In a move that promises to reshape the esports scene in the Middle East, Zain Iraq has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Krafton Europe, the renowned video game publisher best known for the global hit game PUBG: Battlegrounds. This strategic alliance is aimed at accelerating the development of Iraq’s esports industry, empowering young gamers, and bringing global attention to the region’s growing gaming community.
This collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies and for Iraq’s digital entertainment landscape. By combining Krafton’s international gaming expertise with Zain Iraq’s strong local presence and infrastructure, the partnership aims to elevate gaming culture, create new economic opportunities, and position Iraq as a competitive player in the global esports arena.
A Vision to Transform the Iraqi Gaming Scene
The main goal of this partnership is to strengthen the esports ecosystem in Iraq through a multi-faceted approach. Zain Iraq and Krafton Europe are expected to work together on several key fronts:
- Building Competitive Infrastructure:
The companies aim to improve the technical and digital framework that supports competitive gaming in Iraq. This includes upgrading networks to provide better connectivity and creating venues that can host national and international gaming tournaments. - Developing Local Talent:
A strong emphasis will be placed on finding and nurturing Iraqi gaming talent. Through professional coaching, mentorship programs, and access to top-tier equipment and platforms, local players will have the tools they need to compete on a global level. - Organizing Large-Scale Events:
The partnership will facilitate gaming festivals, esports tournaments, and community engagement programs that bring together players, fans, and creators. These events will not only entertain but also educate young Iraqis on the potential careers available within the gaming industry.
Zain Iraq’s Ongoing Commitment to Esports
This collaboration is not Zain Iraq’s first step into the world of esports. The company has been actively investing in the gaming space for years through its Zain Esports initiative. In 2024 alone, Zain Esports successfully hosted around 50 gaming tournaments across the Middle East. These events attracted nearly 70,000 players and reached more than 160 million people on social media platforms.
In Iraq specifically, Zain organized one of the largest esports tournaments in the country — the Zain-Fi2 Electronic Games Tournament. The event featured popular games like Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG Mobile, and FIFA22. It also offered substantial cash prizes totaling over 12 million Iraqi dinars, providing local gamers with both recognition and reward for their skills.
Through these efforts, Zain Iraq has shown its dedication to creating a sustainable and competitive gaming environment that can uplift the youth and contribute to the country’s digital economy.
Why Krafton’s Entry Matters
Krafton’s involvement signals a significant shift in how global gaming companies view the Middle East, particularly Iraq. The South Korean publisher has already proven its ability to build immersive, competitive gaming experiences through titles like PUBG, which remains one of the most played games in the region.
By working closely with Zain Iraq, Krafton is expanding its footprint and investing in a region that has historically been underserved in the digital entertainment space. The company is expected to support Iraqi gamers with advanced technology, exclusive in-game content, and access to regional and international competitions.
This is also a strategic move for Krafton Europe, as it aims to tap into the large and youthful population of Iraq, where mobile and online gaming are rapidly gaining popularity.
Better Internet, Better Gaming
Understanding that great gaming depends on great connectivity, Zain Iraq has already taken steps to improve internet services tailored for gamers. In late 2024, Zain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Horizon Scope to deliver premium internet packages specifically optimized for gaming. These services focus on low latency, high bandwidth, and stability — all critical elements for online competitions and multiplayer experiences.
This effort aligns perfectly with Krafton’s vision of providing seamless gaming experiences to players worldwide. The improved infrastructure will not only benefit professional gamers but also casual players who want to enjoy smooth, lag-free gameplay at home or on mobile devices.
A Bright Future for Iraqi Youth
At its core, this partnership is about more than just games — it’s about unlocking opportunities for Iraq’s younger generation. The esports industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, projected to generate billions of dollars annually. By tapping into this global trend, Iraqi youth can gain access to career paths that were previously out of reach, including game development, streaming, event management, marketing, and more.
This initiative also promotes digital literacy and encourages innovation. It gives young Iraqis a platform to express their creativity, engage with international communities, and participate in a global digital culture that is becoming increasingly influential.
Looking Ahead
With this new partnership, Zain Iraq and Krafton Europe are setting the stage for long-term success. The collaboration is expected to produce a ripple effect across the country’s digital and entertainment sectors, encouraging more investment, entrepreneurship, and technological growth.
As esports continues to gain momentum globally, Iraq is now poised to emerge as one of the Middle East’s most promising hubs for competitive gaming. Thanks to the combined efforts of Zain Iraq and Krafton Europe, what was once seen as just a hobby is now turning into a dynamic industry with real potential to drive progress, inspire youth, and connect Iraq to the world in a new and meaningful way.
