Across the Middle East, the gaming industry is developing into one of the “fastest-growing” markets, according to Nikita Matsokin, executive director of MGVC (MY.GAMES). He spoke with TRENDS about how the MENA region’s creative talent, government support, and rapid innovation are shaping the future of global gaming and driving new opportunities for developers.
The MENA region is now home to nearly 595 million gamers. How do you view the region’s role in shaping the future of the global gaming industry?
The MENA region has become one of the most influential and fastest-growing markets in global gaming. A young, tech-savvy population and strong mobile adoption are driving record levels of engagement. The region’s gaming sector is already a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, projected to reach $6 billion by 2027—twice its 2021 value.
Governments are investing heavily in gaming infrastructure and esports ecosystems, creating talent pipelines and innovation hubs across key markets. Globally, the games market is projected to reach $189 billion in 2025, and MENA’s growth continues to outpace that trajectory. The region’s ability to influence content, gameplay, and player engagement is reshaping how global publishers expand, localize, and build sustainable gaming communities.
MY.GAMES is creating new opportunities for regional developers. What are your thoughts on local talent, and what impact do you envision for local talent and studios?
The creative potential across the MENA region is exceptional. Developers combine storytelling grounded in regional culture with technical skills that meet global standards. The ecosystem is advancing quickly through initiatives such as Abu Dhabi Gaming, the DMCC Gaming Centre, the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, and Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, all of which provide training, funding, and professional support.
These combined public and private investments reflect growing confidence in gaming as an economic sector. Through the MY.GAMES publishing program, local studios gain access to marketing expertise, funding, and mentorship in game design and live operations. These collaborations allow developers to grow while retaining ownership of their ideas. Over time, MENA studios are expected to produce original IPs, attract international investment, and generate skilled jobs.
What challenges do emerging developers in the Middle East face, and how can international publishers help bridge capability or funding gaps?
Developers across the region often face funding constraints, limited global exposure, and a lack of experience in large-scale publishing. Creativity and ambition are abundant, but commercial scaling requires guidance and access to international markets.
MY.GAMES supports developers through its publishing divisions—Knights Peak for PC and console and MGVC Publishing for mobile—offering financial backing, marketing tools, and data-driven insights. Support extends to user acquisition, monetization strategies, and live operations. Experienced publishers can accelerate growth by sharing global best practices, helping studios optimize their development process, and ensuring fair partnership models. By filling capability gaps and building confidence, these collaborations transform promising ideas into successful, long-term businesses that elevate the overall quality and visibility of the regional industry.
As gaming becomes a driver of the digital and knowledge economy, how do you see the industry contributing to innovation, youth empowerment, and digital skills in MENA?
Gaming has become an essential contributor to the digital economy, providing a platform for creativity, problem-solving, and technical skill development. In the UAE, programs such as the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 and Abu Dhabi Gaming are nurturing homegrown developers and establishing long-term career pathways.
Dubai alone is home to more than 350 gaming companies, including 260 specialized developers, and the program aims to create 30,000 new jobs and contribute an additional $1 billion to GDP by 2033. Saudi Arabia has committed $38 billion to gaming as well. These programs are creating thousands of opportunities for young professionals and reinforcing gaming’s role as a future-ready industry.
Education providers across the region are introducing degrees in programming, esports management, and game design, further broadening the talent pool. Gaming now sits at the intersection of technology and culture, empowering youth and shaping a diversified knowledge economy.
Looking ahead, what are the key trends or technologies you believe will define the next phase of gaming growth—both regionally and globally?
The next phase of gaming growth will be powered by advanced technology and community-driven innovation. Cloud gaming will make high-quality titles more accessible, while AI will enable dynamic storytelling, procedural content generation, and personalized player experiences.
User-generated content is becoming central to the player ecosystem, turning audiences into active participants. In the MENA region, strong mobile infrastructure and growing investment in digital services will accelerate adoption. The global player base is expected to reach 3.58 billion by 2025 (60 percent of the world’s population), meaning MENA’s contribution will form a significant share of the world’s online population.
MY.GAMES is focusing on helping developers leverage these tools, enabling them to create data-informed, culturally relevant games that reach global audiences and sustain long-term growth.
(This interview was originally published in the special Knowledge Economy issue of TRENDS in Dec. 2025)
