Middle East Gaming Market

The Middle East gaming market, valued at USD 17 billion, is growing due to high internet penetration, mobile gaming trends, and a young population engaged in eSports and VR.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAA0007

Pages:83

Published On:July 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Middle East Gaming Market Overview

  • The Middle East Gaming Market is valued at USD 17 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, the rise of internet connectivity, and a growing youth demographic that is highly engaged in gaming. The market has seen a surge in both mobile and console gaming, with a notable increase in eSports participation, local game development, and the adoption of new technologies such as cloud gaming and VR peripherals. The region’s youth population, with a considerable proportion under 30, is a significant driver of demand for digital entertainment and competitive gaming experiences .
  • Key players in this market include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. These countries dominate due to substantial investments in technology and infrastructure, a young and tech-savvy population, and government initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant gaming ecosystem. The UAE, in particular, has become a hub for gaming events and conferences, attracting international developers and gamers. Saudi Arabia leads regional market share, supported by large-scale sovereign funding and record esports prize pools .
  • In 2023, the Saudi Arabian government implemented a new regulation aimed at promoting local game development. This initiative includes a funding program of USD 200 million to support startups and independent developers, encouraging innovation and the creation of culturally relevant content. The regulation aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading player in the global gaming industry .
Middle East Gaming Market Size

Middle East Gaming Market Segmentation

By Platform:The gaming market in the Middle East is significantly influenced by various platforms, with mobile games leading the charge. The increasing accessibility of smartphones and mobile internet has made gaming more convenient for users, particularly among younger demographics. Mobile games are favored for their ease of use and the ability to play on-the-go. PC and console games also hold substantial market shares, driven by dedicated gaming communities and the popularity of high-performance gaming setups. Cloud gaming is emerging as a new trend, offering gamers the ability to play high-quality games without the need for expensive hardware. The adoption of VR peripherals and the integration of gaming with smart devices are also contributing to market diversification .

Middle East Gaming Market segmentation by Platform.

By Revenue Model:The revenue model segmentation reveals that Free-to-Play (F2P) games dominate the market, appealing to a broad audience by allowing users to access games without upfront costs. This model is particularly effective in the mobile gaming sector, where in-app purchases drive significant revenue. Subscription-based models are gaining traction, especially among PC and console gamers who seek premium content and experiences. Pay-to-Play games continue to attract dedicated gamers willing to invest in high-quality titles, while microtransactions and in-app purchases are increasingly common across all platforms. The integration of carrier billing by telecom operators and the localization of content for regional audiences further enhance monetization .

Middle East Gaming Market segmentation by Revenue Model.

Middle East Gaming Market Competitive Landscape

The Middle East Gaming Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Savvy Games Group (Saudi Arabia), Sandsoft Games (Saudi Arabia), Tamatem Games (Jordan), Babil Games (UAE), Falafel Games (Lebanon), Ubisoft, Tencent, Riot Games, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Valve Corporation, NetEase, Stillfront Group (MENA Studios), Zynga, and King Digital Entertainment contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Regional Presence (Number of Middle East countries served)

Revenue Growth Rate (Middle East segment)

Monthly Active Users (MAU)

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)

User Retention Rate (30-day)

Market Penetration Rate (by platform/genre)

Savvy Games Group

2021

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sandsoft Games

2020

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Tamatem Games

2013

Amman, Jordan

Babil Games

2012

Dubai, UAE

Falafel Games

2010

Beirut, Lebanon

Middle East Gaming Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Internet Penetration:The Middle East has seen a significant rise in internet penetration, reaching approximately78%in future, according to the International Telecommunication Union. This increase has facilitated access to online gaming platforms, enabling a broader audience to engage with digital content. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia lead with over99%and98%internet penetration, respectively, fostering a conducive environment for gaming growth. Enhanced connectivity is crucial for the gaming sector, as it allows for seamless online interactions and multiplayer experiences.
  • Rise of Mobile Gaming:Mobile gaming is rapidly becoming the dominant segment in the Middle East, with over60%of gamers preferring mobile devices for their gaming experiences. The region's mobile gaming revenue is projected to exceed$1.5 billionin future, driven by the proliferation of affordable smartphones and mobile data plans. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who favor the convenience and accessibility of mobile platforms, thus expanding the gaming market's reach and engagement levels significantly.
  • Youth Demographics and Gaming Culture:The Middle East boasts a youthful population, with over50%under the age of 30, according to World Bank data. This demographic is increasingly embracing gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment, contributing to a vibrant gaming culture. In future, the number of active gamers in the region is expected to surpass100 million, reflecting a growing acceptance of gaming as a social and competitive activity. This cultural shift is vital for the sustained growth of the gaming industry.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Restrictions:The gaming industry in the Middle East faces significant regulatory challenges, with varying laws across countries. For instance, Saudi Arabia has stringent regulations that limit certain types of games, impacting market entry for international developers. In future, it is estimated that compliance costs for gaming companies could reach$200 million, hindering innovation and market expansion. These restrictions can stifle growth and deter foreign investment in the region's gaming sector.
  • Cultural Sensitivities:Cultural sensitivities pose a considerable challenge for game developers in the Middle East. Many games face scrutiny regarding content that may conflict with local values, leading to censorship or bans. In future, it is projected that around30%of game titles submitted for approval will be rejected due to cultural concerns. This not only limits the variety of available games but also affects the revenue potential for developers aiming to enter the market.

