Weekly Gaming Reports Recap for June 23-27, 2025

XSolla & Niko Partners recently conducted market research on the MENA-3 region, focusing on the gaming industry. The study highlighted key market characteristics and trends in three countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The research revealed that the total market size in 2024 was $2 billion, showing a 4% year-over-year growth. It is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%.

Each of these countries in the MENA-3 region represents different aspects of the Middle East gaming market. Saudi Arabia stands out as the revenue leader, exceeding $1 billion in 2022 and expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2027. Egypt, with its large population, has weaker payment metrics compared to Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the UAE, despite its smaller population, boasts strong payment metrics.

The research also shed light on the gaming audience in the MENA-3 region. Over 60% of players fall within the 18 to 35 age group, with a significant presence of younger gamers not surveyed in the study. Internet penetration in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is nearly universal, with even Egypt demonstrating a high internet coverage of over 70%. The majority of gamers in these countries prefer playing on mobile devices, with 94% of gamers utilizing mobile platforms, followed by PC (49%) and consoles (34%).

The study also highlighted the growing presence of female gamers in the MENA-3 region, with the percentage of female gamers increasing from 32% in 2022 to 38% in 2025. As disposable income rises in these countries, in-game spending is expected to increase as well. The average monthly salary of gamers in the MENA-3 region is $2,166, with higher incomes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia compared to Egypt.

Monetization of players in the MENA-3 region showed interesting trends. 61% of mobile gamers and 56% of PC gamers prefer the free-to-play model with in-app purchases. In contrast, Saudi Arabia leads in premium games, with 26% of players opting for such games. However, the research also revealed that 67% of the population in the MENA region lacks proper access to banking products, indicating challenges in payment methods for gamers.

Overall, the MENA-3 market research provided valuable insights into the gaming landscape in the region, showcasing the market potential and consumer behavior. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of specific regions like the MENA-3 becomes crucial for developers and stakeholders in the gaming ecosystem.