Iran’s Share in Videogame Market Insignificant

The videogame market in Iran is worth 2 trillion rials (more than $48.4 million at market exchange rate) per month, while Iranian producers and games account for less than 5% of this sum, according to Iran Computer and Video Games Foundation.

Not long ago, local media citing the research firm Newzoo announced that Iran ranks 31st in the global game industry. This is while the website had released information on game revenues.

Farshad Samimi, a game production expert, said using the word “industry” to describe the field of computer games in Iran is misleading, as Newzoo data pertain to the purchasing of games and game consoles, not their production, the Persian daily Shahrvand reported.

“The production of computer games is one thing and purchasing game consoles is another. We are not provided with the right figures and statistics here in Iran. There are currently only two successful Iranian games in the market since we do not possess deep and thorough knowledge of game production.”

The problem, he said, is that there is no partnership with other countries in this field, adding that Iranian graduates in the gaming industry have failed to catch up with major international players.

According to Mohammad Reza Talaei, the head of Communications and Information Technology Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, the field has great potential for benefiting the domestic economy, yet there is no support offered by the government.

“One big impediment facing the industry is the violation of copyright regulations. As such, foreign games are available at low prices, which not only makes it hard for Iranian games to compete, but also renders game production in Iran economically unsound and unprofitable,” he said.

According to the official, there are animation companies and IT experts in Iran that are proficient enough, yet what is lacking is “a proper roadmap to guide these competent forces.”

Talaei believes the government should dedicate more time and effort to promote the lucrative field of computer and videogames.