Pakistan’s gaming industry is experiencing notable expansion, driven by the country’s tech-savvy youth population, increased smartphone usage, and enhanced digital infrastructure, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly on Monday.
The minister revealed that Pakistan currently has over 34 million online gamers, with projections indicating the number will rise to 45 million by 2025. This growth positions Pakistan as an emerging force in the global gaming market.
In response to questions during the assembly session, the minister shared insights into the global and local gaming industry. The global video game market was valued at $227.6 billion in 2023, with forecasts indicating it will more than double in the coming years. The combined global Animation, Gaming, and Graphics market stood at $626 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030.
Mobile gaming has emerged as the dominant segment, making up 52 percent of the market in 2022. This growth is attributed to the affordability of mobile gaming and advancements in smartphone technology, which have made a variety of games more accessible to a wider audience.
In Pakistan, the gaming industry generated $300 million in total revenue in 2022-23, with exports contributing $157.9 million. The sector employs over 12,000 professionals across 257 companies in animation, graphics, and gaming. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the industry attracted $36 million in investments.
The minister also noted that mobile devices are the primary gaming platform, accounting for 60 percent of gamers, followed by PCs at 30 percent and consoles at 10 percent. Pakistani developers are increasingly focusing on local game development, with an eye on global markets to achieve better financial returns.
To further support the industry’s growth, the government has launched several initiatives, including the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA) in Karachi and Lahore. Funded by the Ignite National Technology Fund under the Ministry of IT and Telecom with a budget of Rs2.5 billion, CEGA will foster new gaming and animation startups and train 10,000 participants over the next five years.
About Pakistan’s Gaming Industry
Pakistan’s gaming industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by a large youth population, improved digital infrastructure, and the increasing popularity of mobile gaming. With initiatives like CEGA and an emphasis on local game development, the sector is positioned for continued growth and global recognition.
