Revenue in the gaming markets of Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is anticipated to increase by 16.5%, reaching more than $103 billion by 2030

According to Niko Partners, the gaming industry in Asia and the MENA regions produced $88.9 billion in revenue in the year 2025, with an estimation of reaching $103.6 billion by 2028.

This analysis encompasses 13 different markets, including nations such as China, India, and regions like East Asia (comprising Japan and Korea), Southeast Asia, which includes countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, and MENA, featuring Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The findings, presented in the firm’s yearly Asia and MENA Market Model report, gathered insights from over 11,000 players within these territories in March 2026.

India, boasting a gaming audience of over 500 million in 2025, anticipates a revenue surge, reaching beyond $1.8 billion by the year 2030. Expenditure per player is expected to see a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%.

The fastest-growing gaming markets in Southeast Asia are expected to be Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Predictions suggest that Thailand's player spending will achieve $2 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, Indonesia is projected to generate more than $1.5 billion by 2030.

China, Japan, and Korea are highlighted as the leading markets in these regions, contributing $91.7 billion, or 88.6% of the revenue tracked for the 13 countries.

As for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in MENA, player expenditures are forecasted to reach $3 billion by 2030. The annual average revenue per user (ARPU) is predicted to increase by $10 over the next five years.

Lisa Hanson, CEO of Niko Partners, noted that "despite global economic and geopolitical tensions affecting North American and European gaming industries, the trajectory of growth in Asia and MENA appears promising."

She emphasized how these areas continue to gain advantages from expanding player populations and diverse growth pathways in both game creation and spending. Efforts by global developers to adapt games to local cultures, including tailored marketing and payment options, are catalyzing these advancements.

Hanson concluded by urging industry stakeholders to recognize the distinctive characteristics of each market to bolster development and sales further.