Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market Outlook, 2029

The Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market is segmented into By Type (Action or Adventure, Casino, Sports and Role Playing, Strategy and Brain), By Platform (iOS, Android), By Age group (Below 24 Years, 24-44 Years and Above 44 Years) and By Monetization Type (In-app Purchases, Paid Apps and Advertising).

The Middle East and Africa mobile gaming market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 7 Billion by 2029 due to smartphone adoption fuels market growth.

Mobile Gaming Market Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) mobile gaming market represents a dynamic and rapidly growing sector within the global gaming industry, fueled by a combination of technological advancements, expanding smartphone penetration, and a youthful population with a growing appetite for digital entertainment. As mobile technology continues to advance with the proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity and increasingly powerful mobile devices, the MEA region has emerged as a lucrative market for mobile gaming developers and publishers. With a diverse population spanning multiple countries and cultures, the MEA region presents a rich tapestry of gaming preferences, from casual puzzle games to immersive multiplayer experiences. The MEA region's lively social gaming culture, where gamers frequently participate in multiplayer contests, discuss their gaming experiences on social networking platforms, and create online gaming groups, contributes to the popularity of mobile gaming in the area. Furthermore, the demand for mobile gaming content is fueled by the region's young demographic profile, which is defined by a sizable number of tech-savvy millennials and Generation Z consumers. These digital natives increasingly use smartphones and tablets as their primary gaming devices. For developers prepared to customize their products to the distinct tastes and cultural quirks of the area, the MEA mobile gaming industry has enormous development potential despite obstacles like localization requirements and regulatory complexity. As mobile gaming continues to gain momentum across the MEA region, fueled by factors such as improving infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, and the proliferation of affordable smartphones, the market is poised for continued expansion and innovation in the years to come. According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Mobile Gaming Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa mobile gaming market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 10 Billion by 2029. One of the main factors driving the demand for mobile gaming in the MEA area is the growing adoption rate of smartphones. More people have access to a variety of mobile gaming experiences as they become more widely available to those who can buy smartphones. The increasing prevalence of smartphones among many socio-economic groups is driving the expansion of the mobile gaming industry. The MEA region has a significant proportion of young people, including a large population of millennials and Generation Z consumers. These demographics are highly receptive to digital entertainment, including mobile gaming. With a strong affinity for technology and digital experiences, the youthful population drives demand for mobile gaming content and contributes to the overall growth of the market. Gaming holds cultural significance in many countries within the MEA region, with a long tradition of gaming on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. As mobile gaming becomes increasingly popular, this cultural affinity for gaming translates into a growing demand for mobile gaming content. Social gaming features, such as multiplayer modes, social sharing, and in-game communities, drive engagement and retention among players in the MEA region. The social aspect of gaming encourages players to connect with friends and fellow gamers, fostering a sense of community and driving continued demand for mobile gaming experiences. Developers are increasingly tailoring mobile games to suit the preferences and cultural nuances of audiences within the MEA region. Localization efforts, including language translations, culturally relevant content, and regional events, attract and retain players, further driving demand for mobile gaming content in the region.

