MENA Gaming Industry Shifted Toward Production
The MENA-3 region is seeing a transition from being a market for consumption to a hub for game production.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Gaming
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Industry expert Nour Khrais has highlighted the ongoing evolution of the gaming sector across the MENA region. The market is increasingly focused on developing intellectual property, with projections suggesting player spending in the MENA-3 region will hit $3 billion by 2030.
Why it matters
The region has historically relied on external content, but a move toward local production signals long-term economic maturation. Developing successful intellectual property requires sustained team stability and years of iterative effort.
The MENA-3 region is forecast to reach $3 billion in player spending by 2030. Notable industry activity includes Stillfront’s £205 million acquisition of Jawaker in 2021 and Tatem’s record of 150 million total game downloads.
The players
Nour Khrais
He is an industry expert who provides analysis on the current challenges and development opportunities within the MENA gaming market.
Maysalward
This is a gaming company that has released over 100 titles and served as a technical partner to the Jordan Gaming Lab for over a decade.
Jordan Gaming Lab
This organization operated eight branches across Jordan from 2011 until 2025 to support local game development.
Stillfront
This is a global gaming group that expanded its regional footprint by acquiring the platform Jawaker for £205 million.
Tatem
This developer has achieved significant market reach with more than 50 released titles and 150 million total downloads.
The details
Maysalward has played a significant role in this transition, having shipped over 100 titles since 2003 and supporting Minecraft Education in more than 140 public schools in Jordan. The ecosystem has been bolstered by initiatives like the Jordan Gaming Lab, which expanded to eight branches over its 14-year run.
Timeline
Maysalward began shipping game titles in 2003.
The Jordan Gaming Lab launched in 2011.
Stillfront acquired Jawaker in 2021.
Maysalward ended its partnership with the Jordan Gaming Lab in 2025.
The Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan conference is scheduled for November 7th and 8th, 2026.
Culture Shift
The move toward local IP development reflects a broader transition from gaming consumption to production in the MENA-3 region. This evolution marks a departure from regional reliance on external titles as players increasingly seek locally produced experiences.
Readers can expect to see more localized content and educational gaming initiatives, such as the expansion of Minecraft Education in schools. These developments may provide more opportunities for local developers and students to engage with professional production environments.
The takeaway
The maturation of a regional gaming market requires a long-term commitment to team stability and iterative IP development. Industry participants should focus on building sustainable pipelines rather than immediate commercial spikes.
What happens next
The Pocket Gamer Connects Jordan conference will take place on November 7th and 8th, 2026.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mobile phone games industry, news, opinion and features, Pocket Gamer.biz.
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