Dipo Olowookere
The gaming industry in the Middle East is rapidly evolving, putting the region on track to become the gaming industry’s epicenter. According to recent developments, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries are revolutionizing gaming and related technologies faster and more uniquely than most established hotspots, including the United States and Western Europe.
Gaming has become a popular pastime, a social activity, and a source of technology to other e-commerce sectors as a result of the multifaceted revolution. At the current rate of change, the Middle East is poised to become a major player in the global gaming industry.
The Shifting Status of Gambling in the Middle East
In the traditionally religious and conservative Arab world, one of the most notable changes in recent years is the increasing acceptance of gaming. What was once considered a mere leisure pursuit has now become a socially embraced activity, driven in part by the rise of online gaming. Particularly among the younger generation, gaming has become an integral part of daily life, fueling the rapid growth and expansion of the industry in the MENA region.
The COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact on this change. In the face of social restrictions, curfews, and lockdowns, people sought hobbies and means to socialize. Gaming provided a nearly ideal balance of entertainment and socialization. Despite riding this worldwide wave, as the rest of the world reduced their video gaming activities in the aftermath of the epidemic, the Middle East increased their engagement.
Boosting Governmental Assistance
The Middle East’s relatively new gaming culture is built on the support of supportive governments. Administrative authorities in the Middle East are rising to the challenge of supporting the gaming industry through consistent policy shifts. Government assistance is critical to the growth of the gaming industry. Through various initiatives, most administrations in the region encourage and support participation and spectatorship.
The governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are particularly well-known for their accommodative policies, as they provide existing and aspiring players, gamers, and programmers with access to modern studios. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans in 2022 to produce more than 30 games domestically and create more than 39,000 eSports-related jobs.
Many governments in the Middle East have placed their bets on the gaming industry’s ability to spur economic growth and are working to expand it.
The Middle East is Changing into a Tech Incubator
Gaming technology has been altered throughout the Middle East, and more changes are on the way. The region quickly absorbs gaming technology and contributes to its widespread adoption through mass consumption. Residents in the region have easy access to games via the internet, which has boosted the number of people who play online on trusted sites such as Arabicbet.org. They also consume a significant amount of gaming content through various streaming platforms and social media.
The Middle East is also actively involved in the development and incorporation of new technologies into the gaming industry. Technologies and technological initiatives such as virtual reality and the metaverse are quickly gaining traction among the region’s large gaming population.
The region’s massive gaming demand is also attracting publishers and developers from all over the world. Gaming technology experts are relocating to fast-rising tech hubs like Dubai, and tech firms are establishing offices in the region to capitalize on its potential. With these trends, the Middle East is on track to attract a large number of talented professionals capable of developing better technologies and assisting in the creation and development of the gaming industry’s future.
The Investment Rush
The Middle East has proven a lucrative location for gaming investments. Unlike in other places, investors in this region show no signs of slowing down. For example, Abu Dhabi Gaming is working to attract game developers in order to create a self-sufficient gaming ecosystem in the region.
The situation is similar in other Middle Eastern countries. By 2022, gaming startups had raised more than $16 million through various deals, an increase from $15 million in 2021. Given the attractiveness of the Middle East’s gaming industry, investments are expected to grow further in 2023.
The gaming industry in the Middle East is thriving, as is the video game market in North Africa. Major corporations, including Tencent Games, are establishing operations in the region, and several other international investors are expected to follow suit in the near future. The Middle East’s gaming market is projected to be worth more than $5 billion by 2025.
Final Thoughts
From technology to consumption and investment, the Middle East’s gaming ecosystem is swiftly evolving toward greatness. This is due to a number of growth accelerators acting in the modern industry’s favor. If the growing trend continues, the region may even surpass the United States as the worldwide gaming leader by the end of the decade.
