The gaming industry in the Middle East continues to grow rapidly, with a projected value of over $6 billion by 2023. The region’s gaming market is expected to reach over 100 million gamers, with a significant portion of them being under the age of 30. Mobile gaming remains the dominant segment, with an estimated 80% of gamers playing on their mobile devices. The top five gaming markets in the region are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, with Saudi Arabia being the largest market. The popularity of gaming in the region has led to the establishment of numerous gaming events, tournaments, and conventions. The Middle East gaming industry’s growth is driven by increasing internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a young population’s growing interest in gaming.
5 Tips for Effective Game Localization to the Middle East
Game localization is an important aspect of game development, particularly when expanding into new markets such as the Middle East. Here are some tips for game localization to ensure your game resonates with Middle Eastern audiences:
Language Localization: It’s crucial to translate your game’s interface, instructions, and subtitles into Arabic to appeal to Middle Eastern audiences. Arabic is the official language of the region, and having localized content will make your game more accessible and enjoyable for players.
Cultural Sensitivity: It’s essential to understand the cultural nuances of the Middle East and avoid cultural taboos in your game. For example, it’s best to avoid showing graphic violence or any images that may offend the Muslim faith. Incorporating cultural references, landmarks, and historical events from the region can also help your game feel more authentic.
Social Features: Middle Eastern gamers are known for their social nature, so adding social features to your game can help it gain popularity. For example, adding in-game chat features, allowing players to share their achievements on social media, and providing options for multiplayer mode can increase engagement.
Payment Options: In the Middle East, not all players have access to credit cards, so it’s essential to offer alternative payment options such as local payment gateways, carrier billing, or mobile payment options.
Marketing Strategies: To promote your game effectively, it’s essential to have a targeted marketing strategy that resonates with Middle Eastern audiences. Utilizing social media channels such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to reach out to gamers can help promote your game to a wider audience.
Future Trans: Your Partner for Game Localization in the Middle East
Future Trans is a leading game localization service provider that offers expert solutions for game developers looking to expand their reach to Middle Eastern markets. With years of experience and a team of professional linguists and localization experts, Future Trans offers a range of services, including translation, localization, cultural adaptation, voice-over, and testing. They work closely with game developers to ensure that their games are not only translated accurately but also adapted to the cultural nuances and preferences of Middle Eastern audiences. Moreover, Future Trans is well-versed in the latest gaming trends and technologies, ensuring that your game is optimized for the local market. With Future Trans, game developers can expect high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective game localization services that will help their games succeed in the Middle East.
