Qiddiya Sponsors Method’s ‘World’s First’ Run in WoW: The War Within

Method World's First for War Within sponsored by Qiddiya. Image credit: Method

Professional World of Warcraft guild Method has signed a partnership with Saudi Arabian government city project Qiddiya to sponsor its World’s First attempt in the new World of Warcraft expansion, The War Within. Method’s began its Race to World First for Nerub’ar Palace in the new expansion on Thursday.

The organization made formal announcements in August for other partners including Sweden-based gaming chair maker Arozzi, sugar-free drink brand HOLY, PC and gaming peripherals company SteelSeries, but did not promote its Qiddiya City partnership. Its other partners include RestedXP Guides and FATELESS.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. While specifics on the deal are unknown,  Qiddiya branding is appearing during broadcasts on Twitch and on Method’s social media channels.

Qiddiya has been prolific in its sponsorships and partnerships with gaming events, esports organizations,  game publishers and developers, and more. More details about just what Qiddiya is and how it is partnering with the esports and gaming industry, check out this TEA report.

Qiddiya City is a mega city project backed by the Saudi Arabian government as part of its plan to transform the country’s economy and slowly move away from generating revenue from oil. Qiddiya is a wholly owned project of the Saudi Arabian government’s  sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.

The Saudi Arabian government has been criticized for “sports washing,” or using sports and other forms of entertainment as a cover for its record on human rights, women’s rights, and military actions in Yemen, among other things. These criticisms have been highlighted by international watchdog groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.