MENA Takes the Lead as Blockchain Gaming’s Fastest-Rising Powerhouse, New BGA Report Reveals

• MENA has risen from under 1% in 2021 to nearly 20% of blockchain gaming professionals in 2025, while Africa’s growth brings the two regions to over 25% of survey respondents.
• Expansion is driven by youthful, digitally native populations, government investment, international capital, esports events, and leadership promoting diversity.
• The sector is maturing with focus on high-quality games, regulatory clarity, sustainable business models, and mitigating challenges like scams, funding shortages, and AI exploitation.

The 2025 Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) State of the Industry Report reveals that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has become a major force in blockchain gaming, with nearly 20% of surveyed professionals now based in the region. 

This represents a dramatic increase from less than 1% in 2021, illustrating a profound global realignment in the industry. When combined with Africa’s rising representation of 5.5% of respondents, the two regions together make up more than a quarter of the total global survey sample.

MENA’s rapid ascent is attributed to several factors, including a digitally native population, robust governmental investment in gaming, esports, and digital infrastructure, and growing interest from international gaming companies. In addition, global capital is increasingly flowing into the region through strategic acquisitions and large-scale development projects, while major esports events are further boosting MENA’s prominence in blockchain gaming.

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Leadership is playing a crucial role in supporting this expansion. Yasmina Kazitani, the BGA’s first female Co-President elected in March 2025, has prioritised accessibility, grassroots engagement, and female participation in emerging markets. 

Her work with the Women in Web3 Alliance reflects ongoing efforts to enhance diversity and ensure more equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities. The report itself was offered in multiple languages for the first time, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, resulting in nearly a quarter of survey responses coming in languages other than English.

A broader range of perspectives strengthens decision-making, contributes to a more resilient ecosystem, and ultimately underpins a global industry that better reflects its players and creates games that resonate across cultures.

Yasmina Kazitani, Co-President of BGA

Key Drivers of Industry Development

Blockchain gaming is maturing as a sector and survey respondents cited growing confidence in regulatory frameworks, a focus on sustainable business models, and a commitment to high-quality game development as key priorities. At the same time, challenges remain, including scams, limited funding, and AI-related exploitation.

The 2025 BGA report demonstrates that blockchain gaming is becoming more global, diverse, and resilient. MENA’s rapidly expanding professional footprint highlights its role as a leading hub, shaping the future of the sector while contributing to a more inclusive and international gaming ecosystem.

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