The video game market in the MENA-3 region, which includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, saw a total revenue of $1.92 billion in 2023, representing a 7.8% increase compared to the previous year. This figure is projected to reach $2.65 billion by 2027, indicating a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%.
All three countries in the region experienced growth in their gaming markets in 2023.
The total number of gamers in the MENA-3 region reached 68.4 million in 2023, marking a 2.9% year-over-year increase, and is expected to grow to 79.6 million by 2027 with a five-year CAGR of 3.7%.
These insights are derived from the third annual MENA-3 Games Market Report & Five-Year Forecast by Niko Partners. The report also revealed that 71.5% of gamers in the region engage in Esports activities, such as watching Esports content, playing Esports games, or participating in amateur or professional tournaments. The support of governments for Esports is a significant driver of growth in the area.
Saudi Arabia: Leading the Gaming Market
Saudi Arabia stands as the largest market for games revenue within the MENA-3 region and is considered the gaming hub of the area, contributing over half of the regional revenue in 2023.
Lisa Hanson, CEO and President of Niko Partners, emphasized the importance of paying attention to and participating in the games industry in MENA, considering that there are over 420 million Arabic speakers globally, making it the 5th most spoken language in the world.
The report also highlighted that smartphones remain the most popular gaming devices in the MENA-3 region, with 87.2% of gamers preferring handheld devices. Additionally, the average weekly gaming duration on smartphones was recorded at 8.7 hours. Niko’s research also identified the top three most played IPs in the MENA-3 region as PUBG, EA Sports FC, and Call of Duty, which are enjoyed by two-thirds of all gamers.
Hanson added, “It is crucial to recognize the growth in the MENA games markets, study the local players and ecosystems, and implement a localized strategy to take part in the growth that governments are planning for and supporting, particularly in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other GCC markets.”
You can access the full MENA-3 Games Market Report here.
