Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), forecasts that the gaming sector’s income would surpass $200 million in 2023 and expand at a 9.77% annual rate from 2023 to 2027. He does think that Pakistan’s gaming sector is still not achieving its full potential. Let’s, explore the factors that are driving the growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan, the challenges it faces, and the future outlook.
Factors Driving the Growth of the Gaming Industry in Pakistan
The first factor that is driving the growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan is the increasing internet penetration. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), as of December 2020, there were over 100 million broadband subscribers in the country. This means that around 54% of the population has access to the internet. With more people having access to the internet, the demand for online gaming is also increasing.
The second factor that is driving the growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan is the rise of mobile gaming. With the proliferation of smartphones, mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in the country. Over 50% of the gaming market in Pakistan is dominated by mobile gaming. This is because mobile gaming is more accessible and affordable than PC or console gaming.
The third factor that is driving the growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan is the young demographic. Pakistan has a large youth population, which is tech-savvy and avid gamers. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 64% of the population in Pakistan is under the age of 30. This young demographic is driving the growth of the gaming industry in the country.
The establishment of training centers for aspirant game developers is one initiative that could help Pakistan’s gaming industry. Although the gaming industry’s global volume is over $500 billion, Pakistan’s share is limited to $50 million, which could be significantly increased with initiatives like establishing a local gaming and animation industry.
COVID-19 pandemic has had an unexpected impact on the gaming industry as well. With people spending more time at home, there has been a surge in demand for gaming content, which has led to increased investment in the industry.
Over the past few years, there has been a rise in the number of local game developers in Pakistan. These developers are creating games that are specifically tailored to the country’s culture and preferences, which has helped to increase interest in gaming.
With the growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan, there has been an increase in investment. This investment is coming from both local and international sources, which is helping to build a more robust and sustainable ecosystem for gaming in the country.
Mobile gaming is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan, and many game developers are creating games specifically for mobile devices. This trend is driven by the increasing availability of affordable smartphones and the growing popularity of mobile gaming globally.
Pakistan has a fast-growing community of gamers, which is fueling the growth of the gaming industry. As more people become interested in gaming, there is a growing demand for new and exciting games, which is driving innovation in the industry.
Advancements in technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are opening up new possibilities for gaming in Pakistan. As these technologies become more accessible and affordable, they are expected to drive further growth in the gaming industry.
Future Outlook for the Gaming Industry in Pakistan
Despite the challenges facing the gaming industry in Pakistan, the future outlook is positive. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, the gaming industry in Pakistan has the potential to grow exponentially. The following are some of the trends that are expected to shape the future of the gaming industry in Pakistan:
Esports is on the rise in Pakistan, with a growing number of tournaments and competitions being held across the country. As the popularity of esports grows, it is expected to drive demand for new and innovative games, creating new opportunities for game developers and publishers.
The mobile gaming market in Pakistan is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven in part by the increasing availability of affordable smartphones. As more people in the country gain access to mobile devices, the demand for mobile games is expected to increase, creating new opportunities for game developers.
Advancements in technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, are opening up new possibilities for gaming in Pakistan. As these technologies become more accessible and affordable, they are expected to drive further growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
The Pakistani government has shown strong support for the gaming industry, with initiatives such as the PSEB and the NIC helping to create a favorable environment for game developers. This ongoing support is expected to continue to drive growth and create new opportunities for the industry.
Pakistan has a growing community of talented game developers, artists, and sound engineers. As these individuals gain more experience and recognition, they are expected to create even more innovative and exciting games, driving the growth of the industry in the country.
Government Support for the Gaming Industry
Certainly! The Pakistani government has taken several steps to support the gaming industry in the country. One of the most significant initiatives is the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), which is a government-owned entity that provides support and resources to local game developers. The PSEB offers a range of services, including training programs, financial assistance, and marketing and networking opportunities. Another important initiative is the National Incubation Center (NIC), which is a startup incubator that provides support to early-stage companies in the technology sector, including game developers. The NIC offers mentoring, training, and office space to startups, helping them to grow and succeed.
Furthermore, the Pakistani government has taken steps to promote the growth of the technology sector in general, which has had a positive impact on the gaming industry. The government’s Digital Pakistan initiative, for example, aims to boost the country’s digital economy by promoting innovation in the tech sector. This initiative has created a favorable environment for game developers and helped to position Pakistan as a hub for technology and innovation. Overall, the government’s support for the gaming industry in Pakistan has been instrumental in driving its growth and success. By continuing to invest in this sector, the government can help to create new jobs and position Pakistan as a key player in the global gaming market.
Gaming Industry Boosting Pakistan’s Economy
The gaming industry is contributing to the increased economy of Pakistan in several ways:
The growth of the gaming industry in Pakistan has led to increased job opportunities. Game development requires a range of skills, including programming, design, and sound engineering, among others. As the industry has grown, the demand for skilled workers has increased, creating new job opportunities for people in the country.
The gaming industry has attracted significant foreign investment in recent years. This investment has been driven by the growth potential of the industry in Pakistan, as well as the government’s support for the sector. This foreign investment has helped to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the country.
Pakistan’s gaming industry has the potential to generate significant export revenue. As the industry grows and local game developers gain international recognition, they can sell their games in global markets, earning foreign exchange for the country.
The gaming industry is a source of technological innovation, which can have spillover effects in other sectors of the economy. As game developers create new technologies and techniques for game development, these innovations can be applied to other industries, driving productivity and growth.
Game developers in Pakistan are increasingly using games as a marketing tool for other industries. For example, games can be used to promote tourism, cultural events, and other aspects of Pakistani culture. This helps to promote the country’s image and attract investment and tourists.
Conclusion
The gaming industry in Pakistan is poised for significant growth in the coming years. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, Pakistan has the potential to become a regional hub for gaming and esports. The challenges facing the industry, such as the lack of infrastructure and government support, can be overcome with the right measures. The future outlook for the gaming industry in Pakistan is positive, and we can expect to see continued growth in the coming years.
About the Author: Alishba
