eSports
PayerMax Boosts Saudi Mobile Gaming Payments: Empowering the Thriving Esports Ecosystem
Esports has introduced a new form of entertainment in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the younger generation who are avid gamers. As the inaugural Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh, PayerMax, a leading global payments solutions provider, reaffirms its commitment to empowering innovation in Saudi Arabia’s mobile gaming industry.
Saudi Arabia boasts a staggering mobile gaming market valued at $1.8 billion, representing a massive 45% share of the entire Middle East and North Africa region. With nearly two-thirds (67%) of the population being gamers, this presents a golden opportunity for both local and international game developers.
The globalisation and upgrading of the game industry is a systematic project, and the major game companies face a highly heterogeneous global market, and the problems they encounter are often diverse. In this context, finding a partner that can provide one-stop solutions and rich service content is becoming more and more important for game companies.
PayerMax’s Role in the Ecosystem
As the very first Asian fintech company to participate in the Regional Headquarters Programme (RHQ) and obtain an RHQ license in Saudi Arabia, PayerMax recognises the crucial role secure and convenient payment solutions play in the booming mobile gaming landscape. PayerMax offers tailored payment solutions for different use scenarios, like in-app purchases, game webshop top-ups, micro incentives and more, supporting both mobile game developers and passionate Saudi gamers.
“The thriving Esports scene in Saudi Arabia showcases the immense potential of the mobile gaming industry. PayerMax is proud to be a part of this exciting ecosystem. Our innovative payment solutions empower gaming developers to create exceptional gaming experiences while ensuring a smooth and secure experience for gamers in Saudi,” Wanghu, Co-founder at PayerMax, said.
PayerMax provided payment marketing campaign support during an in-app event for a popular game app, helping the developer achieve double the transaction volume and paying users during the event, as well as a year-on-year increase in the use of specific payment methods. Transaction volume increased by 153%, the number of successful orders increased by 180%.
Payment and Security Solutions
Among Saudi gamers, 32% are average spenders on mobile games and 12% are big spenders. The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Mobile Games market is projected to be US$85.47 in 2024. Payment platforms need regionally targeted risk control strategies for both game companies and end users.
Fraud payments occur occasionally. PayerMax employs a proprietary real-time anti-fraud system to detect abnormal payment behavior, prevent fraud and block suspicious transactions through phone alerts and other means. During the trading process, the transaction data is also analyzed in real time through machine learning models and strategies to intercept risky trades.
By streamlining the payment process, PayerMax helps unlock the full potential of the Saudi mobile gaming market, fostering a more vibrant and competitive environment for developers and contributing to the growth of the Esports scene within the Kingdom.
The post PayerMax Boosts Saudi Mobile Gaming Payments: Empowering the Thriving Esports Ecosystem appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
NIP Group Partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to Accelerate Abu Dhabi’s Esports Industry
NIP Group Inc., a leading digital entertainment company, announced that it has entered a multi-year partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to drive gaming, media and entertainment growth in Abu Dhabi.
The five-year landmark agreement will see ADIO support NIP Group’s expansion in the region. Under the agreement, ADIO will support the Company with access to financial and non-financial growth opportunities valued at up to US$40 million over a four-year period. The NIP Group will establish its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi and will contribute to local employment in the esports and gaming sector. The Company will also increase its capacity across key business verticals in the region, including esports operations, creative studios and game publishing, alongside events and talent management.
Through the partnership, NIP Group will work directly with ADIO to advise on its gaming and esports strategy, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s location and resources to build a thriving local gaming ecosystem and deliver innovative digital entertainment solutions worldwide.
“We’re delighted to partner with ADIO as we bring together our Eastern and Western businesses, establishing a truly global headquarter that represents not only our growth as a company but the growth of gaming and entertainment in the Middle East. Our selection as a key partner is the ultimate testament to NIP Group’s industry legacy and leadership,” said Hicham Chahine, Co-CEO of NIP Group.
Mario Ho, Chairman and Co-CEO of NIP Group, said: “This partnership underscores our dedication to sustainable global expansion and operational excellence. This collaboration with ADIO not only reflects our growth ambitions but also our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for local talent. By creating new jobs and amplifying Abu Dhabi’s leadership in esports and gaming, we aim to empower a new generation of professionals who will drive the gaming and entertainment sector forward in the Middle East and beyond.”
H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “ADIO’s partnership with NIP Group reflects our shared ambition to lead in innovative industries of the future at the cutting edge of entertainment and technology. Welcoming NIP Group to Abu Dhabi represents an important addition to this endeavour, and we look forward to collaborating to ensure a dynamic future for Abu Dhabi’s esports and gaming industries.”
