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Americas, Middle East & Africa

Americas, Middle East & Africa

North and Latin America, MENA, Turkey and Africa.

144 documents

Cover of Gametech Report: Global & MENAP Outlook Q3 2023

Shorooq Partners · 2023

Gametech Report: Global & MENAP Outlook Q3 2023

This analysis examines the state of the global and MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan) gaming sectors during the third quarter of 2023. The primary thesis suggests that while the global industry is undergoing a period of "cautious recalibration" characterized by significant layoffs and a shift toward profitability, the MENAP region remains a resilient growth outlier. The scope covers global investment trends, game engine pricing shifts, and emerging market demographics, with specific deep dives into the Egyptian and Jordanian markets. Key findings indicate that the global gaming market exceeded $250 billion with a 9.9% CAGR, yet Q3 2023 saw over 2,000 industry layoffs driven by M&A activity and a focus on operational efficiency. Despite these global headwinds, the MENA region grew by 6.9% year-over-year, reaching a market size of $5 billion. This growth is fueled by a youthful demographic where 70% of the population is under 30. In Egypt, the largest regional market by population, 60% of top-performing games are casual or hyper-casual, though a significant challenge remains as 40% of gamers are unbanked, necessitating innovation in fintech and alternative payment infrastructures. The investment landscape shows a return to pre-pandemic levels, with $454 million in global venture capital secured in Q3, primarily in early-stage deals. Asia led transaction volume with 39 deals, while Jordan emerged as a regional leader in funding, securing 30% of MENA deals. The report concludes that the future of the industry will be defined by the integration of Generative AI—expected to impact over 50% of the development process within a decade—and a strategic pivot toward emerging markets to offset rising talent costs in Western territories. Methodology relies on data from partners including AppMagic and Konvoy, alongside internal venture capital tracking.

Cover of Casual Mobile Gaming in H1 2023

AppMagic · 2023

Casual Mobile Gaming in H1 2023

The mobile gaming market in Tier-1 Western countries—comprising Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the US—experienced significant shifts during the first half of 2023. The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate the performance of specific casual gaming subgenres, assessing their growth trajectories and success rates compared to the previous year. The findings indicate a market characterized by increasing saturation and heightened competition, where the sheer volume of new releases has led to a notable decline in success rates across most categories. Key findings reveal that while the Merge-2 subgenre saw a 60% increase in monthly revenue during the first half of 2023, the market has become increasingly difficult for new entrants, with no new titles achieving significant success. Conversely, the Idle RPG sector demonstrated resilience, growing by approximately 20% in monthly revenue, largely driven by successful new releases from South Korean developers. Other segments, such as Idle Tycoon and Survival Arena, faced stagnation or declining success rates as the market struggled to absorb the high volume of new titles. For instance, the success rate for new Survival Arena games plummeted from 3% in 2022 to 0.8% in the first half of 2023. The analysis concludes that success in the current landscape is increasingly dependent on sophisticated LiveOps strategies, personalized monetization, and aggressive user acquisition rather than pure innovation. As the market matures, publishers are advised to pivot toward identifying niche segments with lower competition to improve their probability of success. The data, derived from proprietary market intelligence tools, highlights that while the overall casual gaming sector has slowed, strategic execution remains the primary driver for top-performing titles.

Cover of Turkey Game Market 2022 Report

Gaming in Turkey · 2023

Turkey Game Market 2022 Report

The Turkish gaming market in 2022 serves as a critical case study of a high-growth production hub navigating significant domestic economic volatility. While the player base expanded to over 44 million users—with 81% of adults engaging in mobile gaming—total market revenue saw a sharp correction, falling from $1.2 billion in 2021 to approximately $625 million. This decline was primarily driven by the depreciation of the Turkish Lira and weakened consumer purchasing power, which has accelerated a shift toward free-to-play titles, subscription services, and a demand for high-quality localization to reach a population with generally low English proficiency. Despite these fiscal challenges, Türkiye has solidified its position as a global leader in gaming investment and development. Istanbul ranks second in Europe and fifth globally for gaming transactions, securing over $424 million in investments across dozens of deals. The domestic ecosystem is maturing beyond its historical focus on hyper-casual mobile titles, with over 2,943 publishers on Google Play and a strategic pivot toward indie, PC, console, and hybrid-casual development. This evolution is supported by a robust infrastructure of 25 entrepreneurship centers and 19 university programs, though a deficit in qualified instructional talent remains a hurdle for long-term sustainability. The region has also emerged as a premier esports destination, evidenced by hosting the VALORANT Champions Tour and the formal legal recognition of the Turkish Esports Federation, which oversees more than 15,000 licensed players. While traditional segments like internet cafes have declined due to rising operational costs, the integration of gamification into e-commerce and corporate sectors is expanding. Moving forward, the industry is expected to maintain a compound annual growth rate of 24.1% through 2026, driven by blockchain integration, AI technologies, and a transition toward more complex, mid-core gaming experiences.