Middle East Gaming Market Future Outlook

The future of the Middle East gaming market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and a growing acceptance of gaming as a legitimate form of entertainment. As internet infrastructure continues to improve, and mobile gaming becomes more prevalent, the region is likely to see an influx of innovative gaming experiences. Additionally, the rise of e-sports and local game development initiatives will further enhance market dynamics, creating a vibrant ecosystem that attracts both local and international players in the gaming industry.

Market Opportunities

  • E-sports Growth:The e-sports sector in the Middle East is projected to grow significantly, with revenues expected to reach$300 millionin future. This growth is fueled by increasing viewership and participation in competitive gaming events, creating opportunities for sponsorships and advertising. The rise of local tournaments and leagues will further engage audiences, establishing a robust e-sports culture in the region.
  • Local Game Development:There is a burgeoning opportunity for local game development in the Middle East, with government initiatives supporting startups. In future, funding for local gaming studios is anticipated to exceed$100 million, encouraging innovation and culturally relevant content creation. This focus on local development can enhance the gaming landscape, providing unique narratives and experiences that resonate with regional audiences.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Platform

Mobile Games

PC Games

Console Games

Cloud Gaming

Smart TV & Set-Top Box Games

Others

By Revenue Model

Free-to-Play (F2P)

Subscription-Based

Pay-to-Play (Premium)

Microtransactions/In-App Purchases

Others

By Genre

Action

Adventure

Strategy

Sports

Simulation

Casual

Others

By Distribution Channel

Online Platforms

Mobile App Stores

Retail Stores

Subscription Services

Telecom Bundles

Others

By Payment Method

Credit/Debit Cards

E-Wallets

Carrier Billing

Prepaid Cards

Bank Transfers

Others

By Age Group

Children (Under 12)

Teenagers (13-19)

Young Adults (20-35)

Adults (36+)

Others

By Country/Region

Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates

Egypt

Turkey

Rest of GCC

Levant Region

North Africa

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., UAE National Media Council, Saudi Arabian General Commission for Audiovisual Media)

Game Developers and Publishers

Mobile Network Operators

Advertising Agencies

Event Organizers and Esports Tournament Hosts

Content Creators and Influencers

Payment Solution Providers

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Savvy Games Group (Saudi Arabia)

Sandsoft Games (Saudi Arabia)

Tamatem Games (Jordan)

Babil Games (UAE)

Falafel Games (Lebanon)

Ubisoft

Tencent

Riot Games

Electronic Arts

Epic Games

Valve Corporation

NetEase

Stillfront Group (MENA Studios)

Zynga

King Digital Entertainment

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Middle East Gaming Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Middle East Gaming Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Middle East Gaming Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Internet Penetration
3.1.2 Rise of Mobile Gaming
3.1.3 Government Support for Digital Economy
3.1.4 Youth Demographics and Gaming Culture

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Regulatory Restrictions
3.2.2 Cultural Sensitivities
3.2.3 Competition from Global Markets
3.2.4 Payment Processing Issues

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 E-sports Growth
3.3.2 Virtual Reality Gaming
3.3.3 Local Game Development
3.3.4 Partnerships with Telecom Providers

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Increased Investment in Gaming Startups
3.4.2 Rise of Streaming Platforms
3.4.3 Gamification in Non-Gaming Sectors
3.4.4 Cross-Platform Gaming

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Licensing Requirements
3.5.2 Age Restrictions
3.5.3 Content Regulation
3.5.4 Taxation Policies

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Middle East Gaming Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Middle East Gaming Market Segmentation

8.1 By Platform

8.1.1 Mobile Games
8.1.2 PC Games
8.1.3 Console Games
8.1.4 Cloud Gaming
8.1.5 Smart TV & Set-Top Box Games
8.1.6 Others

8.2 By Revenue Model

8.2.1 Free-to-Play (F2P)
8.2.2 Subscription-Based
8.2.3 Pay-to-Play (Premium)
8.2.4 Microtransactions/In-App Purchases
8.2.5 Others

