ISLAMABAD: With over 34 million online gamers and a projected growth to 45 million by 2025, the country is emerging as a key player in the global gaming market. This was revealed by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in written response to the National Assembly.
Pakistan’s gaming industry has witnessed rapid expansion, driven by a tech-savvy youth population, increased smartphone adoption, and improved digital infrastructure. As of 2023, the global video game market was valued at approximately $227.6 billion. Projections indicate significant growth, with the market expected to more than double in upcoming years.
The combined global Animation, gaming, and graphics market was valued at $626 billion in 2022 and was projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030. The expansion is largely driven by the proliferation of mobile gaming, which constituted 52% of the market in 2022. Mobile gaming’s affordability and the advancement of smartphone technology have expanded the variety and accessibility of games.
According to the 2022-23 report by Pakistan Software Houses Association’s (P@SHA) Animation, Gaming and Graphics Ecosystem Report, the total revenue of the sector in Pakistan is $300 Million, whereas, the total exports are $157.9 Million. There are 12,057 employees associated with the sector and the total number of Animation, Graphics and Gaming companies is 257. The total investment raised by the sector in the year 2022-23 was $36 Million.
In 2022, Pakistan had over 34 million verified online gamers, a number projected to rise to 45 million in the next 3 years. Mobile gaming dominates the market, with 60% of gamers playing on mobile devices, 30% on PCs, and 10% on consoles. Local game development is on the rise, with Pakistani developers increasingly targeting global markets to achieve better financial returns.
The government of Pakistan has started several initiatives to boost the industry. Among these initiatives, the Center of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA) is one of the programs that stands out. The center which is going to be established in Karachi and Lahore will support and nurture new gaming and animation startups and will also provide trainings to 10,000 participants over 5 years. This center will be established by Ignite National Technology Fund, Ministry of IT & Telecom with a budget of 2.5 Billion PKR.