Let’s talk about the growth of online gaming in Asia. From the time of the Arcade title Pac-Man in 1980 to the recent mobile game Genshin, the gaming industry has experienced immense growth over the years. According to Statista, the industry is estimated to be over $197 billion by the close of 2022. The Asia-Pacific region has been a vital cog in the global gaming market from the onset.
As the total number of video gamers globally approaches three billion, the Asia-Pacific region is home to half of these gamers. Besides the huge user base spanning all age groups, the region boasts well-established industry players. Asia is also a hub for innovation and several new trends.
With the soaring number of smartphone users in Asia, the mobile gaming sector value has increased in recent years. The changing trend in gaming accessibility has significantly benefited the region’s gaming landscape.
The Major Industry Players
Asia is home to Nintendo’s various consoles and Sony’s PlayStation. Japan is currently considered one of the world’s most established gaming hardware markets. A recent publication by Statista revealed that the PlayStation series 3, 4, and 5, and projected to raise a global sales revenue of well over $9 billion in 2022.
Nintendo Switch, which is a hybrid handheld and TV-based gaming console, recently surpassed 100 million units.
In the mobile games sector, Tencent Games, a subsidiary of the Chinese tech shark Tencent, has been dominating the Asian mobile gaming market for years. The most popular titles from the company include PlayerUknown’s Battlegrounds and Honor Kings, both of which have managed to generate over a billion dollars in revenue.
The Place of iGaming in Asia
Asia remains a topic of interest for gambling operators and related stakeholders. This is largely because of the strict regulations adopted by the conservative Asian governments. That notwithstanding, Asia is home to about 60% of the world’s population, making it a diverse market for interested operators.
There are numerous online casino gaming platforms serving legal gambling jurisdictions in Asia. With Asian governments formulating and enacting more gambling-friendly legislation, the region’s online gambling market is fast-growing.
Generally speaking, the Asian-Pacific market will experience an increase in online gambling revenue between 2022 and 2026 according to market research and projections. Asian countries with legalized online gambling markets are already making huge profits in gambling tax levies.
Even in states where online gambling is illegal, offshore casinos are quite popular. If you are considering trying your luck at an online casino, check out casinos TopAsia. Pick a casino site that best meets your unique needs for the best gaming experience.
The Future of the Gaming Industry Is Mobile
The mobile gaming sector is relatively new, but it’s proving to be a vital part of the gaming market. The shift from console and PC gaming to mobile gaming is happening so fast that gaming companies are being forced to change their way of doing business.
Mobile gaming is the most significant gaming segment in Asia so far. The sector boasts a myriad of genres ranging from casual titles to competitive shooter games like PUBG, which are more appealing to players of all ages.
Additionally, the most popular games are free-to-play. This gaming mode has caught the attention of game developers and players alike. In a free-to-play gaming mode, the game’s only source of revenue is in-game purchases. The leading F2P title in Asia is the fantasy role-playing title, Genshin Impact.
The title generates over $100 million in monthly in-game purchases, granting players an opportunity to win characters and items in the so-called gacha lottery system.
The Social and Competitive Nature of Gaming
The coronavirus pandemic changed how we interact with each other. During this period, gamers were forced to seek interactions and connections with other gamers via online multiplayer gaming, streaming platforms, and chats.
One of the leading streaming platforms for gaming in Asia is Garena+, which is run by a Singapore-based tech conglomerate Sea Limited. The gaming network focuses more on the Southeast Asian Market and boasts over 73 million paying users.
The growing popularity of esports, which are typically competitive gaming events, has greatly contributed to the growth of the gaming and streaming markets in Asia. The esports sector has also opened up new revenue channels, with advertising and sponsorships alone generating over $290 million in 2021.
The Rise of Female Gamers in Asia
Asia has seen a surge in the number of female gamers in recent years. Most female gamers prefer being in the live streaming and esports scenes. According to a study by Asia Sports Tech, the female gaming community is significantly huge in Southeast Asia, making up about 40% of the total gamers in the region.
This is a positive trend in the industry, creating an ethos that embraces gender equality and inclusion. According to Chase Buckle research company, GWI, women are more likely to use smartphones and tablets for gaming. Women also tend to have a heavy preference for esports and multiplayer gaming content.
To create a fair and more inclusive gaming environment, developers and gaming platform operators are beginning to prioritize reliability and convenience. Closely related to this, a Business Times survey found that female gamers in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea value engaging gameplay, low latency, and liability of network quality.
The Impact of 5G on the Asian Gaming Industry
The ongoing rollout of 5G internet connections is expected to revolutionize the online gaming sector. The growing penetration of smartphones in the market is set to widen access to mobile gaming. When coupled with a super-fast internet connection, the Asian mobile gaming market is set to explode.
Cloud gaming tech has also played a vital role in enhancing the video gaming experience by making it possible for players to enjoy video games from anywhere, including low-end, low-bandwidth systems.
Developing Asian countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are still facing challenges accessing internet connectivity. Some regions are plagued by slow internet speeds and unequal distribution of services.
Individuals living in remote regions are greatly disadvantaged due to poor infrastructure. A vast majority of the locals cannot even afford internet services.
