The global community of fighting game enthusiasts is shaking up recently, with the revelation that Evo, the largest yearly event in this genre, has become a joint venture between the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, often known simply as the PIF.
RTS, a talent management agency, and NODWIN Gaming, an Indian entertainment company. Notably, NODWIN Gaming’s co-ownership was recently purchased by Sony, but PlayStation continues to serve as Evo’s primary sponsor.
As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Qiddiya Gaming, the gaming division under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has recently acquired the renowned real-time strategy game (RTS). This move makes the Saudi regime a significant stakeholder in Evo, one of the major players in the gaming industry.
So why has there been such a backlash from fighting game players and fans on social media?
Over time, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for what’s known as “reputation polishing” or “image rebranding”. This involves investing substantial funds into popular areas of entertainment like movies, music, and sports events, with the intention of presenting a more favorable image for the country, which has been criticized heavily for its poor human rights record under absolute monarchy.
Beyond this, the community for fighting games has traditionally been open and inclusive towards individuals from diverse backgrounds. A substantial number of LGTBQ+ gamers can be found participating in a wide range of titles. Considering that LGTBQ+ individuals lack any legal protection in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex acts are illegal and punishable by death, it’s not surprising that the recent change in ownership at Evo has sparked significant controversy.
Just recently, the 2025 Esports World Cup concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. Unlike regular fighting game competitions, this event boasted staggering prize funds and extravagant production – which caught the attention of many spectators. Yet, the conversation on ‘sportswashing’ resurfaced once more.
(Note: Sportswashing refers to a country using sports events, often with high publicity and expensive production, to improve its international image.)
Despite facing severe criticism and boycotts from certain segments of the competitive fighting game community, the EWC continued unabated, drawing hundreds of top-tier players to participate in their various tournaments. The allure of the substantial prize money offered proved irresistible for numerous competitors, who found it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they couldn’t let slip away.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the PIF (Public Investment Fund) has already built a connection to fighting game enthusiasts via SNK, who are developing this year’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Notably, this Japanese company is entirely owned by Saudi Arabia, with influential figures promoting popular personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci as guest characters in the game.
The concern arises because Evo could eventually transform into a similar entity as EWC, serving primarily as a showcase for Saudi Arabia’s vast financial resources. This shift might ultimately distract from the country’s long-standing issues concerning human rights violations.
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2025-09-03 18:38