How stc is Powering a New Era of Entertainment Gaming Gone Global The very qualities cherished by boxing fans across the world are now entering a new arena: digital combat sports. As the world becomes more connected, audiences are discovering fresh arenas to engage with their favorite pastimes – in the digital realm. In April, SNK Games, the developers behind cult- classic Fatal Fury, partnered with Ring Magazine in a world-first. Bridging the realms of the digital world and the boxing ring, fans of Fatal Fury were given exclusive presale access to the long-awaited match between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. The event symbolized more than just a promotional crossover—it marked a turning point in the convergence of traditional and virtual combat sports. While the competitive sports of gaming and boxing colliding at the iconic grudge match, all eyes are turning towards the growing world of virtual gaming and digital entertainment as it grows in prominence worldwide. The Fatal Fury event reflects more than just a cultural crossover between boxing and gaming fans – it signals the rising influence of digital entertainment on an international scale. And leading the change in this global transformation, is Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler – stc group. With 70% of the population under the age of 35, Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a future-focused society where technology and entertainment intersect. As part of its National Gaming and Esports Strategy, the Kingdom is investing heavily in the global gaming industry, including high-profile stakes in companies like SNK and Nintendo. The aim is to foster a thriving, locally anchored gaming culture that also drives global influence, and Saudi Arabia is already making its mark as a key player in shaping the global future of digital entertainment.
The iconic boxer, Muhammad Ali, once said, “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” Boxing is one of the world’s oldest sports, and yet, it has only increased in cultural prominence over the years. Innovative ways of reimagining the sport have ensured that audiences across time can continue to connect with the cut-throat and exhilarating world of boxing. Much like boxing, gaming is being reimagined to unprecedented levels and a new era is taking flight. In 2024, Saudi Arabia held the first-ever Esports World Cup, and stc group played a central role as its Elite and Founding Partners. From powering the event’s connectivity, to ensuring flawless live broadcast coverage through its advanced network infrastructure, stc enabled fans worldwide to experience the tournament in real time, no matter where you may be. The Esports World Cup was one of the most- watched events in the world – a milestone made possible by stc’s unmatched digital capabilities. Leveraging its extensive network, broadcast outlets, and digital connectivity capabilities, stc group ensured that fans around the world could witness the new era of digital entertainment with just the tap of a screen. It demonstrated that Esports, like boxing, can deliver high-intensity competition, crowd-pulling drama, and cultural impact on a global scale. The world is beginning to grasp a new meaning behind Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leader in global combat sports. With the reinvigoration of cult classic video games in tournaments and competitions in a world-first, stc group is bringing the future of entertainment to your screen. From the roar of fans in a packed stadium to the click of a controller, the pulse of modern sport is now beating through screens and stadiums alike. As the stages spotlighting Esports and boxing converge, one thing is clear: stc group isn’t just connecting audiences to the future of digital entertainment – it’s shaping it.
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