Zain Iraq has entered into a strategic partnership with Krafton Europe to elevate the esports landscape in Iraq. Krafton, known for popular games like PUBG: Battlegrounds, will collaborate with Zain Iraq under the Zain Esports brand to enhance the gaming experience for Iraqi players.
Established in South Korea in 2007, Krafton has a rich history in creating immersive gaming experiences across various platforms. Through this partnership, Zain Iraq aims to introduce Krafton’s gaming portfolio to Iraqi gamers and organize specialized events for the local esports community.
Zain Esports, initiated in 2021, has witnessed significant growth, attracting 70,000 participants and garnering over 160 million social media impressions in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq. In 2024, the unit achieved remarkable milestones with 820,000 viewers tuning in to live tournament streams and a social media following of 210,000.
Malek Hammoud, Zain’s group chief investment and digital officer, attributed the success of Zain Esports to the company’s investments in upgrading 5G and FTTH networks across its markets. These investments are set to continue in the coming years, reinforcing Zain’s commitment to the esports sector.
Esports has been gaining traction globally, with the MENA region projected to reach esports revenues of US$57.4 million by the end of the year, with further growth expected in the coming years. The partnership between Zain Iraq and Krafton Europe signifies a strategic move to tap into this burgeoning market and provide enhanced gaming experiences for Iraqi players.
As the gaming industry evolves, collaborations like the one between Zain Iraq and Krafton Europe play a crucial role in shaping the future of esports in the Middle East and North Africa region. By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, both companies aim to elevate the gaming landscape in Iraq and create more opportunities for gamers and enthusiasts.
With the increasing popularity of esports globally, partnerships between telecommunications companies and gaming entities are becoming more common. These collaborations not only enhance the gaming experience for players but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the esports industry.
Looking ahead, the Zain-Krafton partnership sets a promising precedent for the esports sector in Iraq, demonstrating the potential for further collaborations between telecom companies and gaming studios to drive innovation and growth in the gaming ecosystem. As technology continues to advance, the intersection of telecommunications and gaming is expected to create new avenues for engagement and entertainment for gamers worldwide.
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