Turning gaming talent into export earnings

Pakistan’s game-development business generates an estimated $400-480 million annually, but regulatory and payment barriers are pushing many studios to incorporate overseas, Dawn reported on November 9. Companies cite the requirement to convert half of export receipts into rupees, delays in moving money and a 27pc charge on advertising-platform top-ups as obstacles to operating from Pakistan.

The sector includes mobile, PC and console games, along with animation and advertising services. Mobile development leads locally, while industry participants say overseas registrations mean official figures understate the business; estimates range from $200 million to $600 million. The article also notes that artificial intelligence is changing development processes, although its longer-term effects remain uncertain.

Data cited from the State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan Software Export Board put animation, graphics and games at 10.5pc of the $4.6 billion in IT exports recorded in FY26. The report connects export earnings and the sector’s ability to retain and spend foreign currency with the rules and costs faced by studios.