What Drives Saudi Gamers? A Study of Gender, Genre, and Geography

The rapid expansion of gaming and esports in Saudi Arabia has prompted new interest in understanding how social and regional factors shape digital play. One trend is the variation in gaming preferences and motivations across gender and geographic regions. Previous research on gaming behavior has often centered on Western contexts and cross-national comparisons, overlooking how subcultural variation may shape players' motivations and genre choices. Through a nationwide survey of gamers in Saudi Arabia, distributed via gaming community platforms, we examined how gender and region relate to gaming motivations, preferred genres, and intention to continue playing. Quantitative data were analyzed using inferential statistical methods, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and contextual insights. Findings reveal that men are more likely to report performance and competition-driven motivations, while women show stronger preferences for escapism and casual gameplay. These results indicate that regional subcultures within Saudi Arabia shape gaming behavior, challenging generalized assumptions about player preferences. By demonstrating systematic regional differences in gaming motivations and preferences, this study extends games user research and informs the development of culturally responsive game design strategies.