Saudi Arabian game distributor Sandsoft declared closed its two studios in Barcelona and Riyadh. According to the information received, the two offices had approximately 65 employees (40 in Barcelona and 25 in Riyadh) and all members involved in the development of internal games were affected, but positions in the distribution sector were retained.
The company indicated that an attempt was being made to transfer the affected team members to the distribution sector, but it was not yet possible to determine how many suitable positions could be provided, or possibly not at all. With the closure of the two self-study studios, the issuer from the Saudi background had essentially completely withdrawn from the game development field and would focus in the future on the game distribution business.
“David Fernández, CEO of Sandsoft, says: “Sandsoft is fully engaged in the field of distribution, and we have demonstrated a strong growth momentum on the business block and have foreseen great potential for future success.”
The corporate spokesperson added: “This is by no means a matter of the quality of the studio or the ability of the talent. The essence of this is to focus resources on the most influential areas for sustainable growth. After looking at recent business performance, we recognize that it is the core competitiveness and future of the company that issues.”
Sandsoft opened a workshop in Riyadh in 2022, and in 2023 it was fast enough to carry out a new workshop in Barcelona under the leadership of Alexander Besenval, former director of Madbox, Social Point and Gameloft. Earlier that year, Fernández had revealed to the media his ambition to become a Middle East super issuer within five years.
“Our vision is to be a Middle East-based, radio-global leader of the mobile game industry, as in the case of the United States of America ‘ s mobile snowstorm, Take-Two, EA, or China ‘ s telecommunications and Internet access. “He said so.
Fernandes also clarified the company’s ownership structure: Sandsoft belonged to a Saudi family business network but had nothing to do with the Saudi Fund for Public Investment (PIF), which was the owner of the Scopely parent company, Savvy Gaming Group. Sandsoft is, however, involved in supporting Saudi national economic diversification strategies.
Saudi Arabia has an ambitious national plan for the game industry, and Fernandes emphasizes that we are part of it. It depends both on our own resources and on national support for Sandsoft Gomes.”
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been increasing its investment in the game and electric competition industries, and plans have been made to make it a global centre for games and electric competitions. It is worth mentioning that in 2024, United Sandsoft became the Stellar Gate Games studio in MENA (Middle East and North Africa region), focusing on the distribution and operation of games and the integration of electric competitions in the region, on behalf of which it will participate in the region ‘ s competitions after the announcement.