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Market Dynamic

Market Drivers Growth of Mobile Internet Connectivity: The growth of mobile internet connectivity is a significant driver of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) mobile gaming market. In recent years, the MEA region has witnessed substantial investments in mobile infrastructure, leading to improved access to high-speed internet services and expanding mobile networks. The expansion of 4G networks and the introduction of 5G technology in some areas have facilitated seamless connectivity, reduced latency, and enhanced the overall gaming experience for consumers. With more reliable and accessible mobile internet connectivity, gamers across the MEA region can engage in multiplayer gaming, download large game files, and participate in online tournaments with greater ease. The proliferation of mobile internet connectivity has democratized access to mobile gaming, reaching urban and rural areas alike and driving increased adoption and engagement within the market. • Rapid Smartphone Adoption: Rapid smartphone adoption is another key driver of the mobile gaming market in the mobile gaming market in the Middle East and Africa. The MEA region has experienced significant growth in smartphone ownership, fueled by declining device prices, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding urbanization. As more consumers across the region acquire smartphones, the potential user base for mobile gaming expands, driving market growth and revenue opportunities for developers. Smartphones have become ubiquitous devices for entertainment, communication, and productivity, with gaming emerging as one of the primary activities for smartphone users. The widespread availability and affordability of smartphones have democratized access to mobile gaming, allowing players from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to participate in gaming activities. Market Challenges Localization and Cultural Adaptation: Localization and cultural adaptation are two major obstacles that the Middle East and Africa (MEA) mobile gaming sector must overcome. The nations and territories that make up the MEA area have a vast variety of languages, customs, and preferences, contributing to its rich cultural diversity. To make sure that their games are resonant with the cultural quirks and linguistic preferences of various consumers within the MEA area, developers must devote resources to localization efforts. This entails localizing gaming mechanics to fit local tastes and preferences, including culturally appropriate themes and allusions, and translating game information into different languages. However, developers must overcome language, cultural, and legal obstacles throughout the sometimes difficult and resource-intensive localization process. • Regulatory Environment: Another major obstacle facing the mobile gaming sector in the Middle East and Africa is the regulatory framework. The legal frameworks that control digital material and mobile games might differ significantly throughout MEA member nations and are dynamic. Developers have to deal with a complicated web of laws pertaining to taxes, consumer protection, content control, game licensing, and data privacy. Developers looking to enter and operate in the MEA market may find it difficult to comply with local rules, especially as these criteria might vary between nations and regions. The availability and distribution of mobile games can also be impacted by changes in laws or enforcement procedures, which can have an influence on creators' capacity to properly market and reach players.

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Mobile Gaming Market Segmentation

By Type Action or Adventure
Casino
Sports and Role Playing
Strategy and Brain
Others
By Platform iOS
Android
Others
By Age group Below 24 Years
24-44 Years
Above 44 Years
By Monetization Type In-app Purchases
Paid Apps
Advertising
MEAUnited Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa

Based on the report, the types are segmented into Action or Adventure, Casino, Sports and Role Playing, Strategy, and Brain. In terms of the report, platforms are bifurcated into iOS and Android. In the region the casino is growing, in many parts of the MEA region, casino games have long been accepted as popular and part of the culture. Slot machines, roulette, and other classic casino games have been played in real casinos for many years. The MEA region's players are driven by the familiarity and thrill of casino games, which is driving development in this genre as mobile gaming becomes more common. In some countries within the MEA region, traditional brick-and-mortar casinos may be subject to legal restrictions or prohibitions. Mobile casino games provide a convenient alternative for individuals who enjoy casino gaming but may not have access to physical casino establishments. Mobile gaming allows players to enjoy their favorite casino games from the comfort of their own homes or on the go, bypassing legal barriers that may exist for traditional casinos. Many mobile casino games incorporate social and competitive elements, such as multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and tournaments. These features enhance the gaming experience by allowing players to compete against friends or other players from around the world. The social aspect of mobile casino gaming adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement, driving growth in this genre. Furthermore, the iOS market is growing. iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, are often associated with premium quality, sleek design, and superior performance. In certain segments of the MEA population, particularly among affluent consumers, there is a strong preference for Apple products due to their perceived status symbol and brand loyalty. As a result, iOS users are more inclined to spend money on premium mobile gaming experiences, driving revenue growth on the iOS platform. iOS users tend to have higher average spending on apps and in-app purchases compared to Android users. In the MEA region, where disposable income levels vary widely across different demographic groups, iOS users may be more willing to spend money on mobile gaming content, leading to higher ARPU for developers and publishers on the iOS platform. This increased willingness to spend contributes to the growth of the iOS mobile gaming market in the MEA region. According to the report, the market is bifurcated on the basis of below 24 years, 24-44 years, and above 44 years. Based on the report, the monetization types are segmented into in-app purchases, paid apps, and advertising. In the Middle East and Africa, the population below 24 years old contributes the highest market share. Young people make up a big share of the population in the MEA area, with many of them being under 24 years old. As members of a generation that has grown up with smartphones and tablets as constant companions, they are especially tech-savvy and digital natives. Younger people are more inclined to adopt new technology and spend time interacting with digital entertainment; therefore, they are generally more open to mobile gaming. Younger individuals in the MEA region often have limited access to traditional gaming consoles or PCs, making mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets their primary gaming platforms. Mobile gaming offers convenience and accessibility, allowing young people to play their favorite games anytime and anywhere, whether at home, school, or on the go. The portability and versatility of mobile devices make them well-suited for the lifestyle of young, on-the-move individuals. Many mobile games cater to the preferences of younger players by offering social and casual gaming experiences. These games often feature multiplayer modes, social sharing, and in-game communities, allowing players to connect with friends and engage in collaborative or competitive gameplay. Younger individuals, who value social interactions and enjoy gaming with friends, are drawn to mobile games that offer these social elements. In the MEA region, advertising significantly contributes to the market; the proliferation of smartphones, rising internet penetration, and the digitization of several industries have all contributed to the notable rise of the digital advertising market. Budgets for digital channels, such as mobile advertising, are being allocated by advertisers more often in order to connect and interact with local customers. Advertisers may promote their brands, products, and services to a captive audience of gamers in a very engaging way through mobile gaming. Mobile gaming has become increasingly accessible to a wide audience in the MEA region, including individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and geographic locations. Mobile devices are ubiquitous, and mobile gaming apps are readily available for download from app stores. As a result, mobile gaming offers advertisers a highly scalable and cost-effective platform to reach a large and diverse audience of players across the MEA region, regardless of their demographics or location.

