Summer vacation boost

Basra’s video game market thrives as families opt for indoor entertainment

2024-08-23 | 11:02

BASRA — As summer vacation continues, video game sales are soaring on Kuwait Street in Al-Ashar, central Basra, with vendors noting a preference among families for their children to stay indoors and engage in gaming rather than outdoor activities or browsing social media.

Muntadhar Abdulazim, a video game store owner in the area, noted distinct gaming preferences based on gender. “Boys and young men tend to favor multiplayer games, while girls prefer solo games,” he said.

Among boys, popular titles include multiplayer online games like “EA Sports FC” — commonly still referred to as FIFA despite Electronic Arts losing the FIFA license last year — and military-themed games such as “Call of Duty.”

Girls, on the other hand, are drawn to individual games that often involve swordplay.

“FIFA” is a football simulation video game series that is released annually, mirroring the latest rosters, teams, and leagues from the world of football. It offers a realistic sports experience with officially licensed teams, players, and stadiums.

“Call of Duty,” developed by multiple studiosl like Infinity Ward, Treyarch and Sledgehammer Games under the Activision label, is a series of first-person shooter games focused on military combat. The franchise ranks among the most successful in video game history. Both “EA Sports FC” and “Call of Duty” are available on multiple gaming platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

In the Basra market, gaming consoles range in price from 300,000 to 750,000 IQD ($229 to $572), while game discs for computer installation are priced between 120,000 and 200,000 IQD ($92 to $153).

Abdulnabi Jasim, a customer, highlighted the cognitive benefits of gaming. “They keep the mind active and dynamic,” he said, adding that gaming also offers a social component, allowing friends to gather and engage together, steering clear of the potentially negative aspects of social media.