The expansion strengthens Artisan's ability to deliver new and exciting products for the global gaming community, working with the best talent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Artisan plans to staff over 200 developers in its new offices in Riyadh to develop the first AAA console titles in the GCC.
The studio aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to create high-value jobs and provide local talent with international gaming experience. The studio reflects the Saudi government's commitment to diversifying the economy by attracting companies that are leaders in their sector with exciting new investment opportunities.
The expansion grows Artisan's development capabilities and expands into publishing its titles. Artisan will use this new studio to grow its global footprint and become the first independent console game developer in the MENA region. Artisan wants to collaborate with local artists from across the region to create new IPs to export globally.
Artisan has a history of developing premium RPG games focusing on console platforms. The studio is known for producing "Super Neptunia RPG" in partnership with Idea Factory and Compile Heart and "Astria Ascending" in collaboration with Dear Villagers. Artisan currently has an unannounced RPG title in development for PC and Console platforms.
His Excellency Saleh Khabti, Deputy of Investment Transactions, Ministry of Investment said: “Saudi Arabia offers investors such as Artisan access to the fast-growing Saudi market, the largest in the region, providing an excellent platform to access regional growth opportunities across the Middle East. Our journey to USD 2.5 Bn gaming sector market size by 2030 is assisted by the IGNITE program to attract digital content companies and help grow local media and content creation sector for our young and tech savvy population.”
Mario Rizzo, Co-Founder and CEO of Artisan Studios, said: "Riyadh has one of the most dynamic and exciting independent game development communities. After spending the last two years exploring the region, we knew it would be the best place to build a new studio. The support we have received from the Ministry has been world-class, and they have made us feel welcome in the Kingdom. We are honoured to be the first developer invited to set up in Riyadh and look forward to building amazing new games together."
Artisan is also the first game developer accepted into Saudi Arabia’s Ignite program, an initiative launched last year to boost digital content and transform the Kingdom into a leading digital entertainment and media production hub.