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Pakistan
MCV looks at the games market in Pakistan and how piracy faces little opposition from government officials
INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE
THE FACTS Population: 182,490,721 Currency: Pakistani rupee GDP (Per Capita): $1,295 Capital City: Islamabad Language: Urdu
KEY RETAILERS Illusions, Pak Gamers, ThePlaza, iShopping
ABOUT THE MARKET
THE number of gamers in Pakistan is growing at a rapid rate as a result of the growing internet community. Pakistan is estimated to have an internet population of 20 million active users, the majority of which game both online and offline. But as the number of consumers turning to the internet grows, local retailers are experiencing the negative effects of the transition. The country’s retailers estimate a sales decline of around 60 per cent since internet speeds in the country have increased and more consumers begin to use the platform for gaming. Piracy is a huge issue in Pakistan and one that remains relatively unchallenged by local authorities. The majority of retailers stock pirated ‘backup’ titles of games, along with the latest film and music releases, which are freely sold
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within stores. The Xbox 360 is the most pirated platform, but PC and PS2 also suffer from piracy, too. The number of flashed and pirated 360s in Pakistan has resulted in a tiny
Piracy is a huge issue in Pakistan and one that remains relatively unchallenged by local authorities.
“
number of gamers playing on Xbox Live. However, sales of original PS3 titles remain fairly stable due to the limited number of modified consoles within the country.
Nintendo has very little presence
in Pakistan as there is little to no demand from consumers for the Wii, Wii U or 3DS. As a result, a high number of smaller games specialists do not stock the consoles and are only available from the country’s high-end electronic boutique stores. Retailers in the country remain optimistic over the issue of piracy, but only if Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are able to tackle it. The high prices of original video games – most new releases are priced in excess of Rs 6,000 (£34) – are the main issue fuelling piracy as consumers opt for cheaper, illegal copies that are sold for Rs 100 - 200 (57p - £1.14). Triple-A franchises such as Call of
Dutyand Medal of Honorare banned in Pakistan over their negative portrayal of the country’s population.
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TOP DEVELOPERS White Rabbit Studios, Mindstorm Studios
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