Video games are no longer just a hobby but have grown to be a competitive sport. The gaming industry is expected to earn $268.8 billion by 2025.
The gaming environment in the Mediterranean continues to experience expansion and interest in this area.
The Mediterranean and North Africa (MENA) gaming sector has grown so rapidly that it is expected to generate $5 billion in sales by 2025.
Different Areas of the Gaming Industry That Show Growth in the Mediterranean
Because gaming is so diverse, it comes as no surprise that growth in the Mediterranean is coming from a variety of sources. One such example is eSports and its tournaments, which continue to draw young people. The industry’s investment in blockchains, NFTs, and the Metaverse is another. Finally, there is the ever-expanding trend of mobile games and other forms of monetized gaming.
eSports Interest
In 2022, a survey was conducted that showed that in some parts of the Mediterranean, 72% of eSports gamers were between the ages of 18 and 24. Games such as Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and Street Fighter V have the most number of users in the Mediterranean. On sites like Twitch and YouTube, prominent hubs for gaming content and streaming, there has been an increased interest in tournaments and competitive play.
Despite this considerable development, the eSports sector still needs to improve and become more inclusive, particularly for women. However, positive changes are already coming, such as the impact of the all-female eSports team Galaxy Racer.
Impact of Metaverse and Blockchains
The digital market has evolved in the last few years, mainly due to the progress of the blockchain network and the Metaverse. The latter was developed to make use of the innovative technology behind VR and AR, which quickly found its way into giving players more authentic gaming experiences. This technology is getting better daily, making the virtual world an immersive place for users to explore.
While the Metaverse is still in its early phases, there is already considerable interest and investment in it.
Mobile Gaming Platforms
Online multiplayer games and those that feature monetization are part of the reason why mobile gaming is successful. With the gaming industry growing in MENA at a rapid rate, more games are being targeted and marketed toward young people that enjoy online multiplayer games. As for monetization, games with such mechanics and those from the iGaming industry are in constant increase in Mediterranean countries.
In countries where online gambling is legal, there are often strict regulations in place to ensure that the platforms and websites are safe and secure for players to use. These regulations can include requirements for responsible gambling practices, age verification checks, and anti-money laundering measures.
Platforms such as this are known for their commitment to player safety and quality content, with measures in place to ensure that players can enjoy a secure and fair gaming experience. Such sites often use advanced encryption and security protocols to safeguard user data, and they may also offer resources and tools to help users manage their gambling activities responsibly.
Importance of Localization and Representation
Gaming is more than just fighting or competing with other players; it’s also a medium of diverse narrative plots and art. As more people worldwide enter the gaming industry, localization has become a vital part of inclusivity.
Previously, there were language obstacles and constraints in games. However, as it has become evident that players can come from all sides of the world, plenty of gaming companies have made efforts to localize their titles. But it’s not just the language, as more game developers include diverse Mediterranean characters and settings. This is vital in making gaming more inclusive.
The Future of iGaming
In recent years, the Mediterranean region as a whole have shown an interest in the gaming business. The audience in these countries is steadily increasing and shows no signs of slowing down. Some Mediterranean countries have set forth their vision of becoming a global hub for gaming and eSports – presented in their Vision 2030 project. With the current rapid growth of this sector in the Arab countries, the predictions of reaching $5 billion in revenue by 2025 may come true sooner than expected.
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