Cover of Mobile Games: State of the Market & Playtime Q3 2023

Apptica · 2023

Mobile Games: State of the Market & Playtime Q3 2023

Mobile games: state of the market & playtime Joint report of Apptica & Gamelight The purpose of this study is to analyse the state of gaming category in Q3 2023. All data presented in this report has been collected from Apptica and Gamelight platforms. "Games" category is defined by a store's tag. The basis of this analysis is made up of data from the Apptica's Store, Ad and Market Intelligence sections and Gamelight's playtime and app usage data.

Cover of The MENA Games Market: From Sand to Stardom

Niko Partners · 2023

The MENA Games Market: From Sand to Stardom

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) gaming market is experiencing a period of rapid expansion, characterized by significant government investment, a growing base of digital natives, and an increasing emphasis on cultural localization. As of 2022, the MENA-3 region—comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt—generated $1.8 billion in revenue and supported 67.4 million gamers. This growth is underpinned by a strong mobile-first ecosystem and a burgeoning esports sector that benefits from high engagement rates and substantial public sector backing, most notably through Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The industry’s trajectory is heavily influenced by the necessity of localized content. Data indicates that 86.6% of regional gamers prioritize language localization, and successful titles like PUBG Mobile have demonstrated that integrating regional celebrities, cultural themes, and Arabic-language support is essential for market penetration. Beyond content, the region is actively fostering a domestic development pipeline through workforce training, educational initiatives, and high-profile mergers and acquisitions, such as those led by the Savvy Games Group. These efforts aim to transition the region from a consumer market into a global hub for game development and esports. Esports serves as a primary driver of engagement, with 73% of regional gamers participating in competitive gaming. The rise of local influencers and streamers, coupled with massive prize pools and the development of dedicated infrastructure like esports cities, has created a self-sustaining cycle of fan engagement and corporate sponsorship. Furthermore, the market is increasingly viewed as a strategic partner for international firms, particularly those from China, which have successfully utilized the region as a growth market. By leveraging social gaming trends—where voice chat and online socialization are central to the player experience—and prioritizing gender-inclusive gaming spaces, the MENA region is positioning itself as a significant, high-growth player in the global gaming landscape.

Cover of Five Key Mobile Game Genres in Asia and MENA

Niko Partners · 2023

Five Key Mobile Game Genres in Asia and MENA

The bulletin delivers a data‑driven assessment of the five most influential mobile game genres in Asia and MENA for 2022, combining a 9,000‑respondent survey from Niko Partners with AppMagic’s analytics of Apple and Google Play stores. The analysis covers China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam and Egypt, providing a comprehensive view of regional spending patterns, download volumes, and player demographics. RPGs dominate the market, generating 50 % more revenue than the other four genres combined and achieving the highest monetization score (7.7) thanks to strong spend in East Asia. Strategy games rank second in revenue and third in downloads, yet exhibit the lowest engagement score (5.2) due to shorter play sessions and lower player longevity. MOBAs deliver the second‑highest revenue per download (5.4) and lead in average weekly playtime, but their esports engagement is modest. Puzzle titles enjoy the largest download base (highest engagement score of 6.0) but suffer from low monetization and esports relevance. Battle Royale games, while generating the lowest total revenue, excel in esports metrics (score 9.5) and maintain high engagement levels. The methodology blends survey‑derived player profiles with AppMagic’s download, revenue, and esports viewership data across 21 metrics, weighted into four categories—monetization, engagement, esports appeal, and overall genre score. The resulting scores (1–10) rank RPG as the top genre overall, with Battle Royale leading in esports influence and Puzzle offering the broadest download reach. The bulletin concludes that developers targeting these markets should tailor monetization strategies to RPG’s high spend, leverage MOBAs’ loyal user base, and capitalize on Battle Royale’s esports traction.

