Saudi women launch GCON, creating the kingdom’s first female-only gaming convention

In early 2012, three college juniors—Felwa, Tasnim, and Najla—at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh were frustrated that women were barred from the annual Gamers’ Day convention, the largest gaming event in Saudi Arabia. After six months of planning, they decided to launch the first-ever gamers’ convention for women in the kingdom, despite having no data on female gamers in the region and facing uncertain turnout.

When the hall filled with nearly 3,000 women of diverse ages, the event proved a success. Over the following years, GCON expanded under leader Ghada Al‑Moqbel, hosting regular skill‑development workshops, collaborating with male‑focused events such as Gamers’ Day, and supporting women’s aspirations in esports, game localization, and voice acting, even as the broader Saudi gaming market grew toward a projected $821 million by 2021.

GCON grew to draw nearly 3,000 women, spawning workshops, collaborations with male‑focused events, and a path for Saudi women into esports and game industry jobs.

Social norms and gender segregation limited women’s access to public gaming spaces and events.

There was a lack of data and visibility for female gamers in Saudi Arabia, making their interests invisible to industry stakeholders.

The founders saw gaming as a rare outlet for self‑expression and skill development under restrictive entertainment laws.

Creating inclusive spaces that address unmet needs can build resilient communities and drive industry change, even when social norms restrict participation.

After handing GCON over to Ghada Al‑Moqbel in 2018, the organization continued to host annual conventions and workshops, opened dialogues for mixed‑gender gaming events, and helped women pursue careers in game localization, voice acting, and esports. Although COVID‑19 disrupted plans for 2020, GCON remains active, reflecting a lasting shift toward greater female participation in Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming industry.