will present the latest technologies through AR/VR live demonstrations, immersive experiences in the world of gaming, panels on the evolution of gaming, game publisher and developer trends, and the future of eSports. Visitors get information about new gaming technologies and monetization models, including ways to engage players.
In addition to linking all of the different aspects in the gaming ecosystem, the Global Games Show heavily focuses on networking since many designated networking areas are used for various types of matchmaking to connect developers, game publishers, and game investors. Start-up game developers will have an opportunity to demonstrate their cutting-edge innovations, and established video game developers will showcase how technology is changing storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.
The Global Games Show has previously hosted some of the most influential names shaping the future of gaming, esports, and Web3. Esteemed 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.; and Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Holodeck Ventures. Industry innovators such as Ilman Shazhaev, Founder of Farcana, and Klaus Kajetski, Founder and CEO of YaLLa Esports, have also shared their insights, alongside Jonathan Bouzanquet, Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of PLAYA3ULL Games, and Assad Dar, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Medieval Empires. Combined, these leaders are infusing the room with views on the convergence of gaming, blockchain, esports, and immersive digital economies. It fosters an environment where ideas thrive and connections take shape, and learning can pass from one industry to another.
“We have two dynamic days of cooperation and innovation in the heart of the industry at Saudi gaming capital,” the Global Games Show Riyadh.
Day One will explore gaming tech’s next frontier, Saudi Arabia’s rise to become an esports juggernaut, groundbreaking innovations in gaming engines, and futuristic breakthroughs such as brain-computer interfaces and AI-assisted game design. Day Two dives into gameconomics, examining the business of gaming, from crowdfunding options to mobile and community empowerment and investor-developer partnerships. Expect visionary talks, engaging discussions, and vibrant networking moments, culminating in the gathering of world-renowned creators, developers, and gamers shaping the future of interactive entertainment across both days.
The Global Games Show 2026 Riyadh takes the city a step further in establishing that new hub for digital entertainment and interactive technology to move beyond mere production. A unique point to appreciate about this event is that one ticket also allows access to other events, including the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show. Grab this unique opportunity to explore, learn, and connect.
About Global Games Show
The Global Games Show is a series of global business events focused on the ongoing development of interactive entertainment. This series is committed to facilitating connectivity between major players and discovering new industry trends in the area of Web3 (blockchain) games, artificial intelligence game creation, and next-generation levels of immersive experience.
About VAP Group
Global consulting and media group VAP Group provides a wide range of services and partnerships. It is mainly engaged with AI, blockchain, and gaming and has over 13 years of experience in leading these companies by means of strategic PR, marketing, or content platforms. VAP Group’s press and digital media ecosystem and its flagship series include events such as the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show, so that policymakers, enterprises, and innovators in all parts of the world can come together and realize key strategic communications and ecosystem-building as well as talent solutions.
Media enquiries: media@globalgamesshow.com
