MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds

Core Insights - The MENA region now represents nearly 20% of the global blockchain gaming workforce, marking a significant shift in industry demographics from just 0.5% in 2021 to 19.8% in 2025, the fastest growth recorded [1][3] Group 1: Industry Growth and Demographics - The Blockchain Game Alliance's 2025 report indicates a fundamental rebalancing in the blockchain gaming landscape, with Western markets contracting while emerging regions like Africa and Latin America show growth [2][3] - Female participation in the blockchain gaming workforce reached a record 22.7%, up from 17.3% in 2024, with a notable concentration among professionals aged 25 to 44 [4] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Industry Drivers - Regulatory clarity is now viewed as the most critical factor for the future of blockchain gaming, with 64.4% of professionals believing that policy and regulation will positively shape the industry [6] - MENA countries are rapidly developing regulations, with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco leading in stablecoin frameworks, contributing to a 700% increase in digital payments in Oman within a year [7] Group 3: Market Trends and Funding - High-quality game launches are now the second key driver of the industry at 29.5%, indicating a shift from speculative models to sustainable revenue-driven business models, which ranked third at 27.5% [8] - Blockchain gaming funding has dramatically decreased from over $10 billion in 2022 to $293 million in 2025, with studios focusing on real revenue rather than token speculation [9]