Asia and MENA Gaming Markets Reach $86.6 Billion in 2024

In 2024, the combined gaming markets of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa generated $86.6 billion in revenue from software and services, representing a 1.4% year-over-year increase. This data comes from Niko Partners' Market Model Reports, which analyzed 13 key markets, including China, India, Japan, Korea, and several countries in Southeast Asia and the MENA region. Although revenue growth in these regions has slowed compared to previous years, they remain vital sources of income, innovation, and expansion in the gaming industry. A survey of 7,885 gamers in Asia and the MENA region, conducted in March 2025, supported these findings. Niko Partners predicts that the Asia and MENA markets will continue to develop steadily through 2029, with projected revenues of $96 billion by the end of the period. China's gaming market grew 3.6% year-over-year, reaching $49.2 billion in 2024, with a forecasted revenue of $50.7 billion for 2025. India emerged as the fastest-growing market, with an expected addition of 250 million gamers over the next five years, making it a billion-dollar gaming market by the end of 2025. Southeast Asia and MENA experienced growth rates of 5.3% and 4.2%, respectively, with Saudi Arabia leading the MENA region at 8.5%. Thailand is the largest and fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia, expected to reach $2.4 billion in player spending by 2029. The report also noted an increase in players across all regions, with over 37% of gamers in the MENA-3 region and 40% in India being female, marking a significant shift in demographics.