Power of Play: Saudi Arabia

What makes gamers around the world tick, and how do they differ from country to country? These questions and many more are addressed in the Power of Play study, which was conducted and published by industry associations. In addition to global evaluations, the report also compiles the most important answers to essential questions at the level of the 21 countries that participated.

In Saudi Arabia, AudienceNet surveyed a total of 1,076 people aged 16 and older. Although the Saudi Arabian gaming market is relatively young and male-dominated, the responses of the gamers surveyed differ only slightly from the global average..

Video games as a tool for mental resilience

Video Games…

Help me feel less stressed: 80% in Saudi Arabia vs. 77% globally
Help me feel happier: 82% in Saudi Arabia vs. 73% globally
Provide a healthy outlet from everyday challenges: 76% in Saudi Arabia vs. 72% globally
Help me feel less anxious: 79% in Saudi Arabia vs. 70% globally
Help me feel less isolated: 74% in Saudi Arabia vs.64% globally
Help me get through difficult times: 78% in Saudi Arabia vs. 62% globally

The influence of games on education, private life, and professional life is perceived more positively than globally. 64% of Saudi Arabians surveyed agreed with the statement “Influenced my career and/or educational path in a positive way.” Globally, the figure is 43%. The statement “Allows me to continue or pursue a hobby or interest that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do” was agreed with by 80% of Saudi Arabians surveyed, but by 64% of gamers surveyed worldwide.

In Saudi Arabia, gaming connects a higher proportion of people than in Germany, for example. 92% of gamers surveyed in Saudi Arabia play online with others at least once a month. 75% even play in-person with others at least once during the same period. 71% use in-game communications. Also interesting: 73 percent of parents say that playing video games has positively impacted their relationship with their kids.

Saudi Arabian gamers also believe that gaming can improve skills, as the support for the following statements shows.

Players agree that video games can improve…