The gaming industry in Asia and the MENA region is projected to generate $89 billion in revenue in 2025, driven by a growing player base of 1.76 billion gamers. According to Niko Partners, China will continue to dominate the market, with an estimated revenue surpassing $50 billion. Mobile gaming is expected to account for two-thirds of China’s revenue, while the PC and console segments will maintain steady growth.

Market Trends and Regional Growth

Several key markets in the region are forecasted to experience strong growth. Thailand’s gaming industry is projected to reach $2 billion, while India’s market is expected to grow by 14.7% year-over-year, surpassing $1 billion. The Philippines will also continue expanding, with revenue expected to exceed $500 million. However, Niko Partners predicts that Japan and South Korea will not see market growth in 2025, with positive trends anticipated only in 2026.

Gaming and esports streaming continue to be significant drivers of market expansion in Asia and MENA. More than one billion gamers in the region watch gaming and esports streams, making it one of the primary ways for new games and developers to gain visibility. Streaming platforms and esports tournaments play a crucial role in player engagement and game discovery, influencing purchasing decisions and gaming trends.

Asia and MENA Gaming Market to Hit $89 Billion

Console Gaming to Experience Stronger Growth

Niko Partners expects the console gaming segment to grow at a faster rate than the mobile and PC gaming sectors in 2025. The anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI and the next-generation Nintendo Switch are considered key factors contributing to this trend. Despite concerns over global trade policies, analysts believe that tariffs on Chinese products will not have a significant impact on gaming console sales.

Niko Partners reviewed the accuracy of its previous market forecasts and found that it had overestimated the growth of the mobile gaming sector while underestimating the expansion of the PC gaming market. The company continues to refine its analytical models to better account for shifting consumer behavior and evolving industry trends.

Forecast Accuracy Over 5 Year Period

Direct-to-Consumer Strategies in Gaming

The direct-to-consumer model is becoming increasingly important for gaming companies looking to optimize revenue and player engagement. However, challenges such as payment processing, security, and overall platform optimization remain obstacles for developers. Companies like Neon are offering specialized solutions to address these challenges, providing webshops, checkout services, and merchant-of-record solutions designed to enhance conversion rates and maximize profit margins.

The gaming industry in Asia and MENA is poised for continued expansion, with strong opportunities across multiple segments. While mobile gaming remains dominant, the growing influence of console gaming, streaming engagement, and direct-to-consumer strategies are shaping the future of the market. As new technologies and gaming innovations emerge, companies are expected to adapt to changing market conditions to maintain growth and competitiveness in these regions.

Source: Niko Partners