Through the partnership, NIP Group will have support from the broader Abu Dhabi ecosystem, which will help the Company expand its business in the Middle East and globally.
The post NIP Group Partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to Accelerate Abu Dhabi’s Esports Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights
The ICE Esports Arena at ICE Barcelona 2025 plays a key role in educating people about esports and how to access, integrate and regulate this growing vertical, says Clarion Gaming’s leader in Emerging Technology and Esports.
“Part of the role of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference is explaining exactly what esports is,” said Will Harding. “There is still work to be done in helping regulators to better understand esports. That’s why showcasing esports here at ICE is so important – we’re empowering people who are at the forefront of shaping regulatory policy.”
The ICE Esports Arena continues to grow year-on-year, with four world-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams competing live at ICE 2025 for a US$25,000 prize pool. This year’s winners were 500 (Bulgaria: World ranking: 47).
“In terms of attendees, we have a whole spectrum of people here, from those that are still shocked that computer games have anything to do with sports betting to those that have built incredible businesses around esports,” Harding continued.
“There are also a number of visitors who realise that esports is significant for their business in terms of revenue but don’t necessarily know how to access this vertical, and we’re here to guide them toward unlocking its full potential.
“But the one thing which is absolutely certain is that esports betting is here to stay and it’s going to continue to grow”
He also praised headline partners, esports betting experts Oddin.gg, for their contribution in helping explain why esports is such a commercially important vertical for operators.
“Oddin.gg has been an excellent partner in realising the Esports Arena. Holding a professional esports tournament is a big endeavour. As our headline sponsor, Oddin.gg has played a key role in showcasing how the data and the odds work. They have helped complete the education journey,” he affirmed.
Commenting on ICE’s move to Barcelona, Harding highlighted that both the city and the show’s new venue Fira Barcelona Gran Via have extensive experience with esports, providing a perfect location for the ICE Esports Arena’s continuing expansion.
“It’s very established here. You can walk around Barcelona and see large-scale internet cafes catering for esports fans,” he added. “This represents an ideal foundation for the continued growth of the Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference in the years ahead.”
The post Shaping the Future of Esports: ICE Esports Arena provides essential insights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
The World of Esports Unites: 136 Nations Registered for 2025 Season
The International Esports Federation (IESF) is thrilled to announce a major milestone as 136 nations have officially registered for the National Qualifiers of the 2025 esports season. This record-breaking level of participation underscores the remarkable growth and global appeal of esports, uniting athletes and fans from every corner of the world under one shared passion.
The National Qualifiers, which commenced on January 15, 2025, mark the start of an exciting journey for millions of athletes. Competing across a diverse range of PC, mobile, and console titles, these athletes are fighting for the opportunity to represent their nations on the largest stage of esports.
Highlighting the significance of this achievement, IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski stated:
“The participation of 136 Member Federations in this year’s National Qualifiers is an extraordinary accomplishment. It reflects the deep passion, dedication, and unity within the global esports community. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the emergence of this year’s national champions and the incredible talent that will define the 2025 season.”
As IESF celebrates its 16-year legacy, the 2025 season is another step forward in showcasing esports as a powerful unifying force. The federation remains committed to supporting the growth of the esports ecosystem, encouraging the next generation of athletes, and celebrating the diversity within the global esports community.
The 2025 season will bring nations together to honor the competitive spirit and creativity of esports. With 136 nations involved, IESF reaffirms its dedication to fostering collaboration, inspiring excellence, and showcasing the exceptional talent of athletes from all over the world.
The journey to an unforgettable year in esports has begun, as IESF continues to bring the world closer through the shared passion for competitive gaming.
The post The World of Esports Unites: 136 Nations Registered for 2025 Season appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
BetConstruct6 days ago
BetConstruct Becomes the First iGaming Company to Offer Both B2B and B2C Licenses in Canada through Affiliate Entity
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission Appoints Mark Rutherford as its New Chief Executive Officer
-
Canada6 days ago
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Closing of the Acquisition of Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria
-
BMM Testlabs5 days ago
BMM Testlabs Earns Accreditation in Maranhão, Brazil To Test Fixed Odds Betting Systems and Lottery Platforms
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
UKGC Issues Urgent Warning on Unlicensed Platforms and Operator Responsibility
-
Golden Nugget Atlantic City3 days ago
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Announces Re-opening of Sportsbook with New, Innovative Technology and Expanded Betting Markets
-
Asia4 days ago
NRT Technology Appoints Tecnet Asia as its Official Distributor in the Philippines
-
Affiliate Industry5 days ago
The Danish Gambling Authority Warns of Money Laundering Risks When Using Affiliates