By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan’s cyber playground is on fire—millions of smartphones, affordable data, and a tide of local developers are making the nation a surprise gaming industry. Ditch the stereotypes; this is no idle gameplay. It’s serious business.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
By 2026, more than 50 million players will be tapping away on their mobile phones, driving an industry that is expected to earn $8 million every year. But the catch is: that most of the game studios that create these games are small. 40% have only 1-10 employees, showing you don’t need a corporate behemoth to make waves.
What’s Hot in Pakistan’s Gaming Industry? Simulation, Casual, and Hyper-Casual
Pakistan’s game developers are placing big bets on simulation games (80%), followed closely by casual and hyper-casual games. But the biggest challenge? Engaging players. User retention is a nightmare for 25% of the studios, while excessively high user acquisition costs strangle growth for others.
For Pakistani game developers, revenue streams boil down to a strategic choice: ads, in-app purchases, or both. While 66% use a hybrid model, a stubborn 30% depend entirely on ads—a risky play in a volatile market.
The Battle for Attention
With Google Ads dominating user acquisition, studios are scrambling to optimize return on ad spend (ROAS)—64% call it their top KPI. However budget constraints and lack of expertise remain roadblocks. Can Pakistan’s indie studios outmanoeuvre the global giants?
The momentum is undeniable, but survival demands sharper strategies—better retention, smarter ads, and data-driven decisions. One thing’s clear: Pakistan’s gaming scene isn’t just playing around anymore.
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