Jordan’s electronic gaming industry has surged past a significant milestone, achieving a valuation of $312.8 million in 2024. The sector is poised for continued expansion, with an expected annual growth rate of 11.5 percent through 2030, propelled by strategic government initiatives and a thriving ecosystem of local game studios like Tamatem, a leading publisher focused on the Arabic-speaking market.
A National Vision for Gaming and Esports
The impressive growth is underpinned by Jordan’s National Strategy for Games and Esports, an ambitious plan to solidify the country’s position as a regional gaming hub. The strategy sets clear targets, aiming to create 3,000 new jobs within the sector by 2027 and increase the industry’s contribution to the national GDP to 3 percent. This government-led vision provides a framework for sustainable growth and investment in the digital economy.
Cultivating a New Generation of Game Developers
A key component of Jordan’s strategy is building a robust talent pipeline. Two years ago, Al Hussein Technical University pioneered the country’s first academic program
This initiative builds on the foundation laid by the Jordan Gaming Lab, which was established in 2011. Now operating in six cities across the country, the lab focuses on nurturing the essential skills required for careers in game design, production, and other technical roles. The project is overseen by the veteran Jordanian mobile gaming company, Maysalward.
Local Studios Capitalize on Cultural Content
Jordan is currently home to at least 15 game studios that are successfully tapping into the growing global demand for Arabic and culturally relevant content. Tamatem has built a powerful business model by taking successful international games and fully localizing them to resonate with regional players.
Similarly, studios like Maysalward have found success by creating digital versions of popular traditional games such as Baloot and dominoes, demonstrating the significant market for content that reflects local culture. This focus on localization gives Jordanian studios a distinct competitive advantage in the burgeoning MENA gaming market, which is projected to be worth nearly $10 billion by 2030.
About The Jordan Gaming Lab
The Jordan Gaming Lab is a government-backed initiative launched in 2011 to foster talent and innovation within the country’s gaming industry. It provides aspiring developers and designers with the resources, training, and mentorship needed to build successful careers in the sector. Operating in six locations, the lab serves as a crucial incubator for the next generation of Jordanian game creators.
Source: AGBI
