Niko Partners' Danial Ahmad explains where MENA gaming goes next, from esports and localization to regulation, talent and sustainable growth.

Image via Niko Partners Japanese video game franchises that introduced Arabic localization and increased their local market presence saw their share of sales from the GCC rise by an average of 33.2%, according to new research from Niko Partners. The research brief, commissioned by Media City Qatar in collaboration with games market intelligence firm Niko Partners, examines the growing relationship between Japan’s games industry and players across the Gulf Cooperation Council.