Abstract
This chapter analyzes the emergence of Arab videogame cultures and industries. Videogames are a massively popular medium with skyrocketing economic relevance, becoming an increasingly important form of cultural production.
The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world. This growth is driven by the region's young and fast-growing population, a high penetration of smartphones and the internet, and an increasing supply of localised content.
The Arab videogame scene is multifaceted and diverse, and encompasses various actors with different visions and interests. Nevertheless, despite its diversity, the scene as a whole can be characterized by a high degree of cultural hybridization, strong emphasis on authenticity of visual representation, and sensitivity to religious and cultural issues.
This chapter examines the roles of economics, politics, religion, and global cultural flows in the appropriation of the videogame medium by local players, developers and institutions; linking them to a broader context of global cultural production and transnational consumer culture.