In a bold and unprecedented move, Saudi ArabiaThe Ministry of Education has officially approved the inclusion of video games, both competitive and educational, in school curricula at all levels of education. This landmark initiative aims to connect traditional education with 21st century digital skills, creativity and the rapidly growing gaming industry, reflecting the growing global recognition of video games as valuable tools for learning and future careers.
What’s happening: Combining gaming and education in Saudi Arabia School
The decision comes after the Ministry of Education, the National Education Development Institute and the Education Services Development Corporation signed three strategic memorandums of understanding with state-owned gaming company Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. The agreements formalize the inclusion of video games in the curriculum, the development of national gaming competitions and training pathways for local talent in the gaming industry.Al-Marsad newspaper reported that the partnership will include working with the National Curriculum Center to embed gaming-related skills and knowledge into school content, as well as taking steps to upskill educators, create educational games and support national innovation challenges related to the gaming industry.This is one of the most significant education policy shifts in the Middle East in recent years, not just because games are fun but also because they teach transferable and future-proof skills. According to international research and global education reviews, competitive video gaming and esports programs in schools can develop collaboration, strategic thinking, problem solving, communication and leadership, which are skills that employers increasingly value.For example, schools in Wales and the United States that have implemented esports suites and gaming programs have noted positive impacts on student engagement, teamwork and pathways into tech-related careers. Just as a structured arts or athletics program can support growth, game education, if designed properly, can be both academic and practical.
Saudi Arabia taps into global trend of classroom games
Saudi Arabia’s move is in line with global experiments around gaming as an educational tool. In Japan, some schools have incorporated video games into classroom learning to help students develop critical thinking and communication skills, with high participation rates among graduates and high college admission rates.
Students, upgrade! Saudi Arabia adds video games to school curriculum
Likewise, academic discussions, including research on game-based learning courses such as Quest To Learn in the US, highlight how games can enhance systems thinking and engagement, supporting traditional subjects such as maths, science and languages through interactive design and strategic challenges. Saudi officials position the gaming curriculum program as part of a drive to further digital transformation, innovation and job creation in future industries.The Kingdom’s gaming industry has already demonstrated strength, with millions of players and billions of dollars in annual revenue, demonstrating strong interest and economic potential. By formalizing gaming education, authorities aim to prepare students for careers across fields game Development, design, esports management, digital media, cybersecurity and related technology fields. These areas are expected to grow alongside Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals.
What will be covered in gaming courses in Saudi Arabia
While official details about the exact curriculum framework are still emerging, the memo outlines several key components:
- Use video games to integrate gaming concepts into formal curriculum to illustrate digital literacy, computer science fundamentals, teamwork, and creative expression.
- The national-level competition aims to develop talent and highlight student achievements in game design and esports performance.
- Professional pathways include training and qualification programs aligned with career pathways such as the Saudi Scholarship and the Khadem Al-Haramein Scholarship and Wa’ed, which support future game designers and developers.
The plan is also expected to include the establishment of gaming labs and innovation centers within technical and vocational institutions to provide practical experience and industry projects. Global education voices, including research platform contributors and world economic forumexplores how esports and gaming courses can teach teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, especially when embedded in supportive academic structures.These programs often serve a dual purpose: they increase student engagement (especially those learners who struggle with traditional teaching methods) and create career paths in technology, digital arts, programming, and business.
Next steps for Saudi Arabia’s gaming curriculum: implementation and expansion
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education is currently in the rollout phase, working with curriculum developers, industry partners and training institutions to finalize content, teacher preparation and infrastructure. Early focus is likely to be on pilot programmes, teacher upskilling and integration phases to ensure that the curriculum complements rather than replaces existing subject objectives.
Saudi Arabia rewrites school rules: Video games are now officially ‘educational’ as Saudi Arabia adapts to global trend
Over time, the success of this gaming integration may attract the attention of other countries in the region that are exploring innovative education models to respond to rapidly evolving labor markets and the rise of the global digital economy. With video games officially included in the Saudi school curriculum, the Kingdom is at the forefront of a global shift towards gaming as a tool for learning, creativity and preparation for future careers.While challenges remain, including ensuring balanced screen time and aligning gaming with core academic standards, the move signals a bold rethinking of how education evolves to reflect the digital aspirations of a new generation of learners.