Mobile Gaming Market Market Regional Insights

Based on the report, the major countries covered include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa. South Africa contributes to the market. South Africa boasts relatively good digital infrastructure compared to other countries in the MEA region. The country has widespread access to high-speed internet connectivity and mobile networks, providing a robust foundation for mobile gaming. With reliable internet access, South African gamers can enjoy seamless online gameplay, download large game files, and engage in multiplayer gaming experiences without significant interruptions or latency issues. South Africa has experienced significant growth in smartphone penetration in recent years, driven by declining device prices, expanding network coverage, and increasing consumer adoption. Smartphones have become ubiquitous devices for communication, entertainment, and productivity in South Africa, making them popular platforms for mobile gaming. The growing penetration of smartphones has expanded the potential user base for mobile games in South Africa, driving market growth and revenue opportunities for developers. Gaming holds cultural significance in South Africa, with a vibrant gaming community and a long history of gaming across various platforms. Mobile gaming has gained popularity among South African gamers, offering convenient and accessible gaming experiences that complement traditional gaming activities. The cultural relevance of gaming in South Africa fosters a favorable environment for mobile gaming adoption and growth in the country. South Africa is one of the more economically developed countries in the MEA region, with a relatively higher GDP per capita and disposable income levels compared to other countries. As a result, South African consumers have greater purchasing power and are more willing to spend money on leisure and entertainment, including mobile gaming. The economic development of South Africa contributes to the country's leadership in the mobile gaming market by driving demand for gaming content and monetization opportunities.

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Companies Mentioned

  • Nintendo Co. Ltd.
  • Activision Blizzard, Inc
  • Electronic Arts Inc
  • Gameloft SE
  • Tencent
  • Ubisoft Entertainment SA
  • NetEase, Inc.
  • Nexon Co., Ltd.
Company mentioned

Table of Contents

  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Research Methodology
  • 2.1. Secondary Research
  • 2.2. Primary Data Collection
  • 2.3. Market Formation & Validation
  • 2.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
  • 3. Market Structure
  • 3.1. Market Considerate
  • 3.2. Assumptions
  • 3.3. Limitations
  • 3.4. Abbreviations
  • 3.5. Sources
  • 3.6. Definitions
  • 4. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
  • 5. Global Mobile Gaming Market Outlook
  • 5.1. Market Size By Value
  • 5.2. Market Share By Region
  • 5.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Type
  • 5.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Platform
  • 5.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Age Group
  • 5.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Monetization Type
  • 6. Market Dynamics
  • 6.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
  • 6.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
  • 6.3. Market Trends
  • 6.3.1. XXXX
  • 6.3.2. XXXX
  • 6.3.3. XXXX
  • 6.3.4. XXXX
  • 6.3.5. XXXX
  • 6.4. Covid-19 Effect
  • 6.5. Supply chain Analysis
  • 6.6. Policy & Regulatory Framework
  • 6.7. Industry Experts Views
  • 7. Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market Outlook
  • 7.1. Market Size By Value
  • 7.2. Market Share By Country
  • 7.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Type
  • 7.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Platform
  • 7.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Age Group
  • 7.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Monetization Type
  • 7.7. UAE Mobile Gaming Market Outlook
  • 7.7.1. Market Size By Value
  • 7.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
  • 7.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By Platform
  • 7.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Age Group
  • 7.7.5. Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type
  • 7.8. Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Outlook
  • 7.8.1. Market Size By Value
  • 7.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
  • 7.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By Platform
  • 7.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Age Group
  • 7.8.5. Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type
  • 7.9. South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Outlook
  • 7.9.1. Market Size By Value
  • 7.9.2. Market Size and Forecast By Type
  • 7.9.3. Market Size and Forecast By Platform
  • 7.9.4. Market Size and Forecast By Age Group
  • 7.9.5. Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type
  • 8. Competitive Landscape
  • 8.1. Competitive Dashboard
  • 8.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
  • 8.3. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
  • 8.4. Porter's Five Forces
  • 8.5. Company Profile
  • 8.5.1. Tencent Holdings Ltd.
  • 8.5.1.1. Company Snapshot
  • 8.5.1.2. Company Overview
  • 8.5.1.3. Financial Highlights
  • 8.5.1.4. Geographic Insights
  • 8.5.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
  • 8.5.1.6. Product Portfolio
  • 8.5.1.7. Key Executives
  • 8.5.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
  • 8.5.2. Nintendo Co., Ltd
  • 8.5.3. Activision Blizzard, Inc
  • 8.5.4. Electronic Arts Inc.
  • 8.5.5. Ubisoft Entertainment SA
  • 8.5.6. Gameloft SE
  • 8.5.7. NetEase, Inc.
  • 8.5.8. Nexon Co., Ltd.
  • 9. Strategic Recommendations
  • 10. Annexure
  • 10.1. FAQ`s
  • 10.2. Notes
  • 10.3. Related Reports
  • 11. Disclaimer

