Southeast Asia’s Games Market This Insights Article is a collaboration between Niko Partners and gamescom asia. Introduction: Niko’s analysis on Southeast Asia’s games market size Asian gamers have contributed to the massive growth of the global video games industry. Niko Partners estimates the total mobile and PC game revenue in Asia will reach US$82 billion in 2022, or 55% of the global games market, with at least 1.47 billion gamers in the region. Asia’s gigantic economies dominate: China, Japan, and South Korea, for example, while the six major countries of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) represent 6% of Asia’s games revenue and 19% of Asia’s gamers. While seemingly small in comparison, these Southeast Asian countries boast US $5 billion market size and 270 million gamers. With an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% between 2020-2025, Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions for the games market in the world. Supported by its young populace, rapidly rising economies, and upgraded infrastructure, the region provides promising ground for the games market to continue to thrive. Through our research, Niko also found that the majority of Southeast Asia’s gamers are playing games responsibly and contributed to the region’s share of the global games industry growth.

and upgraded infrastructure, the region provides promising ground for the games market to continue to thrive. Through our research, Niko also found that the majority of Southeast Asia’s gamers are playing games responsibly and contributed to the region’s share of the global games industry growth. The Southeast Asian games industry has begun to take part in shaping the metaverse, pan-entertainment IP and transmedia which is leading to a convergence between games and entertainment. We expect to see more traditional brands, entertainment properties and artists take advantage of live service games in 2022. On the flip side, we expect to see more collaboration between video game IP holders and traditional entertainment such as movies, TV, and comics. This bi-directional approach will further engage gamers in the future. Esports in Southeast Asia Esports is an important segment of the games industry, especially in Southeast Asia where there are over 200 million esports viewers and gamers as mentioned in Niko’s Asia Esports Report. Esports is becoming a part of mainstream entertainment. Esports was included as a demonstration sport in 2018’s Asian Games in Indonesia and later included as a medal title for the first time at the Olympic Committee-sanctioned Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the Philippines in 2019. Esports continued to be a focal part of the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, as well as the upcoming 2022 IESF World Championship in Bali and the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

a medal title for the first time at the Olympic Committee-sanctioned Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in the Philippines in 2019. Esports continued to be a focal part of the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, as well as the upcoming 2022 IESF World Championship in Bali and the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. The region boasts prominent esports organizations, such as Team Flash, Fnatic, and EVOS Esports. Southeast Asian countries have also presided or will hold major global tournaments such as Dota 2 The International, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championships, and Free Fire World Series. Southeast Asia is a subregion that is worth to note, with Niko’s research noting that 60% of the region’s gamers strongly drawn to esports. Furthermore, 42% of gamers in Southeast Asia fall into the segment of competitive arena gamers who love esports and other competitive games. It is not surprising to find that community tournaments are very popular in Southeast Asia as they get to promote livelihood and income to the communities. They serve as the training ground for aspiring amateur players who want to break into the professional scene.