8.3 By Genre

8.3.1 Action
8.3.2 Adventure
8.3.3 Strategy
8.3.4 Sports
8.3.5 Simulation
8.3.6 Casual
8.3.7 Others

8.4 By Distribution Channel

8.4.1 Online Platforms
8.4.2 Mobile App Stores
8.4.3 Retail Stores
8.4.4 Subscription Services
8.4.5 Telecom Bundles
8.4.6 Others

8.5 By Payment Method

8.5.1 Credit/Debit Cards
8.5.2 E-Wallets
8.5.3 Carrier Billing
8.5.4 Prepaid Cards
8.5.5 Bank Transfers
8.5.6 Others

8.6 By Age Group

8.6.1 Children (Under 12)
8.6.2 Teenagers (13-19)
8.6.3 Young Adults (20-35)
8.6.4 Adults (36+)
8.6.5 Others

8.7 By Country/Region

8.7.1 Saudi Arabia
8.7.2 United Arab Emirates
8.7.3 Egypt
8.7.4 Turkey
8.7.5 Rest of GCC
8.7.6 Levant Region
8.7.7 North Africa
8.7.8 Others

9. Middle East Gaming Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Regional Presence (Number of Middle East countries served)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate (Middle East segment)
9.2.4 Monthly Active Users (MAU)
9.2.5 Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)
9.2.6 User Retention Rate (30-day)
9.2.7 Market Penetration Rate (by platform/genre)
9.2.8 Esports Engagement (tournaments hosted/participation)
9.2.9 Localization Investment (Arabic content, regional partnerships)
9.2.10 Customer Satisfaction Score (NPS or equivalent)
9.2.11 Return on Investment (ROI)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Savvy Games Group (Saudi Arabia)
9.5.2 Sandsoft Games (Saudi Arabia)
9.5.3 Tamatem Games (Jordan)
9.5.4 Babil Games (UAE)
9.5.5 Falafel Games (Lebanon)
9.5.6 Ubisoft
9.5.7 Tencent
9.5.8 Riot Games
9.5.9 Electronic Arts
9.5.10 Epic Games
9.5.11 Valve Corporation
9.5.12 NetEase
9.5.13 Stillfront Group (MENA Studios)
9.5.14 Zynga
9.5.15 King Digital Entertainment

10. Middle East Gaming Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Culture
10.1.2 Ministry of Youth
10.1.3 Ministry of Education
10.1.4 Ministry of Communications

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Gaming Infrastructure
10.2.2 Sponsorship of E-sports Events
10.2.3 Development of Gaming Hubs
10.2.4 Partnerships with Tech Companies

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Individual Gamers
10.3.2 Gaming Cafes
10.3.3 Educational Institutions
10.3.4 Corporates

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Gaming Trends
10.4.2 Accessibility of Gaming Platforms
10.4.3 Affordability of Gaming Products
10.4.4 Cultural Acceptance of Gaming

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Evaluation of Gaming Investments
10.5.2 Expansion into New Genres
10.5.3 User Engagement Metrics
10.5.4 Long-term Sustainability Plans

11. Middle East Gaming Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Development


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Options

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Market Entry


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of market reports from regional gaming associations and industry publications
  • Review of demographic and economic data from government statistical agencies
  • Examination of online gaming trends through social media analytics and gaming forums

Primary Research

  • Interviews with game developers and publishers operating in the Middle East
  • Surveys targeting gamers to understand preferences and spending habits
  • Focus groups with industry experts and influencers to gauge market sentiment

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings with multiple data sources, including sales data and user engagement metrics
  • Triangulation of insights from primary interviews with secondary research findings
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews to ensure data reliability

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total addressable market (TAM) based on regional gaming revenue reports
  • Segmentation of the market by gaming type (mobile, console, PC) and user demographics
  • Incorporation of growth rates from emerging gaming trends and technologies

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of revenue data from leading gaming companies operating in the region
  • Estimation of average revenue per user (ARPU) across different gaming platforms
  • Volume estimates based on user acquisition and retention metrics

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating factors such as internet penetration and smartphone adoption
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and market disruptions
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Mobile Gaming Users120Casual Gamers, Mobile Game Developers
Console Gaming Enthusiasts80Console Gamers, Retail Managers
PC Gaming Community60PC Gamers, eSports Organizers
Game Development Insights50Game Designers, Marketing Executives
Industry Experts and Analysts40Market Analysts, Gaming Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Middle East Gaming Market?

The Middle East Gaming Market is valued at approximately USD 17 billion, driven by smartphone penetration, internet connectivity, and a youthful demographic engaged in gaming. This growth reflects a significant increase in both mobile and console gaming, alongside rising eSports participation.

Which countries are leading in the Middle East Gaming Market?

How is mobile gaming impacting the Middle East Gaming Market?

What are the main revenue models in the Middle East Gaming Market?

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