Millions of Gamers to Bring Over $8 Million to Pakistan

With a youthful population, growing internet penetration, and a vibrant gaming community, Pakistan’s gaming industry is at the cusp of significant expansion with the number of gamers expected to rise to 50.9 million by 2026, according to the report by Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) on Esports.  In 2024, the projected revenue in the Esports market is estimated to reach $5.2 million in Pakistan. It is expected to display a CAGR of 10.71%, resulting in a projected market volume of $8.7 million by 2029. The report noted that Pakistan is emerging as a significant player in the global Esports scene with a rapidly growing community of gamers and professional teams consisting of 16% of the population or an estimated 36 million gamers by the end of 2022.   Esports, or electronic sports, refer to organized, competitive gaming, where professional players and teams compete in various video games for prize money and prestige. Esports have rapidly grown from niche communities to a global industry with millions of fans and billions in revenue.   The Esports industry in Pakistan has gained significant attention with the federal government officially recognizing Esports as an industry through the E-Pak initiative in July 2021. This initiative aims at supporting game developers and players and organizing gaming events. The government’s recognition of Esports as a legitimate industry has further propelled its growth. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Pakistan Esports Federation and support for local tournaments have created a supportive environment for the industry. In 2022, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication announced plans to develop Esports infrastructure and training programs to nurture local talent. Around the world, approximately 30 to 40 countries officially recognize Esports as an industry or world sport. These countries have established governing bodies, regulations, and sometimes even funding to support the growth of Esports .   This recognition often includes granting Esports athletes the same status as traditional sports athletes, which can include visa privileges, legal protections, and eligibility for government-sponsored programs. Future Outlook The future of Esports in Pakistan looks promising, with several factors contributing to its growth.   The increasing popularity of mobile gaming, driven by affordable smartphones and data plans, is expected to expand the player base and audience for Esports.  The integration of blockchain technology and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in Esports offers new revenue streams and opportunities for innovation. Pakistani developers are exploring the potential of Play2Earn (P2E) models, where players can earn rewards and trade virtual assets through blockchain-based games.  As the industry continues to evolve, Esports are set to become an integral part of Pakistan’s digital economy and cultural landscape. Champions of Pakistan in the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Global Rankings, Pakistani Esports players have achieved notable success.   In 2023, two Pakistanis were ranked in the Top 10, with Arslan Ash leading at No. 1 and Atif Butt securing the No. 6 position. Additionally, seven Pakistani players were featured in the Global Top 50 Rankings. in 2024, the representation of Pakistani players remained strong, with six individuals in the Top 50, including Arslan Ash at number 2 and Atif Butt at number 3 globally.   Local Esports Tournaments Pakistan has hosted several major Esports tournaments, attracting both local and international participants. The Pak-China Esports Friendship Cup, organized in collaboration with Chinese Esports organizations, has become a prominent event, fostering international cooperation and competition. The Dew Gamers Arena, sponsored by Mountain Dew, is another significant tournament, offering substantial prize pools and attracting top-tier talent. In 2023, the Lahore Esports Festival showcased the country’s growing Esports community, featuring tournaments in popular titles like Valorant, CS:GO, and FIFA.   These events have not only provided a platform for local players to showcase their skills but have also helped to raise the profile of Esports in Pakistan. In 2024, Raptr Games and IGN in partnership with HBL carried out 3 large-scale tournaments across FIFA 24, Valorant and Tekken 8 to find new talent and give them opportunities to showcase their skill leading to participation from hundreds of players.   In 2023, The Beaconhouse School system took the initiative to bring Esports into the education mainstream by partnering with Raptr and IGN to give more than 1,000 students across 4 cities the opportunity to professionally engage in a national EA FC 24 tournament to kick off their new school year.  Esports At A Global Level The global Esports market is estimated to generate almost $5 billion in revenue by 2024 and is expected to reach $641.39 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 22.6%, according to the PSEB report citied various international researches. This growth is fueled by advancements in live streaming technology, increased sponsorship, and the popularity of online platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming.   Esports viewership is over half a billion in 2024, with major events like The International League of Legends World Championship, and the Fortnite World Cup drawing audiences comparable to traditional sports events.