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# DigiPen’s Raymond Yan says Saudi Arabia's gaming hub must be built by Saudis
- URL: https://www.bijetic.com/digipens-raymond-yan-says-saudi-arabias-gaming-hub-must-be-built-by-saudis/
- Published: 2026-11-04T14:55:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-04T14:55:38.000Z
- Author: Bijetic Staff

DigiPen senior executive Raymond Yan has warned that the biggest threat to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 gaming goals isn't funding, but an industry run by foreign talent.

Speaking to PocketGamer.biz, Yan was asked what the biggest stumbling block would have been if, five years from now, the Kingdom has missed its targets.

"If I had to guess at the risk, it wouldn't be funding, as Saudi has clearly shown it's willing to invest seriously. It would be if the ecosystem ends up mostly staffed and run by imported talent instead of Saudis themselves," he said.

**Building local skills**

Yan said a gaming hub "eventually must be built by and for the people of that country, not just hosted there."

He added that as foreign partners and experts arrive in the Kingdom, the focus must stay on passing their skills on to Saudis rather than replacing them in the long run.

DigiPen is currently [offering full scholarships](https://www.bijetic.com/digipen-launches-full-scholarship-for-saudi-game-development-students/) for up to 100 Saudis to complete game development degrees at its US campus.

"Real capability transfer takes more than short-term workshops or imported staff," Yan said.

Read the [full interview on PocketGamer.biz](https://www.pocketgamer.biz/digipen-institutes-raymond-yan-a-gaming-hub-must-be-built-by-and-for-the-people-of-that-country/?ref=bijetic.com).