MENA Gaming Growth in 2025: Inclusion, Infrastructure, and Emerging Influence

In 2024, Asia & MENA collectively generated $86.6 billion from player spending on game software and services, representing 46.4% of global revenue across PC, mobile, and console platforms. While mature markets like China, Japan, and South Korea continue to dominate the region’s top-line figures, a notable shift is emerging: MENA Gaming Growth is accelerating, with MENA’s top three gaming markets—Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt—are expected to contribute 2.5% of regional revenue in 2025 and grow at a 6.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, driven by changing consumer behavior, infrastructure investment, and rising participation across new demographics.

37% of MENA-3 Gamers Are Women

Traditionally skewed toward male audiences, MENA-3 — Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt — has experienced a transformation in gamer composition. Female gamers now account for 37% of this market, upending long-held industry assumptions and opening new opportunities for inclusive content strategies. Combined with broader efforts to increase connectivity and engagement, this change points to a healthier, more diversified user base.

ARPU in UAE Set to Exceed $100 by 2029

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) across MENA is evolving in step with infrastructure and spending capacity. Notably, the UAE is projected to surpass $100 in ARPU by 2029, aligning with more mature markets and giving publishers strong incentive to localize premium offerings. This shift is fueled by government investment, industry momentum in esports, and cultural support for digital consumption.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Marks New Console Opportunity

Nintendo’s Switch 2 launched in June 2025, bringing expanded support to MENA and Southeast Asia. This strategic rollout aims to boost console adoption in regions historically dominated by mobile gaming. With rising interest in premium titles and AAA content, MENA Gaming Growth is clearly moving beyond casual play—creating space for deeper, cross-platform engagement and more immersive experiences.

Cross-Platform Play Becoming Essential

Globally, cross-platform play is now an expectation, not a novelty—and MENA is following suit. Players across mobile, PC, and console want seamless access to titles, particularly in emerging markets where hardware limitations make this flexibility crucial. In East Asia, dual-platform play is the norm, and regions like MENA and India are on the same path, motivated by aspirational gaming and improved access.

Previously Unmonetized Gamers Are Now Spending

The most structurally significant shift lies in monetization. Gamers in MENA who previously played without spending are entering the market as new payers. This is due to localized payment methods, rising income, and tailored pricing strategies. These new spenders add depth to existing revenue pools and expand market sustainability—making MENA Gaming Growth not just visible but viable long-term.

Strategy: Two-Pronged Regional Play

Publishers have an opportunity to balance growth across Asia & MENA by targeting high ARPU markets like China, Japan, and Korea while scaling in emerging economies. India, Southeast Asia, and MENA offer large gamer bases and evolving spend behavior, with each country’s trajectory shaped by culture, regulations, and digital access.