RIYADH: Music lovers were treated to a stellar lineup of international and local artists to kick-start the second edition of Gamers8’s entertainment program at Riyadh Boulevard City’s Mohammed Abdu Arena this weekend.
The first night of multicultural concerts included Saudi DJ Vinylmode, who warmed up the crowd with house music, followed by renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, Saudi singer Rabeh Sager and then Norwegian music producer Alan Walker, who closed out the night.
“We sold out seven out of eight concerts last year, the only one we didn’t sell out was the first one. We came in this year with the first one already sold out, so I think the anticipation is there,” Omar Batterjee, director of corporate communications and public relations at the Saudi Esports Federation, told Arab News.
“We have a lot of interesting names we’ve aligned. We’ve announced the July lineup, and the August lineup is about to come out. (There are) a few ones that I think I’ll be attending for myself.”
Gamers8 is the world’s largest e-sports and gaming festival, and works to incorporate entertainment and music into its programming. While the lineup for the night is curated to fit many music tastes, most concert-goers were anticipating seeing Sager and Walker.
“I’m so excited to see Alan Walker and Rabeh Sager. It’s a combination you rarely see together at the same concert,” attendee Noura Abdullah told Arab News. She came with family members to enjoy the night and said she was excited to hear hits like “Mountaha El Reqa” by Sager and “Faded” by Walker.
Abdullah games as a hobby, usually with her family, and expressed excitement for the Gamers8 season to start.
She added: “Last year, it was huge and exciting how large the prizes and competitiveness were. This year I know they tripled the pool prize from $15 million to $45 million, which is record-breaking, so I can’t wait to see who wins it.”
Last year’s shows saw immense success and popularity, bringing in a total of 74,670 ticket holders. They showcased performances from 19 international artists, 10 Arab artists, and 17 local Saudi artists
“It’s about time (we had concerts like these). People were anticipating it since all these changes started and people are taking it mostly in a positive way,” Abdullah said.
Gamers8 aims to be a place that combines immersive gaming and e-sports festivities with music. “They go hand in hand,” Yazeed Alotaibi told Arab News during the concert. “When you start a game, you have to have music to truly enjoy it.”
Alotaibi, who attended many concerts last year, said these festivities are a great way to spend the weekend, whether attending alone or with friends or family.
Concert attendee Lama Mohammed told Arab News: “I’m here honestly for Rabeh Sager, but I’m seeing amazing efforts in e-sports. It’s such a great thing that they’re giving gamers the space and opportunities to win awards and celebrate. Gaming is not a simple talent — I personally can’t play at all so I appreciate that. It’s a talent, but fun at the same time.”
Rahaf Mohammed said she “loved the festival,” adding that the “vibes are great and everyone’s enjoying themselves.”
The “Gamers8: The Land of Heroes” season will feature electrifying global concert lineups every Friday alongside various entertainment zones.
The festival unveiled the season’s official music anthem “GG Geena” in partnership with Spotify during the opening ceremony. The track features Saudi Arabian singer, songwriter, and gaming enthusiast Mishaal Tamer and Palestinian-Jordanian artist Lluner.
An exclusive live performance of the track is to be scheduled during the festival, but the date has yet to be announced.
