Japan’s SBI Holdings and its entertainment arm SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS have signed a new deal with Saudi Arabia’s Hawk Group to work together on gaming, esports and content projects.
The primary objective of this partnership is to bring Japan’s creative talent and Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment industry closer. The companies plan to team up on game development, esports infrastructure and global content investments, with Tokyo and Riyadh set to become key hubs for future gaming innovation.
Read more: IOC and Saudi Arabia end cooperation on Olympic Esports Games
SBI Holdings, led by Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao, said in an official statement, “Working with Hawk Group aligns perfectly with SBI Group’s strategy to bridge Japan’s creative excellence with new global opportunities. Hawk’s deep network in the Middle East and proven expertise in the gaming and esports sectors make them an ideal partner as we expand our media and content investments internationally.”
SBI Holdings plans to use this partnership to expand its reach in the global entertainment space through SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS. The group is developing what it calls a “neo-media ecosystem,” connecting platforms, IPs, production, and tech.
SBI’s portfolio already includes studios like THE CORE, AREA35, and gumi, and it recently launched a ¥100 billion (approximately $651 million USD) content fund to invest in gaming and esports.
Hawk Group, founded in 2023, is based in Saudi Arabia and focuses on advanced entertainment tech, including AI tools for game development, training programs for talent, and infrastructure support. The company has already worked with Japanese names like ZETA DIVISION, Cygames, and GLOE, building strong ties with Japan’s gaming scene.
Earlier this year, GAKU also revealed plans for 2025 esports cultural bootcamps in both countries, giving young gamers and creators a chance to learn and train together. Moves like these signal just how fast the Japan–Saudi esports scene is evolving.