Cover of Gametech Report Q1 2023: Global & MENAP Outlook

Shorooq Partners · 2023

Gametech Report Q1 2023: Global & MENAP Outlook

The report argues that the MENAP region is poised to become a major hub for gaming, driven by rapid mobile‑gaming adoption, esports growth and an expanding local startup ecosystem. It identifies talent development, IP creation and cross‑industry collaboration as key levers for sustained expansion, while noting challenges such as technical upskilling, content localisation and stakeholder coordination. Globally, the gaming market is shifting toward cloud‑based development and AI‑powered tools, with 68 % of studios already using AWS for Games and a projected $7.1 bn market by 2032. Generative AI is expected to reach a $7.1 bn valuation in gaming by 2032, growing at 23.3% CAGR, and private deals now account for 68 % of total investment activity. In MENAP, the market is projected to hit $2.8 bn by 2026 at a 10% CAGR, underpinned by mobile adoption and esports expansion. Mobile‑first development dominates, with 70 % of developers prioritising data analytics and 50 % investing in AI tools. In‑app purchases, advertising and subscriptions drive revenue, with IAP rising 28 % YoY to $374.1 million and ad revenue up 6.1%. Platform shifts such as iOS SKAN 4.0 and Android privacy changes are reshaping monetisation strategies, while cloud‑gaming infrastructure is projected to grow 250 % by 2030. Investment flows reflect these trends: seed‑stage funding in MENAP has reached $15 million across 20+ startups, and international firms target the region for free‑to‑play and Web3 opportunities. Funds like SHFT’s $15 million Gametech Fund aim to provide capital, expertise and networking to help local studios compete globally. The overall outlook indicates a 6.1% YoY revenue growth for global and MENAP gaming, with a 15 % rise in mobile gaming and a 43 % share captured by platform‑based titles.

Cover of State of Mobile Games: Cognitive and Psychological Benefits

Skillprint · 2023

State of Mobile Games: Cognitive and Psychological Benefits

The report investigates how mobile games influence cognitive and psychological well‑being, drawing on a large U.S. sample of 483 participants (252 men, 213 women, 18 non‑binary) and a series of 28 individual game studies. Personality was measured with the Big 5 inventory, while gaming habits included frequency, genre preference and primary motivations. The study found that personality traits significantly moderate game effects: extraverts gravitate toward social and action games, while introverts prefer relaxation‑oriented titles; openness predicts immersion and inspiration motives. Mood impact was quantified using Cohen’s d effect sizes for pre‑ to post‑play changes. Several games produced moderate to large positive effects on focus (e.g., Sound Sky, d = 0.90), creativity (Colorize, d = 1.17), determination (Nature Video, d = 0.76) and calmness (Color Breathing, d = 0.61). Puzzle‑centric titles consistently boosted creativity and curiosity, whereas timed or competitive games enhanced focus and grit. Non‑game controls such as a dripping faucet video yielded negative mood shifts, underscoring the relative benefit of game interventions. The findings suggest that mobile games can serve as low‑cost, scalable tools for improving mental well‑being, particularly when game design incorporates personalization to match diverse personality profiles. Recommendations target developers (to broaden appeal through adjustable difficulty and genre alignment), players (to select games aligned with desired emotional outcomes), and health professionals (to consider mobile gaming as adjunct therapy for mood disorders or attention deficits). The report calls for future research incorporating real‑time behavioral metrics to refine these insights.

Cover of The State of Payment Apps: An Analysis of Payment App Market Trends and Top Apps in the U.S.

Sensor Tower · 2023

The State of Payment Apps: An Analysis of Payment App Market Trends and Top Apps in the U.S.

The United States payment application market underwent a period of unprecedented expansion between 2020 and early 2021, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the distribution of federal stimulus payments. Total downloads reached a record 35 million in the second quarter of 2020 as consumers transitioned toward digital-first financial tools and safer, contactless payment methods. While established platforms like Cash App maintained overall market leadership, the landscape became increasingly competitive due to aggressive promotional strategies and significant app relaunches. Google Pay, for instance, achieved a 347% year-over-year surge in early 2021 by leveraging referral incentives and expanded feature sets including cryptocurrency integration and cashback rewards. The "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) segment emerged as a primary driver of industry growth, particularly during the 2020 holiday season. Services such as Klarna and Afterpay saw exceptional adoption rates, with Klarna surpassing one million monthly installs by optimizing its App Store presence and pivoting toward influencer-led video advertising and gaming-related messaging. This growth was further bolstered by deep integrations with major retail applications, positioning BNPL as a mainstream alternative to traditional credit. Simultaneously, money transfer services like Western Union and Remitly experienced a peak in adoption in April 2020, growing 85% over the previous year as users sought reliable digital channels for domestic and international remittances. As the market continues to diversify, leading payment applications are evolving into comprehensive financial ecosystems. The integration of advanced financial management tools and cryptocurrency support reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. To maintain dominance, top-tier apps are increasingly relying on strategic keyword bidding and multi-channel marketing to capture a user base that now prioritizes versatility and digital integration in their financial transactions. This evolution signifies a permanent shift in the American financial landscape toward decentralized and flexible payment solutions.

