The inaugural GameExpo Summit, held in Dubai this week, was a resounding success, bringing together over 1,300 registered attendees from around the world. The event, hosted by Pocket Gamer Connects, offered games industry professionals a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing. Alongside the summit, the GameExpo esports festival took place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, showcasing local and international indie development teams.
Dubai: Embracing Esports and Technology
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by Dr Marwan Al Zarooni, strategic advisor to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, who emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Dr. Al Zarooni highlighted Dubai’s strategy to double its GDP through the esports ecosystem and discussed the city’s metaverse strategy and the role of AI in gaming.
Navigating the Chinese Gaming Market
On the GameDev Stories track, Jeff Lyndon from iDreamSky shared insights into the Chinese gaming market. He discussed the rigorous regulations and restrictions in China, such as the requirement to log in with a national ID and limitations on playtime. However, these regulations have led to the rise of a creative phenomenon, with Chinese developers excelling at creating “anime-style games” tailored to local taste.
Building a Thriving Games Ecosystem in the MENA Region
The Middle East has become the fastest-growing region in the gaming industry, and the GameExpo Summit provided an opportunity to discuss the unique aspects of the MENA market. With high mobile penetration and a large youth population, the region offers significant potential for growth. However, it’s important to understand that the Middle East is not a homogeneous region, and localization is crucial for success. The panelists also highlighted the strong governmental support for the gaming industry in the region.
Growing with Influencers and Creators
The role of influencers and social media creators in the gaming industry was a key topic of discussion. TikTok, represented by Leonid Blinov, emphasized the value of influencers in reaching diverse audiences. Anton Gorodetsky from My.Games discussed the importance of diversification and exploring new markets. The panel also highlighted the growth of the MENA and LATAM markets in the past year.
Esports, Brands, and Mainstream Appeal
The panel on the Growth Track emphasized that gaming has become a mainstream activity that appeals to people of all ages and genders. Despite some misconceptions among the older generation, gaming has achieved widespread popularity and cultural relevance. The panelists discussed the potential for further growth in the esports industry and the importance of brands embracing gaming.