Arab News Japan

TOKYO / RIYADH: Japan’s SBI Holdings Inc. and its media and entertainment arm SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. have signed a strategic partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Hawk Group LLC to jointly develop and promote global entertainment ventures focused on gaming, eSports and content publishing.

The agreement, announced on Oct. 31, marks a new milestone in cross-border collaboration between Japan and Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding digital entertainment sectors.

The three companies will work together on projects that integrate game development, eSports infrastructure and global content investment, aiming to position Tokyo and Riyadh as dual hubs for the next wave of gaming innovation.

Founded in 2023, Hawk Group, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, provides advanced solutions in entertainment, including artificial intelligence applications for game development, talent training and infrastructure.

The company has already collaborated with prominent Japanese partners such as ZETA DIVISION, Cygames and GLOE, underscoring its commitment to connecting Japan’s creative ecosystem with global markets.

Hawk Group also plays an active role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and eSports Strategy (NGES), contributing to the Kingdom’s ambition to become “The Center of the Game.”

SBI Holdings, led by Chairman and President Yoshitaka Kitao, aims to leverage the partnership through SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS, its newly established entertainment subsidiary.

The company is building a “neo-media ecosystem” that integrates platforms, intellectual property, production and technology. The SBI Group’s portfolio includes world-class game and CG studios such as THE CORE, AREA35 and gumi, and a newly launched ¥100 billion content fund that will invest in eSports and gaming.

“Working with Hawk Group aligns perfectly with SBI Group’s strategy to bridge Japan’s creative excellence with new global opportunities,” said Kitao. “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.”

Turki Faisal, Executive Chairman and CEO of Hawk Group, said the partnership represents a significant step forward in linking the creative industries of Japan and Saudi Arabia.

“Our partnership with SBI Holdings and SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS signals a new era for global digital entertainment,” Faisal said. “By uniting Japan’s creative excellence with Saudi Arabia’s leadership in entertainment and technology, we’re creating an ecosystem where gaming, eSports, and content innovation drive the next wave of cultural and economic growth.”

The three companies said they plan to develop long-term projects that strengthen Japan–Saudi Arabia cooperation in the creative economy while promoting sustainable growth in the global gaming sector.