When one examines the influence and impact of gaming in present-day society, it’s immediately apparent that this incredible industry is a true phenomenon of our time. Gaming has morphed into an unassailable socio-economic transformation catalyst – one that transcends cultures, communities, and geographic bounds.
Perhaps considered a bold statement by the casual reader or those unfamiliar with the gaming space, truly astounding numbers cast a glowing spotlight on this new reality.
There are currently 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and global video game revenues are set to increase from $184 billion in 2023 to $205.7 billion by 2026. From enjoying immersive experiences to playing with friends online, escaping everyday life to exploring fictional worlds; gaming is a unique and unrivaled source of entertainment – so much so that it has grown bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined.
However, its influence and impact extend way beyond the confines of entertainment alone. As technological advancements have unfolded at an unprecedented pace and demands for new games, consoles, and end-user capabilities have broken record levels continuously, such trends have paved the way for another modern-day phenomenon to emerge: esports.
One of the world’s fastest-growing industries, global esports market revenues are projected to reach $4.3 billion this year. Behind the esports evolution is incredible growth and development across the ecosystem – with previously unimaginable opportunities for gamers, spectators, publishers, businesses, and nations from every continent.
An obvious question arises with this in mind: How vibrant is the gaming and esports landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)? Upon reflection, an unequivocal conclusion arises: the influence and impact in this part of the world is remarkable.
A global gaming and esports epicenter
Home to over 68 million gamers in 2023 – a figure expected to reach 79.6 million by 2027 at a 3.7 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) – MENA is among the fastest-growing gaming and esports markets globally.
Inclusive and empowering, the region today stands proudly as a gaming and esports epicenter with vast opportunities for all to pursue dreams, harness talent, and realise potential. It’s true that the interactivity and community aspects of gaming have been embraced by avid gamers since the turn of the millennium. However, recent years have instigated previously unimaginable transformational change both socially and economically.
Online connectivity has fostered inclusive communities with accessibility not seen in traditional sports, enabling wide and diverse audiences to participate and spectate. In turn, the structure of esports has become highly professionalised with established athletes, clubs, leagues, and sponsorships alongside international competitions, substantial prize pools, and coverage broadcast live and streamed online globally.
This has resulted in transformative outcomes marveled at by the world. Esports has become legitimised and ingrained in regional mainstream culture, serving as an invaluable platform for social interaction and economic diversification with the local business, tourism, and hospitality sectors all benefitting from events staged within regional parameters.
Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most shining illustration of gaming and esports’ transformative credentials. Home to 85 percent of MENA game enthusiasts, the Kingdom has prioritised gaming and esports under its ambitious Vision 2030 framework – investing heavily in infrastructure and talent development while promoting career pathways and hosting international events.
At the behest of the Kingdom’s leadership, Saudi Arabia launched its aspirational National Gaming & Esports Strategy in 2022 – something destined to help realise the Saudi gaming sector’s full potential in due course.
With the sector expected to contribute +$13 billion to national gross domestic product (GDP) and create 39,000 jobs by 2030, this strategy will spearhead economic diversification and industry development efforts, simultaneously elevating the provision of world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike. But that’s not all.
The biggest moment in esports history
In the more immediate future, the eyes of the gaming and esports world are firmly fixed on Riyadh ahead of the inaugural Esports World Cup. For the first time ever, this highly anticipated event features a unique cross-game competition structure with 1,500 athletes from 425 international clubs competing in 22 tournaments across 21 world-renowned titles.
The stakes? A record-breaking $60 million prize pool and the right to be crowned Esports World Cup Club champions. Looking ahead to what promises to be a groundbreaking summer, there is no doubt that this global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom will elevate the industry’s influence and impact to even greater heights – regionally and internationally.
The Esports World Cup is sure to leave behind a lasting legacy, laying new foundations for further socio-economic transformation throughout MENA and beyond in the years ahead.
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