Saudi Video Game Character Licensing Deal: From Game to Consumer Products

A Saudi game studio created a "cultural hero" character that gained wide Gulf popularity (5 million players). Multiple parties approached to use the character: clothing, kids' toys, candy, TV episodes. The challenge: how to monetize without losing control or weakening the character.

Registering the character as a trademark in 7 classes (28 toys, 25 clothing, 30 candy, 41 entertainment, 9 software, 16 stationery, 21 cups). Industrial design registration on the 3D character shape. Documented copyright. Drafting 5 exclusive licensing contracts by class with strict quality standards.

First-year licensing revenue: SAR 4.2M. Five exclusive partners. Quarterly quality review ensuring the character is not distorted. Year-two expansion plan includes: TV episodes, films, a smartphone partnership. The studio is now an investment candidate from the Public Investment Fund.