The Asia mobile gaming industry has introduced new business models, such as in-app purchases, live streaming, and esports growth. Overall, the Asia mobile games market represents significant potential for firms hoping to capitalise on the region’s expanding demand for mobile games.
Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam lead the Southeast Asian mobile game market in revenue, with Thailand expected to be the industry’s most significant revenue player in 2021.
With the growth of the IAA business in recent years, more players are paying attention to the Southeast Asian mobile gaming market. So, let’s look at the Asia mobile games market size, some mobile game market trends, and an overview of the mobile game business.
Market Size and Growth
This section will go through the present mobile gaming market size, determinants, and projected market size by 2025.
Asia’s Current Mobile Gaming Market Size
The present size of the Asia mobile gaming industry is challenging to determine since it is continuously changing. However, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing mobile gaming marketplaces. Other nations with substantial mobile gaming industries include Japan, South Korea, and India.
Factors Influencing Market Growth
Several reasons have contributed to the emergence of mobile gaming in Asia. First, the region has a high population density, with a substantial proportion of the population under 35 years old, a cohort that is more likely to play mobile games.
Second, the region has a high prevalence of mobile devices and an internet connection, allowing a larger audience to participate in mobile gaming.
Furthermore, the area has a rapidly increasing middle class with more discretionary means to spend on games, in-app purchases, and other gaming-related services.
Projected Market Size By 2025
According to App Annie, the Asia mobile games industry is predicted to reach $100 billion by 2025. It is led by continuous expansion in the region’s mobile gaming population and increased expenditure on mobile games.
With the increasing usage of mobile devices, rising disposable income, and the advent of new technologies such as 5G, the Asian mobile gaming market forecast that the market size is likely to maintain its high growth trajectory in the coming years.
China, Japan, South Korea, and India are likely the most significant contributors to this growth. Southeast Asia and other nations are all witnessing considerable development in their mobile gaming industry.
Industry Trends
The following are some Asian mobile gaming market trends.
Popular Asian Mobile Games
Popular mobile games in Asia differ by nation and area, however, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Fantasy Westward Journey are among the most popular games in the region.
Tencent’s PUBG Mobile is a battle royale-style game that has grown in popularity in India, China, and other Southeast Asian nations. The Honor of Kings is a multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Tencent that is immensely popular in China.
Fantasy Westward Journey is another NetEase massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with an enormous player base in China and Taiwan. Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and Subway Surfers are among the popular games in the region.
Impact Of 5G Technology On Mobile Gaming
5G technology has the potential to significantly influence mobile gaming by enabling faster download and streaming rates, lower latency, and increased network reliability. This will allow users to download and play high-graphic games more quickly, resulting in a better gaming experience.
Cloud gaming will also be enabled by 5G technology, allowing gamers to stream games on their mobile devices without the need for pricey gear. This will make mobile gaming available to a broader audience, including individuals who may have yet to be able to purchase high-end smartphones or tablets in the past.
Use Of Mobile Gaming For Fun And Sociability
In Asia, mobile gaming has become a popular source of leisure and sociability, especially among younger people. Many mobile games are intended to be played in groups or with friends, allowing players to connect and engage with one another.
This is especially true for multiplayer games like PUBG Mobile, which have evolved into interaction for many regional gamers.
The Emergence Of Mobile Gaming As An eSport
In Asia, mobile gaming is also rising as a type of esports. Professional leagues and tournaments with significant prize pools and foreign teams are available in several mobile games, including PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings.
These competitions are attracting enormous crowds, both online and in person, and are quickly becoming a popular form of entertainment in the region.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Asia mobile games industry continued to expand. It does, however, encounter hurdles. The following sections cover the pandemic’s difficulties, opportunities, and barriers in the gaming industry.
The Asia Mobile Gaming Market’s Challenges
It confronts tremendous competition from game developers and publishers. The necessity to continually update and enhance games to sustain user interest. And worries about addiction and the detrimental influence of gaming on young people. Furthermore, several nations, such as India and China, have severe restrictions governing the mobile gaming business.
Prospects For Growth And Expansion
The region’s expanding smartphone and internet connection penetration, the popularity of mobile games across all age groups, and the introduction of new technologies such as 5G and cloud gaming.
Furthermore, the market is rapidly focused on mobile game live streaming and e-sports, which can give the sector a new income source.
COVID-19’s Impact On The Mobile Gaming Industry
COVID-19’s effect has been mixed on the gaming industry. On the one hand, the lockdowns and social distancing measures to halt the virus’s transmission have resulted in an upsurge in mobile gaming as individuals seek ways to spend time at home.
As a result, mobile game developers and publishers have seen an increase in player engagement and income. On the other hand, the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic has resulted in a fall in spending on mobile games, as consumers have less spare cash to spend on entertainment.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, the Asia mobile games market is currently one of the largest and fastest growing in the world. It is owing to the region’s increasing smartphone and internet penetration. The popularity of mobile games among a wide range of age groups, and the emergence of new technologies such as 5G and cloud gaming.
However, the market confronts many hurdles, including severe competition, addiction concerns, and stringent laws in certain countries.
Overall, the Asia mobile gaming sector has a bright future, with considerable growth expected in the following years. To continue driving development and success in the area, essential market participants should focus on overcoming difficulties and capturing opportunities.
The Asia Mobile Games Market continues to be a major player in the global gaming industry. With its large and diverse population, coupled with a growing mobile user base, the region presents immense opportunities. As the market evolves and new technologies emerge, it will be interesting to see how the industry adapts.