Gaming has been experiencing epic changes during the latest years: not only have the games evolved through technological progress, but the way the users approach and consume the games is also different than a decade ago.
This situation appears drastically exemplary in the MENA region, where gamers look for social interaction in games rather than competing against an automated play system. That led to the rise and growth of specific gaming forums and live chat tools that allow gamers who might be culturally distant to share the same game and play tips.
As a consequence, free games expanded the number of gamers connected online. Also, streaming platforms open a new door to a new way to consume the gaming experience: gamers can not only play games but also watch them and interact with other online users commenting about the gamers.
The sociality developing in the gaming universe seems to be supported by technology enhancements such as virtual reality, metaverse, and artificial intelligence. Technological progress never stops running, and the gaming industry also follows the same trend.
Currently, the MENA region is one of the world's most attractive areas for the gaming industry. Plenty of new development studios have their roots in Middle Eastern countries, while the number of gamers is growing faster than in any other region. eSports are among the most played games. If we look at the market estimations, we would have to pick up jaws from the floor: the eSports segment is expected to reach $5 billion in revenue by 2025 in the MENA region alone, followed by the sports betting segment. Sports betting is another deeply rooted field in the Arab world. Arabwinners is, for example, one of the most reputed online platforms for all sports betting on events inside and outside the region.
The revenue projection of the eSports segment is well-promising, making it one of the most appealing pools for establishing a career. According to Newzoo, the eSports segment will account for 15% of the gaming sector by 2028. To put it in numbers, the MENA region has 377 million estimated players, second to Europe with 386 million players, and far ahead of the USA with 210 million players. Within the MENA region, the leading countries in the race for eSports are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. A partial explanation for the massive growth of the gaming industry in this area is that the local population is mostly youthful with a high-spending power and better access to growing technological infrastructures.
Players are not the only career to aspire to. There are also event organizers, planners, game managers, advertising professionals, sponsorship experts, social media promoters, casting and filming experts in several tech support fields, team coaches, players, and team organizers.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are working ahead of other countries to establish a new career palette. However, it seems there's much work left to do: the local population under 25 is scarcely educated in high technology, which is a limit to overcome as soon as possible. Governments in the MENA region are launching the opening of university eSports master courses to give youth a proper education and generate new talents to employ in the following years.
Another worrying aspect is the lack of regulatory frameworks. Each country member of the MENA region should coordinate their efforts and build an effective law structure to allow the eSports fields to flourish and bring new wealth to the region.
