Arabic mobile game localizations: Gamer profiles, preferences, and implications for an immersive gaming experience

This study investigates the hitherto underexamined field of mobile game localizations into Arabic, focusing on Arabic mobile gamers’ profiles, preferences, and reception of localized mobile games. Through an online survey, the study collected data on gaming habits, expenditure, reception of localized games, preferred genres, and localization reception from 382 participants. The data revealed a notable dominance of female mobile gamers, resonating with prior observations in the broader realm of gaming, including the traditionally male-dominated console gaming sector. This alignment and divergence with previous findings in mobile gaming landscapes underscore the unique demographic shifts and preferences within the Arabic gaming community. Moreover, most participants preferred free mobile games, suggesting that a “freemium” model with in-game purchases and advertisements may be effective in the Arab region. Furthermore, the findings revealed a strong preference for Modern Standard Arabic over colloquial Arabic dialects. However, many mobile gamers continued to engage with non-localized games, driven by factors such as cost and accessibility. Therefore, this chapter concludes that a one-size-fits-all approach in game development and localization may not be effective in the diverse Arabic gaming market. Within the Arab gaming community, each gaming medium’s unique characteristics and the differences in spending habits and preferences of the audience should be considered. The findings of this study provide practical implications for game developers and localization teams in tailoring their products to Arabic-speaking audiences.