Pareesa Afreen 
Dec 25, 2024
The gaming industry in 2024 witnessed remarkable growth, with technological advancements, AI-driven mechanics, and cross-platform innovations shaping its landscape. This year also marked a significant opportunity for Pakistan to assert itself as an emerging player in the global eSports and gaming ecosystem.
From reshaping iconic franchises like PUBG, Tekken 8, and Genshin Impact to enhancing accessibility through subscription-based services, the industry achieved milestones that continue to impact gamers worldwide.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence in game design and storytelling introduced players to personalised, evolving gameplay, while the rise of cloud gaming services further democratised access to high-quality titles across platforms.
The year also saw subscription-based services such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Premium expand their offerings, making AAA titles more accessible to gamers around the world. These platforms not only reshaped the economic model of gaming but also bridged the gap between casual and professional players, creating new opportunities for engagement. As 2024 unfolded, it became clear that the gaming industry’s impact extended beyond entertainment, influencing culture, technology, and economic development on a global scale.
AI-driven game development
Titles like Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Starfield embraced artificial intelligence (AI) for procedural generation, immersive storytelling, and adaptive game mechanics. Players now enjoy personalised gaming experiences tailored to their play styles, showcasing the potential of AI to redefine entertainment.
Cloud gaming becomes the norm
Tech giants Microsoft (Xbox Cloud Gaming) and Sony (PlayStation Now) further expanded their streaming services, bringing seamless gaming to devices ranging from consoles and PCs to mobiles. New hardware like the PlayStation 5 Pro, Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo Switch OLED bolstered accessibility, making cloud gaming a standard feature in the industry.
Iconic franchises shine
Final Fantasy XVI received captivating expansions featuring new storylines, mechanics, and online co-op modes. These updates reinvigorated its loyal player base with stunning visuals and compelling narratives. Meanwhile, Diablo IV maintained its relevance through seasonal expansions, refined PvP mechanics, and updated character classes, cementing its spot in the RPG market.
This year’s Game Awards highlighted the industry’s milestones:
- Game of the year: Astro Bot
- Best narrative and art direction: Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Best score and music: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Best fighting game: Tekken 8
- Best multiplayer game: Helldivers 2
- Most anticipated game: Grand Theft Auto VI
Additionally, League of Legends won Best eSports Game, while star player Faker claimed Best eSports Athlete.
A growing industry
Pakistan's gaming market evolved significantly in 2024, driven by increased smartphone penetration, digital connectivity, and the youth’s growing interest in gaming. The nation’s eSports scene has seen more players qualifying for global competitions across popular titles.
Speaking to Gadinsider, PUBG professional player Muzammil Mustafa, also known as M7X, reflected on the industry’s progress: “The gaming scene in Pakistan has significantly progressed a lot in 2024, with many players now qualifying for global competitions across various games.
“In Tekken 7, there has been notable improvement; previously, players like Arslan Ash and Atif Butt represented Pakistan on the global stage, but now several other players are also qualifying for international levels.”
Challenges hindering growth
Despite these advancements, Pakistan’s gaming community faces challenges. According to M7X, infrastructure gaps and a lack of governmental support remain significant obstacles: “Visa issues are very common. Even if players qualify for tournaments, they often face problems with their visas, and sometimes their visas don’t get approved.”
These issues highlight the need for better policies and institutional backing to sustain the momentum of eSports growth.
The rise of Tekken’s Atif Butt
Among the standout figures of Pakistan’s gaming scene is Atif Butt, a professional Tekken player who won the Tekken 8 Championship at the prestigious Community Effort Orlando (CEO) 2024 tournament. Butt also secured second place at major events, including the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the eSports World Cup, and the Tekken World Tour Global Finals.
Sharing his journey with Gadinsider, Butt said: “I started gaming with Tekken 3 and played it regularly from the beginning. Over time, I played Tekken 4, 5, 6, 7, and now Tekken 8, which is the latest version I’ve been playing the most, through which I've won several international championships representing Pakistan.”
Butt’s story demonstrates how passion and dedication can overcome resource constraints, signalling a cultural shift where gaming is increasingly seen as a viable career in Pakistan.
A booming sector
Mobile gaming has emerged as a significant driver of Pakistan’s gaming economy. According to Statista, the country’s mobile gaming market is projected to generate $17.71 million by the end of 2024, with an annual growth rate of 7.02%. This growth is fuelled by increased smartphone penetration and the youth’s interest in accessible gaming platforms.
M7X emphasised the untapped potential of mobile gaming: “Many people also play games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and Tekken. From the public's perspective, if universities or academic institutions include gaming tournaments in their events, it can generate interest and raise awareness about eSports opportunities in Pakistan.”
Addressing gaps and unlocking potential
Call for government support
Both M7X and Atif Butt agree on the importance of governmental support in transforming Pakistan’s gaming ecosystem. Butt stressed the need for initiatives like international tournaments and dedicated gaming zones: “The government should take the initiative to organise international-level tournaments in Pakistan and establish dedicated gaming zones. This would provide deserving players with the platform and opportunities they need to showcase their talent.”
Without such support, players often rely on personal resources to compete internationally, limiting the country’s potential on the global stage.
2024 has been a landmark year for the gaming industry, marked by AI-driven mechanics, cloud gaming, and transformative expansions across major franchises. Pakistan’s eSports scene also made significant strides, with figures like Atif Butt and M7X paving the way for future generations.
As Pakistan’s gaming ecosystem grows, addressing infrastructure gaps, fostering governmental support, and leveraging local talent will be crucial for establishing the country as a regional eSports hub. With continued investment and collaboration, Pakistan could soon compete on equal footing with global gaming giants.
Story visualisation by Afreen Mirza.
