Blockchain Game Alliance cites MENA as global growth engine for blockchain gaming
Now into its fifth edition, web3 games industry organisation Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) has released its 2025 State of the Industry Report.
Tracking movements and trends in the global blockchain game sector, the 2025 overview shines a light on a maturing industry that’s moved from speculation toward high-quality games and more sustainability.
One of the key findings points to the emergence of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Now one of the world’s fastest-growing games markets, the report shows MENA’s rising significance in blockchain gaming. Representing nearly one-fifth of all industry professionals surveyed for the report, 20% of respondents were from MENA, up from under 1% in 2021. This marks the most prominent regional shift since the survey’s inception.
Combined with Africa’s steady growth from 0.5% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2025, those regions now account for more than a quarter of all global survey responses.
BGA co-president and The Sandbox co-founder Sebastien Borget presented the findings live on stage at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025.
“Sharing this year’s BGA State of the Industry Report in Abu Dhabi shows the promise and huge potential of blockchain gaming’s next phase, and MENA’s rapid growth is a big signal that new regions around the world are stepping into leadership roles,” commented Borget.
MENA’s games market is powered by a young, digitally-native talent pool and backed by extensive government investment into games, esports, and digital infrastructure. As global companies increasingly eye the region, more funding enters the quickly growing market.
Alongside this, BGA has also increased its MENA presence, much thanks to the regional advocacy of Yasmina Kazitani, who was elected the organization’s first female co-president in March 2025.
Since her appointment, Kazitani has focused on community partnerships and grassroots outreach across emerging markets. She is also co-founder of the Women in Web3 Alliance, which works to reduce entry barriers for female leadership within the industry.
Another key takeaway from the report was the 23% female participation in the survey, marking the highest level ever recorded.
“The survey results reflect what we see on the ground: new communities with new talent and stewardship,” commented Kazitani.
“With more voices entering the conversation, we are reminded that diverse representation is essential because this is what influences the ideas, products, and priorities that will define our industry’s next phase.”
Join the conversation about MENA’s increasing impact on the global games industry at Dubai GameExpo Summit, powered by PG Connects, on May 20th-21st, 2026. You can register your interest today.
You can read the full BGA 2025 report here.
