Riyadh is set to welcome gamers, developers, and industry leaders from around the world as it hosts the Global Games Show (GGS) 2026 on 29–30 June 2026. The event positions the Middle East as a rising hub for gaming innovation, offering a dynamic platform dedicated to game technology, immersive experiences, and professional networking.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the Global Games Show will feature live demonstrations of next-generation games, interactive AR and VR experiences, and expert-led panels exploring the latest trends in game development, publishing, and esports. Attendees will gain early access to emerging technologies, innovative monetization models, and advanced player engagement strategies — part of a packed 2026 conference season that also includes the UK SEO Summit —
GGS places strong emphasis on collaboration and industry growth through dedicated networking lounges and matchmaking sessions that connect developers, publishers, investors, and content creators — as detailed in our Global Games Show Riyadh speaker reveal — Startups will have opportunities to showcase innovative gaming solutions, while established companies will present advancements in storytelling, graphics, and gameplay technology — building on the Global Games Show in Abu Dhabi —
Previous editions have featured influential leaders shaping the global gaming, esports, and Web3 ecosystems. Notable 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.; Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Holodeck Ventures; Ilman Shazhaev, Founder of Farcana; Klaus Kajetski, Founder and CEO of YaLLa Esports; Jonathan Bouzanquet, Founder of PLAYA3ULL Games; and Assad Dar, Co-Founder of Medieval Empires. Together, these industry pioneers have shared valuable perspectives on the convergence of gaming, blockchain, esports, and immersive digital economies.
The two-day event delivers an immersive journey into the future of gaming and interactive entertainment. Day One, themed The Next Frontier of Gaming Technology, highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in esports, innovations in game engines, and emerging fields such as AI-powered design and brain-computer interfaces. Day Two, focused on Gameconomics, explores the evolving business landscape of gaming, including crowdfunding models, mobile expansion, community-driven growth, and investor-developer collaboration.
Throughout the event, participants can expect visionary keynote sessions, engaging panel discussions, hands-on experiences, and high-value networking opportunities that foster creativity, knowledge sharing, and long-term partnerships.
The Riyadh edition of GGS 2026 represents a major step in positioning the city as a regional hub for digital entertainment and interactive technology. Adding further value, a single ticket grants access to related flagship events, including the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the future of technology and innovation.
With its unique blend of expertise, creativity, and opportunity, the Global Games Show 2026 promises to be a must-attend event for professionals shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
