SHOTBALL: Saudi Youth’s Game Captures the Nation’s Ambition in Esports

At the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, amid an atmosphere full of creativity and interactive experiences, Saudi youth Faisal Alhashem stood out as the developer of the game “SHOTBALL.” The game’s screens were showcased to audiences in the tournament’s accompanying gaming areas. Alhashem highlighted that the Kingdom has become a destination for creativity and a home to talents who amaze the world with their innovative contributions.

 In remarks to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Alhashem said that developing the game took nearly two-and-a-half years, starting in October 2022. SHOTBALL is still in early form and does not yet have an official release date, he noted, explaining that its development undergoes continuous testing to refine the idea and deliver the best possible outcome.

 The game was developed by Alhashem’s company, Holodot, which specializes in electronic game development, he said. The project received support in publishing and promotion via social media platforms, along with financial backing that helped it reach an advanced stage, making it one of the most prominent creative projects.

 Regarding the idea’s origin, Alhashem revealed it started from a business incubator program. “It started as a joke among us that the best game for Saudi players would be a mix between the famous football game FIFA and shooting games like Call of Duty,” he said. “When we tried combining the two ideas, we discovered a fun and unique experience.”

 The concept of SHOTBALL is based on a ball controlled using weapons within a competitive and exciting game environment, Alhashem said. He pointed out that its elements were designed in Arabic to connect with the local player’s identity and reflect the growing Saudi innovation spirit in gaming.

 The new version of the game will be available for public trial from today until Saturday, as part of the tournament’s activities, allowing players to experience and interact directly with its details, Alhashem said.

 He emphasized that his dream is to produce the first purely Saudi esports game, made by local hands, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of a completely new global industry. “What we are offering today is not just a game but the beginning of a journey toward a global industry with the mark of Saudi youth,” he said.

 Alhashem is among dozens of creators embraced by Saudi Arabia across various creative sectors, as part of a comprehensive renaissance that has made Saudi Arabia a global center for innovation and future-making. His participation in the Esports World Cup confirms that Saudi minds are no longer on the sidelines of this industry but are actively shaping its path and redrawing its map in a way that matches the nation’s status and ambitions.