Pak gaming industry expanding rapidly, NA told

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly on Monday that Pakistan’s gaming industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by the country’s tech-savvy youth population, increasing smartphone penetration, and improved digital infrastructure.

Responding to questions during the assembly session, the minister revealed that Pakistan currently boasts over 34 million online gamers, with this number expected to grow to 45 million by 2025. This growth positions Pakistan as an emerging player in the global gaming market.

In a written reply to a question from Dr Nafisa Shah, the minister provided detailed statistics about the gaming industry’s global and local landscape. The global video game market was valued at approximately $227.6 billion in 2023 with projections 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.

The minister emphasised that mobile gaming has become the dominant segment, accounting for 52 percent of the market in 2022. She attributed this growth to the affordability of mobile gaming and continuous advancements in smartphone technology, which have expanded both the variety and accessibility of games.

Regarding Pakistan’s domestic industry, the minister shared data from the Pakistan Software Houses Association’s 2022-23 Animation, Gaming and Graphics Ecosystem Report. The sector generates $300 million in total revenue, with exports contributing $157.9 million. Currently, 12,057 professionals are employed across 257 companies operating in animation, graphics and gaming. The sector attracted $36 million in investments during the 2022-23 fiscal year.

The minister noted that Pakistan had over 34 million verified online gamers in 2022, with projections suggesting this number will reach 45 million within three years. In terms of gaming platforms, mobile devices dominate with 60 percent of gamers, followed by PCs at 30 percent and consoles at 10 percent. She highlighted the growing trend of local game development, with Pakistani developers increasingly focusing on global markets to achieve better financial returns.

To support this burgeoning industry, the government has initiated several programmes. One key initiative is the Centre of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), which would be established in Karachi and Lahore. This centre, to be set up by the Ignite National Technology Fund under the Ministry of IT and Telecom with a budget of Rs2.5 billion, aims to nurture new gaming and animation startups. Additionally, it plans to provide training to 10,000 participants over five years, further strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global digital entertainment market.