Powering the Future of Play: Riyadh Welcomes the Global Games Show

Global Games, Esports & Web3 Innovation in Riyadh 2026

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 Games AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show. Grab this unique opportunity to explore, learn, and connect.