SHIFT Partners with Teal Flamingo Studios to Boost Japan's Esports in the Middle East

In a significant collaboration aimed at expanding the reach of Japanese esports, SHIFT Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has entered into a strategic partnership with Teal Flamingo Studios (TFS) based in Bahrain. This partnership will see the establishment of SHIFT Arabia W.L.L. in December 2025, operating as part of the SHIFT group, and led by Managing Director and CEO Masashi Suzuki. The main objective of this collaboration is to support Japanese esports teams and related businesses in penetrating the Middle Eastern market, thereby driving global recognition and business expansion.

Background and Objectives of the Collaboration

In recent times, the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, has gained attention as a burgeoning hub for esports. Major international tournaments like the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup have garnered significant interest, leading to rapid growth in the esports market and presenting numerous business opportunities. TFS, based in Bahrain, specializes in organizing esports tournaments, live music events, and media production, showcasing a strong track record in the region. Their initiatives include hosting the Island Clash tournament in Bahrain, managing the Saudi Esports League in Saudi Arabia, and establishing the Zain Esports Lab in collaboration with a major telecommunications provider in Kuwait.

Since its inception, SHIFT has dedicated itself to enhancing software quality assurance and testing services, significantly benefiting the mobile and console gaming sector. This established expertise provides them with invaluable knowledge and industry insights, ensuring that many key players in the entertainment industry are part of the SHIFT team. SHIFT Arabia aims to leverage this accumulated knowledge to build a framework that enhances the competitive edge of Japanese professional esports teams and related companies within the Middle East market.

Specific Initiatives

Support for Japanese Pro Esports Teams in the Middle East

- Facilitate participation in major tournaments like the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup.
- Provide strategies for monetization and securing sponsorships.
- Offer marketing consulting services tailored for the esports sector.

Promotion Support for Japanese Esports-Related Companies

- Assist in brand establishment within key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
- Forge local partnerships to enhance business engagements.

Support for Local Event Management in Bahrain

- Collaborate on planning and managing esports events and conferences that strengthen local ties.
- Co-host pop-up and esports events at commercial facilities and fan engagement activities.

Future Prospects

SHIFT Arabia and TFS are dedicated to promoting esports matches between both organizations, fostering strong relationships that are expected to enhance the recognition of SHIFT’s esports initiatives and promote the development of key players in the field. Furthermore, beyond esports, both companies plan to collaborate on events focused on music, manga, anime, and concerts featuring Japanese artists.

By harnessing its expertise in IT and digital technologies, SHIFT continues to innovate and create new value within the entertainment sector. This partnership not only represents a merging of Japanese and Middle Eastern cultural and economic landscapes but also aims at fostering significant growth in the global market.

Company Overview

Teal Flamingo Studios W.L.L

- Location: Manama, Bahrain
- Business Focus: Media production, video broadcasting, esports, content creation, event management

SHIFT Arabia W.L.L.

- Location: Manama, Bahrain
- Managing Director/CEO: Masashi Suzuki
- Business Focus: Software testing services, content sales, and related operations