Morocco gaming expo 2026 positions Morocco as video game industry

Monday 25 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco gaming expo 2026 positions Morocco as video game industry

The third edition of the Morocco Gaming Expo took place in Rabat from 20 to 24 May 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to build a structured video game industry. The event gathered startups, investors, training institutions, and international experts around a sector that Morocco now presents as a strategic pillar for economic growth and cultural influence.

Officials used the event to reaffirm that video gaming is no longer viewed as a recreational activity but as a full industrial sector. The global video game market, estimated at more than 300 billion dollars, has become a reference point for national strategy. The country has set an objective of capturing around 1 percent of global industry revenue by 2030 or 2032, signaling long-term ambitions tied to production, export, and talent development.

The domestic ecosystem has expanded rapidly in recent years. The number of specialized startups has grown from a handful in 2022 to more than 40 today. Many of these young companies have shifted from individual initiatives to structured teams employing developers, designers, and digital artists. This evolution reflects a gradual transition from informal creative activity to organized small and medium enterprises capable of scaling production.

Job creation remains central to the strategy. Authorities view the gaming sector as a multidisciplinary field that can absorb coders, 3D artists, designers, testers, and marketing specialists. The industry is also extending into gamification, with applications in areas such as education, health, security, and environmental awareness. This broader use of gaming technologies is seen as a way to diversify opportunities for young professionals.

The expo itself was designed as a hybrid platform combining business meetings, competitions, and knowledge sharing. Business to business sessions connected startups with investors, telecom operators, and financial institutions. Esports tournaments attracted public participation, while conferences and master classes provided technical training and exposure to international practices.

International participation added strategic depth to the event. Industry figures highlighted the importance of targeted training in programming and 3D design, as well as the need for gradual scaling through smaller projects before moving to large productions. They also emphasized the potential of outsourcing work from global studios as an entry point for Moroccan companies to build revenue and experience.

A cooperation agreement with the European Union was also announced to support the sector’s development through training, market studies, and cross-border professional exchanges. This partnership aims to strengthen integration between Moroccan and European creative industries and improve the competitiveness of local startups in international markets.

Beyond economic goals, discussions during the event also addressed cultural influence. Experts and industry representatives raised concerns about the dominance of foreign content in video games consumed by young audiences. They argued for the development of locally produced games that reflect Moroccan and African narratives, framing the sector as a space where cultural representation and digital sovereignty are increasingly at stake.

The Morocco Gaming Expo reinforced Rabat’s growing role as a cultural and innovation hub. It also aligned with broader national initiatives positioning the city as a center for creative industries. Despite progress, stakeholders acknowledged that building a fully competitive industry will require sustained investment, advanced training systems, and the emergence of successful flagship studios capable of competing internationally.