The gaming industry is heavily influenced by technological innovations, enhancing players’ experiences through storytelling, creativity, and design. Mario Pérez, CEO, MENATech Entertainment, provided The Catalyst with an overview of recent developments in gaming and esports, upcoming trends and how the region of Middle East is developing as a center for such recreational activities.
What is the current state of the Middle Eastern gaming market?
The Middle East is one of the territories with the highest potential in the gaming industry worldwide. From countries such as the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, there are truly ambitious projects to generate wealth and in the area through esports and video games. In 2023, its gaming market size was worth USD 7.45 billion, with an expected CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is accompanied by an increase in the number of gamers in the region: there are 377 million players and almost 60% of the total population are gaming enthusiasts.
What are the key factors influencing the Middle East to position itself as an esports hub?
2024 has been the year of esports in the Middle East. The Olympic Esports Games, confirmed to be held in Saudi Arabia from 2025 for the next 12 years, and the arrival of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh are supposed to chart the global esports roadmap for the coming decades. Beyond its economic potential, the region meets the necessary requirements to become the benchmark for esports in the world, since it has a young and tech-savvy population, increased Internet penetration, and a strong cultural affinity for gaming.
What’s your idea of balancing storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and visual design in your projects? Please mention some of the games developed by GGTech Studios.
From our game development department (GGTech Studios), we have recently released two video games. The first of them eWorlds is a free online multiplayer 3D platform game in which you can play with your friends, something similar to Roblox or Fortnite but with a simpler approach. The second Temtem: Swarm is a co-production with CREMA, owners of Temtem, and the game is a Bullet heaven Multiplayer for 3 players. In our games we prioritize the user experience above all else. We like the gameplay mechanics to shine and be polished, we also complement it with powerful art and storytelling but without a doubt our priority focus is fun. These games have a lot of long term potential: eWorlds for all the virtual part full of updates and Temtem: Swarm for the type of game that offers a great replayability.
How is the Middle East region addressing the technological requirements/infrastructure for esports?
The promising future of esports in the Middle East is also full of challenges. The region is putting all its efforts to comply with the expectations, including technological requirements. It will be crucial to give a good response to the demand for high-quality, low-latency Internet connections. Competition, viewership and sponsorship will require a stable, fast connectivity to manage large amounts of data to provide the best experience for players and fans alike. 5G, fibre-optic broadband access, and edge computing will play a key role.
Highlight the gaming trends that will define the future and shape player experiences and game development strategies?
The future of gaming will mainly depend on the technological advancements accomplished. There are several trends that will lead the way: the rise in sports and fitness gamification, the AI-driven transformation, and the resurgence of handheld gaming devices are some of the more intriguing developments that will take place in the coming years. Also, other emerging technologies related such as AR or VR will be relevant. In fact, the XR is being created, which consists of a model that will combine virtual reality and augmented reality to produce a collapse of the physical and virtual barrier. All these developments will be integrated into education through gamification and enhance learning experiences.
How is the rise of AI and machine learning impacting career opportunities in game development?
Gaming is the mirror that best reflects digital transformation. The rise of AI, the technological breakthrough of recent years, is also having a major impact on the video game industry, as it is capable of enhancing player experiences to the point of revolutionizing content creation. Thus, AI Game Developers are entering the scene with the expertise to create and refine algorithms that bring dynamic gaming experiences to life.
Please share your thoughts on the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033.
It is a great opportunity for Dubai and its growing presence in the global gaming landscape. By 2033, this program aims to generate 30,000 jobs in the gaming sector, adding $1 billion to its GDP. Plus, the city is becoming an international destination for workers of the sector, thanks to the introduction of long-term residency visas for gaming professionals to nurture a vibrant gaming community.
The popularity of gaming is on the rise, the gaming companies are paying a great attention on delivering exceptional experiences to players. Technologies like AI, VR, AR and XR are being harnessed to enhance gamification. This interaction highlights emerging trends in the gaming sector and explores career opportunities within the industry. With the sound infrastructure, significant investments and focussed initiatives, Middle East is all set to become the next global frontier for gaming.
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