The global gaming market is hotter than ever, reaching nearly every country from the Middle East to Southeast Asia and throughout the heart of Europe. Each country has unique needs and preferences related to infrastructure, laws, regulations, and payment methods. Developers have an unbridled opportunity to grow their games in blossoming regions by taking advantage of local payment options that help them reach new audiences and multiply revenue. In 2024, the Middle East and Africa accounted for 4% of global video game revenue; however, the region is growing faster than any other, with an 8.9% year-over-year increase. Despite a population of over 500 million, MENA has traditionally been underserved in gaming. Today, with around 65% of its population—roughly 380 million people—playing games, that is changing rapidly.

Payments tailored to MENA gamers

To address MENA’s growing demand for better gaming experiences, Xsolla introduced trusted and widely used payment solutions curated to the needs of MENA gamers:

• Broad payment access: Xsolla added 11 localized payment methods in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, and Jordan to Pay Station, ensuring secure and seamless transactions across MENA.
• Trusted regional solutions: Integrating popular services like Fawry Cash, which dominates 55% of the cash-payment market in Egypt, and Sadad, a leading payment system in Saudi Arabia, enhances credibility and adoption.
• Mobile-first approach: In 2024, mobile games accounted for 52.1% of gaming revenue. Xsolla’s support for mobile wallets and carrier billing ensures accessibility for MENA’s mobile-dominant gaming audience.
• Revenue growth for developers: Expanding local payment options—such as STC in Bahrain and eFAWATEERcom in Jordan—allows developers and publishers to tap into a fast-growing player base and drive increased transactions.

Why game developers should pay attention to MENA

The Middle East and North Africa is the fastest-growing gaming market in the world, with an 8.9% year-over-year revenue increase in 2024. Despite accounting for 4% of global gaming revenue, the region's potential is massive. MENA’s top-3 gaming audience is expected to grow from 70.6 million in 2024 to 83.7 million by 2028, driven by a young, tech-savvy population where 65% of all countries of the region's 500+ million residents play games. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt lead the region’s gaming industry, with Saudi Arabia alone generating 40% of MENA’s gaming revenue. Mobile gaming dominates, making up 52.1% of total revenue in 2024, and is projected to rise to 54% by 2028 as smartphone access and mobile networks continue to improve. Government-backed initiatives, particularly in Saudi Arabia, are fueling growth. The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and major telecom companies like STC, Zain, and Mobily are investing in gaming infrastructure, positioning the country as a global industry hub. Esports and game streaming are also expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities for engagement and monetization.
MENA remains an underserved market with a high demand for localized content. Developers who invest early can establish a foothold in one of gaming’s most promising frontiers.

The rise of digital payments in MENA

The MENA region's digital payments ecosystem is expanding rapidly. The market was estimated at $201.72 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a 10% CAGR through 2029. This growth is fueled by increasing smartphone adoption, a booming e-commerce sector, and government initiatives promoting financial inclusion. Fintech startups are leading the transformation, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Local companies have gained traction by offering frictionless digital payments, catering to a young, mobile-first audience: mobile wallets such as STC Pay (Saudi Arabia) and Fawry (Egypt) are seeing widespread adoption, making seamless transactions more accessible than ever. Government-backed initiatives are reinforcing this shift. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to push non-cash transactions to 70% by 2030, while Egypt’s central bank is actively driving digital financial services. These policies not only build trust in digital payments but also create a fertile ground for fintech-driven innovation. These trends signal a clear opportunity for game developers. Digital wallets are expected to become the dominant payment method in the next five years, making localized payment options essential for monetization. Studios targeting MENA should prioritize integrating popular regional payment solutions to maximize in-game purchases and subscription revenue. One of the key values of Xsolla Payments solution is our global reach, with 1000+ payment methods—more than any other game solutions company. Thus, it is important for us to keep you up-to-date on new payment methods in our portfolio. Here is a breakdown of the 11 payment methods Xsolla introduced to 5 key MENA countries and the value behind each: Egypt:

• Al Ahly Momken provides digital payment services to over 5 million customers.
• Mobile and banking wallets: Introducing the most popular mobile and bank wallets in the region.
• Vodafone Wallet boasts the largest customer base (65%) of all telecom-backed mobile wallets.
• Orange Cash is on the rise, claiming 20% of the telecom-backed mobile wallet market.
• Fawry Cash is a leader within Egypt’s cash-based market options, claiming 55% of the market.
• In 2023, Aman Holding's customer base grew 35% year over year, and 40 new branches were added.
• Masary is now one of Egypt's top payment providers, handling 30% of all cash-based transactions.

Saudi Arabia

• Sadad: is a centralized payment system established by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) to improve digital bill payments in Saudi Arabia. It enables fast and secure transactions through all Saudi Banks' channels), including local banks, and digital wallets.

Iraq

• Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) is the leading mobile payment method for digital services in Iraq, accounting for 34% of all customers. It surpasses mobile wallets and bank cards, making it the most widely used payment channel in the country.

Bahrain

• STC is the leading operator in the mobile and wholesale markets, with a 41% market share, serving more than 2.5 million mobile subscribers

Jordan

• eFAWATEERcom is a simple, and easy-to-use electronic service, connected to all banks in Jordan, mobile wallets, post offices, and payment service providers. According to Forbes Middle East, today it has more than four million active users.

Why MENA payment trends matter for game developers

Adapting to MENA’s evolving payment landscape is crucial for game developers looking to expand their reach and improve revenue. By integrating the region’s most popular payment methods, studios can enhance the player experience while addressing key business challenges:

• Expanding market access – Supporting preferred local payment options allows developers to tap into MENA’s growing base of paying users.
• Overcoming conversion barriers – Support for local currencies (SAR, BHD, JOD, EGP, and IQD) increase the overall transaction success rate.
• Improving customer experience – A seamless and localized payment process reduces friction, making it easier for players to complete purchases.
• Driving player retention – Providing convenient payment options enhances customer satisfaction, fostering long-term engagement and loyalty.

Game businesses that align with these trends can unlock MENA’s rapidly expanding digital economy and maximize their monetization potential.

Ready to raise your revenue in MENA?

The gaming industry has been steadily expanding its global reach for years. Today, players hail from every corner of the planet. In this article, we’ve shown there is an accelerated interest in gaming throughout the Middle East and North African region. For game developers and publishers, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this growth to reach new audiences and increase revenue in MENA. As a global entity, Xsolla has the resources and partnerships needed for game developers to deftly branch into the MENA region. In addition to the worldwide payment methods currently accepted in MENA—including bank cards, digital wallets, prepaid cards, and DCB/PSMS—Xsolla covers more local payment options specific to each country's current digital economy. Accepting these payment methods will help boost your audience reach and overall game revenue. If you’re ready to add new payment methods for your Middle East and North African player community, schedule a time with one of our experts. To take advantage of Xsolla Payments right away, set up a Publisher Account.