Last week's Esports Future Summit in Aqaba marked a pivotal moment for Jordan's esports and gaming sector. Here are the seven key takeaways from the conference:

 

  1. Rapid Growth of MENA in the Global Gaming Scene

    • The MENA region is emerging as a significant player in the global esports market, contributing a whopping 56% to the sector. Jordan, with its youthful population, where 63% are under 30, is particularly poised for growth. The Jordan Esports Federation, established in 2019, has seen swift international recognition and success.

  2. Jordan’s Ambitious Five-Year Esports Plan

    • Jordan aims to become a MENA esports powerhouse, planning to create 3,000 games-related jobs and ensure esports contributes 1% to the GDP within the next five years. This initiative is supported by an advisory committee that includes Prince Omar bin Faisal and aims to boost national team participation in tournaments by 50%.

  3. Investors' Skepticism Towards Esports

    • Investors typically shy away from esports due to its unpredictability and complex monetization strategies. Jassem Osseiran from 611 Capital emphasized the importance of a personal connection in pitches to investors, advocating for entrepreneurs to focus on their unique stories and business plans to attract funding.

  4. Misconceptions About Esports Fans

    • Mohammed Kanakri addressed common myths about esports fans, highlighting that the average fan is 26 years old and that gaming can enhance cognitive skills and teamwork. He also noted that there is no proven link between esports and real-world violence, suggesting games can be a healthy outlet.

  5. Digital Literacy Skills from Gaming

    • Laylah Bulman from Minecraft Education discussed the critical role of games like Minecraft in teaching digital literacy and computer skills from an early age, emphasizing that "the only passport that matters is your education."

  6. Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East

    • AI's impact on the games industry was a significant topic, with discussions about the challenges and opportunities it presents, including language model limitations and the potential for no-code and low-code game design tools to democratize game development.

  7. Jordan as a New Internet Connectivity Hub

    • The upcoming completion of Google's Blue-Raman fibre-optic cable system in Aqaba promises to transform the city into a vital internet connectivity hub. This development will boost the infrastructure for digital businesses and esports in the region.

 

These insights from the Esports Future Summit underscore a significant transformation within Jordan's digital economy and highlight the broader potentials within the MENA region's gaming and esports industries.