Saudi Prince Tells Vision of Esports and Tokyo's Draw
―What is the purpose of your visit to Japan?
To meet with some of our partners. We are making sure that we are being good partners, we understand what they need, and everything is moving smoothly. Communication is key.
Our current conversations in Tokyo are also about the role of the Middle East. How can we work with our partners to start looking at (the Middle East) as an individual market? So many gaming companies look at us as EMEA―Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We deserve our own regional hub, our own localization, a Middle East office―not just an EMEA office. This is not something that happens overnight. The more conversations we have, the more we can help create our regional headquarters, put boots on the ground, and train local staff. So, much of what we are doing here is building collaboration that will bear fruit in the future.
―What is your vision for the development of esports in Saudi?
We are always saying our ambition in Saudi is to become a global hub for gaming and esports. Right now, Tokyo is a global hub together with Seoul, Los Angeles, Montreal, etc. When you think about esports, these cities come to the front of your mind. We are working together with our partners all over the world to make sure Saudi Arabia is also at the front of their mind. The only way you can do that is to learn, collaborate, and be humble. So, we look forward to doing more with Japan to help everyone get to the future that we all want and deserve.
―Tell us about the attractiveness of esports.
People have been playing games for hundreds of thousands of years. Gaming is a way to learn to communicate: to build a community. Electronic gaming is a new version of that. It is borderless. I will never forget my first year at the Saudi Esports Federation in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. They did esports. Everyone sitting there lived thousands of miles away from each other. They started talking to other players, and they heard each other's in-game names and then all these people knew each other. "You were on the server! You did that? Oh, you were playing with me?" Suddenly, everyone became friends. So, gaming is a language and an opportunity to bring people together.
―What is your vision for the future of esports?
The gaming and esports industry changes on a daily basis, not weekly or monthly. A new game comes up and an old game goes away but there is one thing that does not change: that's community. You should focus on people behind the gaming industry, people behind esports, people who are playing. The community is part of this. That's how you can stay ahead of the curve. That's how you can keep a finger on the pulse of what is happening. That's how you know you are at the forefront of the industry rather than being left behind. Community is the most important thing.
I expect future generations to build on everything we have done. Each generation does things a little bit better than the generation before. So that's what I expect of the next generation. And they are not only up for it but they are already doing it.
―Do you want Japan to continue leading the esports industry?
Absolutely. From an esports angle and a gaming angle, you cannot talk about the history of games without talking about Japan. It is an integral part and really the founding father of the gaming industry. There is so much room in this industry for everyone to be a leader, but the role that Tokyo has played cannot be understated. The world is a better place with Tokyo being part of this industry.
―Is there anything you want to do next in Japan?
I met Hideo Kojima* on my last visit. I'm a huge fan. I have played his games since I was young. I would love an opportunity to explore, not just with him but with other creators here, how we can collaborate to bring some of the Saudi stories to life through their creative minds. There are so many stories and so many things happening in Saudi Arabia. When you look at the past, we have a history of knights and battles similar to your own ancient history. If we were able to work with someone with the caliber of genius to bring together stories and help our community understand how they put them together, it would be a huge pleasure and honor for me. It has nothing to do with acquisition. That is pure collaboration. If this is possible, it would be amazing.
*Hideo Kojima: Game creator, known for his blockbuster titles such as the Metal Gear series and Death Stranding. He set up Kojima Productions in 2015.
―Tell us about your impressions of Tokyo.
If I am being completely honest, Tokyo is one of my favorite places. I come back here as often as I can. There are few places where I feel more comfortable: it is just one of those places where I can relax and enjoy myself.
I love walking around and taking trains with my (traffic IC) card. I choose not a restaurant but an area. I think, "Today I am going to go to this station," and I go to that station and then walk: there are always good restaurants in alleys or backstreets. When I pass by a place, I think: "That smells good. I want to try here" or "this place is good as there are a lot of people. I want to try it." That is one of the things I love to do here―just go and discover. There is always something new to find.
There is a shabu-shabu sukiyaki place just outside of Shinjuku-sanchome Station. It's one of my favorite places. Everything is do-it-yourself. It is an easy place. Yesterday, we had an amazing yakiniku dinner. I also love robatayaki.
―What is your most favorite place in Tokyo?
My first home is Saudi Arabia. This is my second home. I enjoy being here more than traveling to most other places. I feel freer in Tokyo than I do in most other places. I love walking around the gardens of the Imperial Palace especially when it starts to get dark. Obviously, as a gamer, Akihabara is a must-see. Shinjuku is always fun to watch people. There is no better place in the world to just sit down and watch people than Shinjuku. Ginza for me is much more relaxing. I like to stay in this area because of the ready access to train stations and the ease of walking.
I like to discover. So, I have not found my favorite place in Tokyo yet: I am going to keep looking. Visiting Tokyo once or twice a year is simply not often enough. There are so many things: walking around, seeing people, and meeting people and the friends I have made. I have so many stories here and so many memories. That's why this is my second home.
―What are Tokyo's strongest points?
For me, it is the history of its culture. There is something so unique about Tokyo and about the people here, the city and the culture, which you will not find anywhere else. In Ginza, for example, everything is organized and clean. It blows my mind. There are no cans on the street. You can't find things like that anywhere else. It is what draws people in and makes people want to come back. And people here are obviously welcoming, polite, and kind. When I go into places where they do not speak English, I have never been denied. No one has ever been rude. I think it is the culture and the people that make Tokyo such a great place; such a comfortable place.
HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al-Saud
Photos by Akiyoshi Yoko