Table 1: Global Mobile Gaming Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2023 & 2029) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 3: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 4: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 5: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 6: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Platform (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Age Group (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Monetization Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: Influencing Factors for Mobile Gaming Market, 2023
Table 10: Middle East and Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: Middle East and Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Platform (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: Middle East and Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Age Group (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Middle East and Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast, By Monetization Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: UAE Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: UAE Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Platform (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: UAE Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Age Group (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: UAE Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 19: Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Platform (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 20: Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Age Group (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 21: Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 22: South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 23: South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Platform (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 24: South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Age Group (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)
Table 25: South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size and Forecast By Monetization Type (2018 to 2029F) (In USD Billion)

Figure 1: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2023 & 2029
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2029
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2029
Figure 4: Global Mobile Gaming Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: Global Mobile Gaming Market Share By Region (2023)
Figure 6: Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market Share By Country (2023)
Figure 8: UAE Mobile Gaming Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Saudi Arabia Mobile Gaming Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 10: South Africa Mobile Gaming Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 11: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2023
Figure 12: Porter's Five Forces of Global Mobile Gaming Market

Mobile Gaming Market Market Research FAQs

The growth of the mobile gaming market in the MEA region is primarily driven by factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful population demographic, improving digital infrastructure, and the cultural relevance of gaming.

Mobile games across various genres are popular in the MEA region, including casual puzzle games, strategy games, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, role-playing games (RPGs), and sports simulations. Additionally, games with social features and local cultural relevance tend to resonate well with players in the region.

Developers monetize mobile games in the MEA market through various methods, including in-app purchases, advertising, subscriptions, and sponsorships. Each monetization method offers unique opportunities for revenue generation, and developers often employ a combination of strategies to maximize earnings.

Challenges facing the mobile gaming industry in the MEA region include issues related to device fragmentation, localization and cultural adaptation, regulatory compliance, piracy, and intellectual property protection.

Urban areas in the MEA region typically have higher smartphone penetration rates, better internet connectivity, and greater access to digital entertainment options, including mobile gaming. In contrast, rural areas may face challenges related to connectivity, device affordability, and infrastructure, impacting mobile gaming adoption and usage.

Developers monetize mobile games in the Asia Pacific market through various methods, including in-app purchases, advertising, subscriptions, rewarded video ads, and premium app purchases. Monetization strategies may vary depending on the game genre, target audience, and regional preferences.

Esports plays a significant role in the Asia Pacific mobile gaming market, with a growing number of tournaments, leagues, and competitive events attracting millions of players and viewers. Mobile esports titles such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Honor of Kings enjoy widespread popularity in the region.

Cultural factors such as language, aesthetics, storytelling, and social norms influence mobile gaming preferences in the Asia Pacific region. Developers often localize games to cater to specific cultural preferences and ensure resonance with local audiences.
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Middle East & Africa Mobile Gaming Market Outlook, 2029

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