According to Niko Partners, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets recorded player expenditures totaling $2.24 billion in 2023
A recent study conducted by Niko Partners in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation has revealed that player expenditures within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations reached $2.24 billion in the previous year, encompassing the Middle East and North Africa.
The white paper titled "Localisation in the MENA Region" offers detailed insights into the strategies for localization across MENA countries, particularly targeting the GCC markets, which comprise Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The analysis anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%, projecting that player spending will surge to $3.48 billion by 2028, along with an increase in the gamer population to approximately 38.9 million, growing at a rate of 2.9%.
According to the findings, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to lead in revenue growth, collectively representing nearly 80% of total player expenditures across all six markets examined.
Surveyed in December 2023, the report gathered responses from 1,225 gamers, revealing that a significant majority (91.7%) prefer playing on smartphones, followed by 61.9% on PCs, and 55.3% on consoles.
When discussing localization preferences, 41% of participants stated they exclusively play games that offer Arabic localization or are more inclined to do so, while over a quarter (27.4%) expressed that they might discontinue a game due to inadequate localization.
A notable 74% of respondents indicated that it is "very or somewhat important" to see Arabic representations in games, encompassing characters, narratives, cultural references, and settings.
The report also highlighted that 10% of players engaged with games featuring Arabic themes or settings perceived them as being "either often or always disrespectful" to Arab culture.
Niko Partners remarked, "Arabic localization is a strategic game-changer for developers aiming to broaden their audience and revenue streams. Embracing the rich and diverse Middle East and North Africa market allows developers to take their games to new heights, captivating a wider audience and unlocking fresh opportunities."
They further emphasized, "Localization breaks down language barriers, delving into cultural intricacies to create experiences that deeply resonate with Arabic-speaking gamers."
