Gaming Preferences in the Arabic Region

Introduction:

In a bid to comprehend gaming preferences within the Arabic-speaking community, Sapience undertook an extensive research project for a leading gaming client. The research aimed to uncover insights into gaming genres, preferences for Arabic dubbed games, and attitudes towards local accent dubbing.

Key Findings:

  1. Most Commonly Played Genres:
    • Sports, Action, and Fighting games emerged as the top gaming genres.
    • While males predominantly played sports and first-person shooter games, females leaned more towards fantasy, simulation, music-related, and educational games.
    • Distinct age preferences were observed; for instance, sports were favored by the 25-34 age group, action/adventure by both the 15-20 and 25-34 age groups, and fantasy by the 21-34 age group.
  2. Language Preferences:
    • The majority of players preferred their games dubbed in Arabic, with sports leading the demand list.
    • Subtitling (covering speech and storyline) and translating (focusing on settings, controls, and features) were also significant areas of interest.
    • Around one-third of respondents expressed an interest in specific games dubbed in Arabic, with “Uncharted” and “Call of Duty” leading the demand.
  3. Local Accent Dubbing:
    • Many respondents expressed a desire to have games dubbed in a local accent, though this preference was opposed by the challenge of moving away from the English versions they were accustomed to.
    • There was a notable concern that Arabic dubbing might lead to a loss in the game’s essence, although this was not a predominant worry among respondents.
    • Attitudes towards dubbing exhibited variations based on gender, nationality, and age. For example, the preference for games in a dubbed local accent was highest among the 25-34 age group.

Conclusions:

The gaming industry, especially in the Arabic-speaking regions, is influenced by a variety of factors such as age, gender, and nationality. Understanding these preferences, especially in terms of language and cultural nuances, is crucial for game developers and distributors to cater effectively to this market. The preference for local accent dubbing and the popularity of certain genres provide invaluable insights for gaming companies looking to expand or consolidate their presence in the region.

Recommendations:

  1. Developers should consider including Arabic dubbing, especially in local accents, for games targeting the Arabic-speaking community.
  2. The gaming industry should take note of the specific genre preferences of different age groups and genders to curate a more targeted gaming experience.
  3. Continuous engagement and feedback sessions with the community can further refine game development study highlights the importance of cultural and linguistic customization for the gaming industry.

By leveraging the insights provided by Sapience, gaming companies can not only enhance the player experience but also tap into new market segments within the Arabic-speaking community. Regularly updating these insights and staying tuned to shifts in preferences will be crucial in maintaining relevance and driving growth in this dynamic market.

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