Cover of The State of OTT Advertising in the U.S.: An Analysis of OTT Ad Spending Trends and Top Advertisers

Sensor Tower · 2023

The State of OTT Advertising in the U.S.: An Analysis of OTT Ad Spending Trends and Top Advertisers

Over the course of late 2021 through 2022, the United States Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising market solidified its position as a critical component of the digital landscape, averaging $3.26 billion in quarterly expenditures. This investment represents nearly 15% of all digital advertising spend, signaling a maturation of the sector. While Financial Services previously led the market, Consumer Packaged Goods emerged as the primary spending category by mid-2022. Simultaneously, the automotive industry demonstrated aggressive expansion with a 74% year-over-year increase in ad spend, reflecting a broader trend of traditional industries pivoting toward streaming platforms to capture shifting consumer attention. Platform dynamics reveal a competitive environment where established services and rising challengers cater to distinct demographics. Hulu and Peacock maintain a strong foothold among viewers under the age of 35, while Tubi has distinguished itself as the fastest-growing publisher, recording a 37% increase in ad revenue. This growth is mirrored by specific service sectors, particularly travel and food delivery, which utilized OTT to drive direct consumer actions. For instance, strategic campaigns from brands like Booking.com and UberEats resulted in measurable performance gains, such as significant spikes in mobile app installations following targeted high-spend periods. The transportation and grocery sectors further illustrate the shift toward OTT-centric digital strategies. Companies like Turo now allocate more than half of their total digital budgets to streaming advertisements, while grocery delivery services saw a 14% year-over-year increase in investment. These trends underscore a broader industry conclusion: OTT has evolved from a secondary experimental channel into a primary driver for brand visibility and user acquisition across the American economy. As brands like United Airlines and Instacart dominate their respective niches, the ability to track creative impressions and seasonal spikes remains essential for navigating this high-growth advertising vertical.

Cover of 2023 Liftoff Company Midcore Gaming Apps Report

Liftoff · 2023

2023 Liftoff Company Midcore Gaming Apps Report

The midcore mobile gaming market in 2023 is defined by a strategic pivot toward deeper gameplay mechanics and diversified monetization streams, now commanding 35% of total iOS gaming revenue in the United States. While North America remains the most lucrative region with a 4.5% Day-7 return on ad spend, significant performance disparities exist between platforms. Android offers a more cost-effective environment for user acquisition compared to iOS, though the shooter genre remains the most expensive and rewarding category, commanding a $7.47 cost per install alongside a leading 6% Day-7 return on ad spend. Market longevity favors midcore titles over casual alternatives, as evidenced by midcore games being twice as likely to maintain a top-200 grossing position over a twelve-month period. The strategy genre, particularly 4X and "Build & Battle" subgenres, continues to dominate revenue charts. To sustain this momentum, developers are increasingly adopting sophisticated engagement models such as extraction shooter mechanics, multi-layered Battle Passes with dedicated storefronts, and seasonal progression resets designed to prevent late-game stagnation. Operational strategies have shifted toward aggressive LiveOps and the circumvention of traditional platform fees. Top-performing titles typically manage fifteen simultaneous unique events and fifteen limited-time gachas to drive consistent monetization. Furthermore, publishers are leveraging legal shifts to direct players toward external web stores, offering better value while avoiding app store commissions. Competitive social structures remain the backbone of retention, with 88% of leading midcore games utilizing permanent PvP seasons and over half incorporating guild-based competitions to foster long-term player commitment.

Cover of Pesquisa Nacional da Indústria de Games 2023

Abragames · 2023

Pesquisa Nacional da Indústria de Games 2023

The 2023 national survey of Brazil’s game‑development ecosystem maps the sector as it stood in 2022, revealing a vibrant but highly fragmented industry dominated by micro‑ and small studios. With 1,042 active studios and a representative sample of 309 developers, 214 freelancers and 80 support organisations, the market expanded despite a 5.1 % contraction in the global games market, delivering a 3 % domestic growth that lifted the industry to US $182.9 bn in 2022 and projecting US $206.4 bn by 2025. Brazil ranks fifth worldwide in online population, hosting roughly 103 million gamers; revenue generation is led by mobile (49 %), followed by PC (26 %) and consoles (25 %), while gender parity approaches equality with women accounting for 46.2 % of players. Export orientation is emerging, as 76 % of developers target the domestic market but substantial shares also aim at the United States (58 %), Latin America (57 %) and Western Europe (55 %). Prospects for the next three years show Canada and Latin America each featuring in 47 % of sales roadmaps, with China appearing in 44 % of plans, indicating a gradual diversification of export destinations. The sector is supported by 17 regional industry associations and coordinated nationally by Abragames, Brazil Games and ApexBrasil, which provide market representation, business‑matching missions and participation in overseas fairs. Artificial intelligence dominates technology priorities, cited by more than half of respondents as a short‑ and long‑term focus, while XR/VR/AR follows closely, driven by 5G and new engines such as Unreal Engine 5. Interest in blockchain and

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