The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) account for about 20% of the global blockchain gaming workforce. This marks the largest regional shift in the industry's history.
The Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) 2025 industry status report was unveiled on December 10, 2025, at the Global Blockchain Show in Abu Dhabi. This report highlights the dramatic changes in the global talent landscape. The MENA region has risen from 0.5% in 2021 to 19.8% in 2025, marking the fastest growth since tracking began.
Rapid growth, regional demographic restructuring.
BGA's fifth annual survey suggests a fundamental rebalancing in the blockchain gaming industry. While the Western market is contracting, other regions are accelerating digital infrastructure and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
In 2025, a total of 506 valid responses were collected, which is lower than the 623 in 2024. The contraction of Western markets has affected this decline. Emerging regions have recorded real growth, with Africa accounting for 5.5% of industry workers and Latin America for 11.9%. This clearly deviates from the traditional Asia and Europe-centric trend.
The female participation rate reached a record high of 22.7%, up from 17.3% in 2024. The majority of professionals were aged between 25 and 44. Growth centered around the younger generation continues in MENA and Africa, especially as 40% of African respondents are under 25.
Experts evaluate regulatory clarity as the most important factor for the future of blockchain games. 64.4% expect policies and regulations to positively guide the industry, reflecting a growing perception that legitimacy hinges on a clear legal framework.
MENA countries have moved quickly to establish regulations. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Morocco are piloting or regulating stablecoin systems. As a result, the region has taken the lead in payment innovation. For example, in Oman, the volume of digital payment transactions surged by 700% in one year. Currently, digital wallets account for 74% of total transactions, supporting a blockchain-based economy through an advanced financial system.
High-quality game releases were the second major driver, accounting for 29.5%. This indicates a departure from past speculative models. Sustainable and revenue-generating business models ranked third at 27.5%. Stablecoins received 27.3% support as tools for cross-border payments and in-game transactions.
Studios have adopted product-centric strategies following market contraction. Blockchain game investments plummeted from over $10 billion in 2022 to $293 million in 2025. Studios are now focusing on actual revenue generation rather than token speculation. Guild participation rates dropped from 20.7% in 2022 to 7.9% in 2025, as unsustainable models have disappeared.
Fraud, investment challenges, AI…emerging as the biggest risk factors.
Despite growth, the industry faces serious obstacles. Fraud and misconduct are cited as the most significant threats at 36.0%. Rug pulls and exploitative practices continue to hinder mainstream adoption, particularly posing a significant barrier for risk-averse gamers.
A lack of funding has also become the second most significant challenge at 32.6%. Since 2021, 80-93% of early-stage companies have shut down. Major venture capital firms have halted new investments. Now, studios must prove their profitability and sustainability.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers both opportunities and risks. A total of 46% see AI as a growth driver for marketing and content creation. Conversely, 38.9% express concerns about potential misuse of AI, including cheating, low-quality content, and concerns over creativity erosion.
Digital infrastructure boosts MENA's competitiveness.
The growth in MENA signifies more than just innovation-friendly regulations. The digital generation in this region has a high level of financial knowledge and risk tolerance, which is key to blockchain adoption. About 45% of MENA traders start trading with demo accounts, indicating a broad demand for economic education. Local customers exhibit very high win rates and the highest risk preferences globally.
Modern payment systems also play an important role. Many countries have introduced real-time payment systems, automated clearinghouses, and mobile platforms. This reduces transaction costs and shortens payment processing times. As a result, cross-border value transfers become possible, which is essential for the blockchain gaming economy.
Large studios are also paying attention. BGA survey respondents include employees from Ubisoft, Square Enix, Cointelegraph, Polygon Labs, DMCC Dubai, and major financial institutions. Traditional gaming companies are beginning to merge with blockchain firms. Publishers are exploring Web3 while incorporating new technologies without discarding proven models.
In 2024, the global stablecoin payment volume reached $27.6 trillion. MENA is leading retail payment innovation. This region has favorable conditions for blockchain games to transition from niche to mainstream by focusing on regulations, infrastructure, and user expertise.
The industry is overcoming stagnation and moving towards recovery in 2026.
Web3 token prices have fallen by 90-95% from previous highs. Studios are moving away from token-centric models. Now, they prefer traditional revenue models enhanced with blockchain elements. Many projects have failed, but the ones that survived have built a stronger foundation. Studios with robust intellectual property and sustainable economic structures are attracting investor interest, a change following two years of funding struggles.
The rise of MENA has occurred as the industry matures. Developers in this region benefit from stable regulations, diversified revenue sources, and capital from institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds.
Looking ahead to 2026, the industry is watching whether high-quality game releases will finally fulfill a long-held desire. While MENA's infrastructure, talent, and regulatory environment provide competitiveness, true success depends on developing games that are selected for pure enjoyment, rather than simple rewards. Next year will reveal whether MENA can become the engine of blockchain game growth.