On December 14, 2024, Dubai witnessed a significant evolution in the gaming landscape with the launch of Circle of Games (COG) at the prestigious Global Game Show held at the Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre. Backed by Nazara, a prominent player in the gaming industry, COG aims to carve its niche within the MENA region by combining the exciting world of casual gaming with the cutting-edge technologies of blockchain. This launch is not merely a formal occurrence; it signifies a turning point for gamers across this emerging market, offering them an innovative platform that bridges traditional gaming with the next generation of technology—Web3.
The launch event became a convergence point for industry leaders, gaming enthusiasts, and advocates of Web3 technology. Among the notables present was Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, whose keynote speech was a focal point of inspiration. Siu underscored the transformative potential of integrating casual gaming with blockchain technology, affirming COG’s position at the forefront of the evolving gaming ecosystem.
The audience was treated to engaging displays highlighting COG’s portfolio, which includes highly recognized games like Ludo, Fruit Slash, and Chess. The narrative surrounding these games paints a picture of a platform that strives to do more than entertain. With six titles live and more planned for a rapid rollout, COG is setting the stage for a holistic gaming experience that meets the expectations of modern-day gamers.
A key highlight of the launch was the strategic alliances that COG has established with various global companies. These partnerships hold the potential to reach over 500 million users across more than 50 countries, positioning COG advantageously in a competitive market. The support from established ecosystems provides a foundation for accelerated growth, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to user engagement.
Live demonstrations of COG’s advanced platform showcased impressive features such as multi-chain integrations and an effortlessly smooth user interface. With over 500,000 users already onboard, COG has set striking target goals for expansion, eyeing a reach of 25 million users by the close of 2025 and an ambitious 100 million by 2027. The message emphasized at the event was clear: COG is not just another gaming platform; it aims to reshape the gaming experience in the Web3 landscape.
Looking ahead, Circle of Games has laid out an expansion plan that is as ambitious as it is strategic. Initial launches will take place in the UAE in Q4 2024, followed by expansions into Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain in the early months of 2025. Anticipation builds for subsequent launches in Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco by mid-2025. The projected numbers suggest a user base of 7.5 million by 2025, escalating to 25 million by 2027, effectively positioning COG as a pioneer within the MENA gaming market.
Rabilal Thapa, CEO and Co-Founder of Circle of Games, articulated this vision during the event, underscoring the commitment to delivering a comprehensive and exhilarating gaming experience tailored for the diverse needs of gamers across the region. His words conveyed confidence in COG’s capabilities to provide not only entertaining games but also a technologically sophisticated user experience.
Circle of Games is backed by an exceptional team that includes industry veterans from companies such as Zynga and PlaySimple, ensuring a wealth of experience shapes the platform. The emphasis not only lies on the quality of games but also on creating an ecosystem where users can enjoy seamless interactions.
As COG continues to evolve, its commitment to innovation places it in a strong position to redefine casual gaming in the region and beyond. It offers a glimpse into a future where casual gamers can thrive within interconnected gaming environments powered by the latest technologies.
The launch of Circle of Games in the MENA region marks an exhilarating new chapter in the world of gaming, setting high expectations for what’s possible when casual gaming meets blockchain innovation. With its ambitious roadmap and strategic vision, COG is poised to leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.