Popular Video Games Played in Kuwait

As of January 2026, Kuwait’s gaming market thrives on mobile dominance and esports fervor, with young demographics driving demand for accessible, social titles. Recent app store rankings from Google Play and the Apple App Store in Kuwait highlight mobile games leading the charge, with battle royales and casual puzzles topping the daily active user charts.

Esports earnings data reveal Kuwaiti pros excelling in competitive shooters and MOBAs, amassing over $764,000 in tournament earnings. Regional reports note the Middle East gaming sector’s shooter dominance at 34.6% market share, propelled by live events and influencers. With smartphone penetration exceeding 90% and a nationwide 5G rollout, Kuwait has become a hotbed of a mobile-first gaming culture.

From battle royales to classic board games, here are the titles dominating screens across Kuwait in 2026:

1. PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile offers intense 100-player battle royales on diverse maps with realistic ballistics and vehicles. It remains a staple for competitive squads in Kuwait’s cafes, where teams gather for marathon sessions and clan wars.

The game features full Modern Standard Arabic localization, including menus, voiceovers, and region-specific events tailored for GCC players. Custom skins and servers reduce latency for seamless Middle East matches, ensuring smooth gameplay even during peak hours.

Its popularity among popular video games in Kuwait surges from Kuwaiti esports stars like Nasser Rabee Algahtani earning top prizes, plus frequent updates and clan wars that mirror local social gaming culture. The competitive scene has transformed neighborhood cafes into training grounds for aspiring professionals.

2. Fortnite

Fortnite blends building, shooting, and live concerts in a vibrant battle royale with seasonal themes. Cross-platform play keeps communities connected across devices, whether you’re on mobile, PC, or console.

Arabic language support spans all modes—Battle Royale, Save the World, and Creative—since 2019, with dedicated social channels for MENA feedback. Player support handles queries in Arabic fluently, making the experience accessible to non-English speakers.

Kuwaiti players flock to it for account trading markets, influencer streams, and zero-build modes that suit mobile-first habits amid high youth engagement. The constant stream of collaborations with popular culture icons keeps the game fresh and relevant in local circles.

3. Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers delivers endless running action, dodging trains and obstacles while collecting coins in colorful urban worlds. Power-ups and weekly hunts keep chases fresh, making each session feel different from the last.

Full Arabic text support includes menus, missions, and character names, with MENA-themed worlds featuring Gulf cities and cultural icons for familiarity. This localization effort has significantly boosted its appeal among younger players.

It captivates Kuwaitis with bite-sized sessions perfect for commutes or breaks, addictive high-score chases, and global leaderboards fostering friendly rivalries. Its simple yet engaging game mechanics make it accessible to all age groups.

4. Call of Duty: Mobile

This FPS packs multiplayer, battle royale, and zombies modes with iconic maps and seasonal passes for progression. The variety of game genres within a single title keeps players engaged for months.

Full Arabic interface, including Uptodown listings and in-game text, makes it accessible, with modes like team deathmatch optimized for touch controls. The localization extends to tutorials and help documentation, ensuring new players can quickly learn the ropes.

Kuwaitis love its console-quality action on mobiles, frequent CODM tournaments, and customization that rivals PC esports scenes. The ability to play competitive matches during lunch breaks or while traveling has made it a fixture among popular games in Kuwait.

5. Free Fire

Garena Free Fire delivers 50-player survival with characters boasting unique abilities and quick 10-minute rounds. This faster-paced alternative to traditional battle royales fits perfectly into busy schedules.

Arabic dubbing and MENA-specific leagues, such as the Arab League Season 6, offer localized tournaments and promotions. In-game events celebrate regional holidays, fostering a sense of cultural connection among local players.

Popularity stems from low device requirements that suit widespread smartphones, plus pro circuits that draw Kuwaiti talent into Garena’s ecosystem. The game’s optimization allows it to run smoothly even on budget devices, democratizing access to competitive gaming.

6. Ludo King

Ludo King modernizes the classic board game with online multiplayer, themes, and chat for 2-6 players. It bridges the gap between traditional family entertainment and digital gaming culture.

Available in Arabic on Google Play, it supports voice chat and Facebook invites, preserving traditional rules with digital twists like snake-and-ladders variants. The familiar gameplay combined with modern features creates a perfect balance.

