The Rise of MENA in Blockchain Gaming: A Historic Shift
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is making headlines in the gaming industry, accounting for nearly 20% of the global blockchain gaming workforce as of 2025. This monumental shift marks the most significant reallocation of talent in the industry’s history, as revealed in the Blockchain Game Alliance’s latest State of the Industry Report. The findings, presented at the Global Blockchain Show in Abu Dhabi, demonstrate MENA’s astonishing rise from a mere 0.5% in 2021 to an impressive 19.8% in 2025—the fastest growth rate recorded since monitoring began.
Explosive Growth Reshapes Regional Demographics
The Blockchain Game Alliance’s fifth annual survey highlights a fundamental renaissance in global talent distribution. While Western markets face contraction, regions like MENA are ramping up digital infrastructure and regulations, carving out new opportunities in blockchain gaming. The decline in respondents from Western regions—from 623 in 2024 to 506 in 2025—foreshadows a shift away from traditional Asian and European dominance in this sector.
Emerging markets are showing tangible growth; Africa now houses 5.5% of industry professionals, while Latin America contributes 11.9%. This pivot hints at a desire for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions in an industry that has long been defined by its roots in the West. Notably, female representation in the sector also peaked at 22.7%, significantly up from 17.3% in 2024.
Regulation and Quality Lead Industry Priorities
A crucial takeaway from the report is the growing demand for regulatory clarity, deemed the most significant factor influencing the future of blockchain gaming by 64.4% of professionals surveyed. This surge of belief emphasizes the necessity for unhindered innovation within transparent legal frameworks, a sentiment echoed throughout the MENA region.
Countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco are pioneering regulations to facilitate stablecoin frameworks, positioning themselves as leaders in payment innovation. For example, Oman reported a staggering 700% increase in digital payments over a single year. With 74% of transactions facilitated via digital wallets, MENA is establishing a solid foundation for blockchain-based economies.
High-quality game launches emerged as the second-most critical driver for industry success, receiving support from 29.5% of respondents. This indicates a collective industry pivot away from speculative models towards sustainable, revenue-driven practices. Studios now place emphasis on generating real income rather than merely relying on token speculation.
Fraud, Funding Scarcity, and AI Emerge as Top Threats
Despite its rapid growth, the blockchain gaming industry is not without its challenges. Fraud remains a significant concern, cited by 36% of respondents. Tactics such as rug pulls and exploitative schemes continue to impede mainstream adoption, particularly affecting hesitant gamers.
In addition to fraud, funding scarcity looms large, affecting a staggering 80% to 93% of startups since 2021. With many venture capitalists halting new investments, studios must now demonstrate tangible profitability to survive. Interestingly, while 46% of industry professionals see artificial intelligence as a growth driver, 38.9% express concern over AI-related exploitation, fearing issues like content genericity and reduced creativity.
Digital Infrastructure Fuels MENA’s Competitive Edge
The surge in MENA’s blockchain gaming presence reflects not only regulatory advancements but also a digitally savvy population with high financial literacy. Nearly 45% of traders in the region begin their journeys with demo accounts, showcasing an appetite for economic education. Those involved demonstrate some of the highest risk tolerance levels worldwide.
Modern payment systems are critical to this success. Advanced technologies like real-time settlement systems and mobile platforms are reducing transaction costs and shortening settlement times, essential for a thriving blockchain gaming ecosystem. Notably, respondents from major studios—such as Ubisoft, Square Enix, and leading financial institutions—indicate an increasing convergence between traditional gaming and blockchain technologies.
The global landscape for stablecoins highlights MENA’s innovation in retail payments, having processed a whopping $27.6 trillion in 2024 alone. The region’s commitment to clear regulatory frameworks, comprehensive infrastructures, and a skilled workforce positions it uniquely as the blockchain gaming sector transitions from niche into the mainstream.
Industry Navigates Contraction Toward 2026 Recovery
The blockchain gaming industry continues to grapple with a significant contraction, following Web3 token prices plummeting by 90% to 95% from previous highs. As studios retrain their focus on traditional revenue models enhanced by blockchain features, the landscape is expected to evolve further. While numerous projects have faltered, those that endure exhibit stronger fundamentals, attracting renewed investor interest after a lengthy period of limited funding.
MENA’s ascent is intertwined with the sector’s maturation phase. Regional developers benefit from stable regulatory environments, diversified revenue streams, and support from institutional investors. The upcoming year will be pivotal as the industry awaits the fruits of quality game launches, emphasizing entertainment value over financial opportunism. The developments in MENA are setting the stage for potential growth, and it will be fascinating to observe how they fulfill their promise in the blockchain gaming arena.