Egypt leads the world in playing video games
Global gaming habits study reveals
Egypt has emerged as a significant player, leading the global pack in terms of time spent on video gaming. A new study by Mobile Premier League (MPL), a leading mobile eSports and digital gaming platform, reveals that Egyptian gamers dedicate an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes daily to video games, placing them at the forefront of a global list encompassing emerging economies from all corners of the world.
With gamers worldwide reaching a staggering 3.2 billion, or nearly half of the global population, understanding where and how people play games offers valuable insights into this rapidly growing industry. The research analysed gaming habits across 49 countries, uncovering significant patterns among five countries and highlighting the dynamic shifts occurring within the gaming world.
1 Egypt
Egypt leads the global rankings, with a daily gaming average of one hour and 43 minutes. This is indicative of a booming market driven by mobile gaming, which accounts for the majority of the revenue in the region. In 2024, Egypt’s gaming industry is expected to generate $1.1 billion, with mobile games making up a significant portion of this figure.
Local game developers are capitalising on the demand for culturally relevant content, while the growing popularity of esports, expected to reach $4.6 million in 2024, signals a bright future for the sector. However, challenges like inadequate infrastructure and lack of government support have impeded further growth, limiting the market’s potential.
2 Saudi Arabia
Trailing closely behind Egypt is Saudi Arabia, where gamers dedicate 1 hour and 36 minutes daily to their favourite pastime. Gaming is integral to life for more than half of the Saudi population, with young people leading the charge. Rising disposable incomes and mobile and virtual reality (VR) gaming appeal are key drivers of this trend.
The Saudi gaming market is projected to reach $998.2 million by 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for a substantial portion of this revenue. Additionally, the rise of gaming influencers and streamers has further increased the gaming culture within the Arabian Gulf state.
3 Thailand
Thailand claims the third spot, with gamers spending an average of 1 hour and 29 minutes daily. The Thai gaming market is projected to reach $2.17 billion in 2024, driven by a tech-savvy, young population. As with many countries in the top 10, mobile gaming reigns supreme, with popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire dominating the local gaming scene.
Esports has also become an area of growth, with investments in competitive tournaments and professional teams. Furthermore, the popularity of live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube has transformed gaming into a highly social experience, with fans watching more than their friends play.
4 Mexico
Mexico ranked fourth, spends an average of 1 hour and 24 minutes daily on video games. An impressive 77% of the Mexican population engaged in gaming in 2022, contributing to a market worth $1.1 billion. The country’s gaming ecosystem is a mix of mobile and console gaming, with the latter enjoying popularity due to uneven internet access in some areas. Mexico is a dominant force in Latin American esports, with a growing number of tournaments and events further cementing its status as a gaming hub. The country’s gaming community enjoys various genres, including shooters, battle royales, and adventure games.
5 Vietnam
Vietnam ranks fifth, with 1 hour and 18 minutes spent daily on video games. Mobile gaming continues to thrive in the country, supported by a young and tech-savvy population. The Vietnamese gaming market is projected to reach $456.5 million in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for more than 50% of this revenue. The rise of esports in Vietnam is also notable, with the community embracing competitive gaming in titles like Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty: Mobile.
The MPL study revealed several commonalities among the top five countries for time spent gaming. Many of these nations have young populations, growing disposable incomes, and increased access to the Internet.
Hero image: Gamers worldwide are estimated at a staggering 3.2 billion. Credit: Ron Lach
