Source: Grand View Research

The rise of the MENA gaming industry

Source: Lucidity Insights

• Saudi Arabia. Under the government’s Vision 2030 initiative, significant funding is being channeled into gaming and esports. This includes support for game development, esports tournaments, and gaming infrastructure.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE). Boasts a high standard of living and a tech-savvy population, making it a hotspot for gaming innovations.
• Egypt. With a young population, Egypt serves as a critical entry point for developers targeting the broader MENA market.

Challenges and opportunities for game developers

• Localization is key. The MENA region values culturally relevant and language-specific content. Games that incorporate Arabic language options and themes that resonate with local cultures often have a greater chance of success. This extends beyond text translation to adapting storylines, characters, and visuals that align with regional values.
• Monetization and payments. The region relies heavily on alternative payment methods such as mobile wallets, prepaid vouchers, and cash-based systems. Be sure to integrate payment solutions that cater to these preferences. Xsolla Payments, for example, offers comprehensive payment coverage in the region, supporting popular options like STC Pay in Saudi Arabia, Fawry Cash and Vodafone Cash in Egypt, and Etisalat in the UAE.
• Navigating regulations. Each country in MENA has its own legal and compliance requirements. Understanding content restrictions and regulatory nuances is essential to avoid setbacks. Partnering with experts familiar with the region’s landscape can help developers ensure compliance and smooth market entry.

Strategies for success in MENA

• Prioritize localization. Understand MENA gamers’ preferences and craft experiences that resonate with their cultural, payment, and linguistic needs. Xsolla’s extensive payment coverage also ensures you can offer players region-specific options, simplifying transactions and enhancing the gaming experience.
• Focus on mobile gaming. Mobile gaming dominates the MENA region, so prioritize mobile-friendly designs and optimize for smartphones to capture more gamers.
• Engage with eSports and communities. The eSports scene in MENA is growing rapidly, creating opportunities to build brand awareness and gamer loyalty. Hosting tournaments, collaborating with local influencers, and creating strong in-game communities can significantly improve your traffic and engagement.
• Build strong partnerships. Partnering with regional distributors, payment providers, and local publishers is key to effectively navigating the MENA gaming market. With established relationships across the region, such as our collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, Xsolla brings valuable insights and expertise about the MENA region.