The Gaming Generation Paves Its Path in Morocco

In Morocco, gaming is no longer just a hobby confined to teenagers locked in their rooms. It has evolved into a full-fledged, rapidly expanding economic sector, now positioned at the forefront of the country’s strategic priorities. At the intersection of entertainment, technology, and digital creativity, Morocco’s video game industry is poised to compete on the global stage.

The era when Moroccans clandestinely downloaded pirated games from shady websites is long gone. Today, the focus is on official platforms, professional competitions, local studios, and—above all—a market with significant economic clout.

In 2024, the sector’s revenue surpassed 2.28 billion dirhams (MMDH), with projections nearing 3 billion dirhams by 2027, according to the latest industry studies. Annual growth is estimated at 9.39%, driven by a young population (over 50% of Moroccans are under 30) and a hyper-connected generation.

Mobile gaming dominates usage, accounting for over 60% of revenue generated via smartphones. Strategy games, puzzles, and sports simulations are surging in popularity, often fueled by microtransactions that yield substantial returns. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Clash of Clans have become staples in the daily lives of young Moroccan gamers.

Rabat Gaming City and National Ambitions

To structure this booming market, Morocco has decided to shift into high gear. The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has launched an ambitious strategy to establish a nationwide video game ecosystem.  

The centerpiece of this plan is the upcoming Rabat Gaming City, a campus entirely dedicated to video game creation, training young talent, and hosting Moroccan and international studios. Its opening is slated for early 2026. Simultaneously, regional initiatives are multiplying.  

In cities like Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech, incubators such as technoparks are already supporting video game projects led by young Moroccan developers. The goal? To turn ideas into marketable games—and even competitive titles on the global stage.  

Emerging Talent and Studios

The local landscape is also witnessing the rise of a new generation of creators. Studios like Palm Grove Software, based in Casablanca, have already released titles such as Kawkab, a puzzle game inspired by Arabic heritage and calligraphy.  

Others, like Rym Games, have gained international attention with PC titles such as The Conjuring House, a survival horror game entirely made in Morocco, which found its audience on Steam. To support its growth, Rym Games secured 2.8 million dirhams (MDH) from the Morocco Numeric Fund (MNF), a local investment fund focused on new technologies.  

In Tetouan, AJB Games Studio, founded by Ayman Jbari, rose to prominence in record time with narrative horror games blending local folklore and modern mechanics. The startup gained fame through titles like The Moroccan Castle Trilogy and Matha’s Dolls, as well as its 2025 release Uncursed, which surpassed 16,000 downloads on Steam—confirming the growing enthusiasm for made in Morocco creations.  

Among this rising generation, Mohamed Laaroussi also stands out. He designed an immersive adventure set in the alleys of Fes’ medina, a tribute to national heritage, and L’Mima, a touching arcade game depicting the heartwarming daily life of a grandmother preparing traditional dishes. These creations were part of his final training project.  

“I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese games that celebrate their culture and heritage. I thought: why not do the same with ours?” says the 26-year-old entrepreneur.  

For him, there’s no doubt: young Moroccans brim with talent to make their mark in gaming. The rapidly expanding sector offers diverse career paths, from development and game design to artistic direction, narrative design, and production.  

On the education front, several institutions are upgrading their programs. Art’Com Sup and ESAV Marrakech now integrate modules on game design, Unity development, and 3D animation.  

The Video Game Creator (VGC) Program—an initiative by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in collaboration with the French Embassy—is hosted by Rabat International University. Developed in partnership with ISART Digital (ranked the world’s second-best video game development school), the VGC Program offers students free high-level training. Divided into two specializations (game design and programming/project management), these budding talents hone their skills to meet the industry’s growing demands.  

E-sports as a Driver of Appeal

No discussion of gaming is complete without e-sports, which is experiencing a dramatic surge in Morocco. The country regularly shines in international competitions, particularly in games like FIFA, League of Legends, and Valorant. In 2024, star streamer Ilyas El Maliki, a national icon with millions of YouTube fans, was named captain of the national team for the 2025 Kings World Cup Nations.  

Events like the Morocco Gaming Expo in Rabat set the tone: international guests, local startups, live tournaments, and tech gaming job fairs—all orchestrated to position Morocco as Africa’s gaming showcase.  

The Kingdom is thinking big. The ministry aims to reach 5 billion dirhams (MMDH) in gaming sector revenue by 2030. To achieve this, it is banking on three pillars: youth training, attracting foreign investment, and building an export-driven ecosystem. The goal is clear: establish globally successful Moroccan games, mirroring the achievements of Indian, Turkish, or South Korean studios.  

Meanwhile, the creation of a public-private investment fund for cultural and creative industries—currently in development—could further accelerate projects. A boon for young Moroccan developers eager to turn their passion into business.