It dominates family gatherings and cafes in Kuwait, evoking nostalgia while enabling cross-border matches with GCC friends. Many game development studios have taken note of how simple, culturally relevant games can achieve massive success in regional markets.

7. EA Sports FC Mobile

EA Sports FC Mobile (formerly FIFA) lets users build teams, play leagues, and compete in Ultimate Team modes with real stars. The authenticity of player likenesses and team kits adds to the immersive experience.

Arabic APK versions and companion apps offer full localization, from menus to commentary, boosting immersion for football fans. The ability to hear Arabic commentary while playing matches creates an authentic viewing experience.

Kuwait’s soccer obsession—fueled by Premier League followings—drives its playtime, with local divisions and events mirroring national team hype. The game has become a virtual extension of Kuwait’s passionate football culture.

8. 8 Ball Pool

Miniclip’s 8 Ball Pool simulates realistic billiards with tournaments, cues, and global ladders for 1v1 or 8-player modes. The physics engine provides satisfying, skill-based gameplay that rewards practice.

While core text is multilingual, Kuwait-specific shops and communities thrive on Arabic Discord chats and cash tournaments. Local players have created their own competitive ecosystem around the game.

Its skill-based simplicity hooks casual players in malls and homes, with low stakes appealing to social betting culture without complexity. The game’s quick matches make it perfect for short gaming sessions between activities.

9. Valorant

Valorant is a 5v5 tactical shooter emphasizing agents’ abilities, precise gunplay, and ranked climbs. The strategic depth appeals to players who enjoy thinking several moves ahead.

Riot added Arabic globally in 2020 alongside Middle East servers, including tutorials and music videos for MENA audiences. This commitment to regional support has fostered a loyal player base in Kuwait.

Kuwaiti pros rack up earnings in tournaments, and low ping draws PC enthusiasts to its esports pipeline. The game represents the pinnacle of popular video games Kuwait players aspire to master competitively.

10. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends offers MOBA action with 5v5 matches, heroes, and fast-paced strategy on mobile. The diverse roster of heroes ensures there’s a playstyle for every type of gamer.

Recent fixes for right-to-left Arabic chat improve communication, supporting regional servers for lag-free play. These technical improvements demonstrate the developer’s commitment to Middle Eastern markets.

It booms via clan systems and tournaments, mirroring PUBG’s competitive edge but with hero variety suiting team-oriented Kuwaiti gamers. The social aspects of the game have created tight-knit communities across the country.

Several key factors contribute to the dominance of these titles in Kuwait’s gaming ecosystem:

• Mobile-First Accessibility: High smartphone penetration (over 90%) and 5G rollout make free-to-play mobiles ideal for on-the-go play in cafes or commutes. Kuwait’s infrastructure supports seamless mobile gaming experiences.
• Arabic Localization: Full language support, cultural events, and MENA servers break barriers, boosting retention by 30-50% in GCC markets. Many successful game development companies now prioritize Arabic localization from the start.
• Esports and Social Hype: Kuwaiti pros like RAGNAR earn big, inspiring youth via streams and local leagues that foster community clans. The dream of turning gaming into a career has never been more achievable.
• Cultural Fit: Football titles tap soccer mania; casual games like Ludo echo family traditions; battle royales match competitive spirit. Games that respect and reflect local culture see significantly higher engagement.
• Affordable Entry: Free models with in-app purchases align with youth budgets, amplified by influencer endorsements and viral TikToks. The low barrier to entry ensures gaming remains accessible to all economic backgrounds.
• Youth Demographics: Over 60% under 30 drive trends, with gaming cafes in malls hosting 24/7 sessions for social bonding. These spaces have become cultural hubs where friendships are formed and rivalries are settled.

Despite the market’s potential, many international studios entering Kuwait fail because they overlook these critical success factors. Launching games without Arabic support, ignoring regional server infrastructure, or misunderstanding cultural preferences leads to poor retention. Games that treat the Middle East as an afterthought—with token translations or high latency—quickly lose players to competitors who’ve invested in genuine localization and community building. Success in Kuwait demands more than just a global hit; it requires regional commitment.