Recap of the Week

• Vietnam’s Top 50 mobile game revenue ranking recorded eight titles climbing at least 10 positions. The standout was Honkai: Star Rail – 3T Online, which jumped 53 places to #24 and saw revenue increase 155.64% during the week Version 4.6 launched.
• 3Q Đào Đào Đào entered the Top 50 at #45 within its first three months after release, while six titles returned to the ranking after falling outside the Top 50 the previous week.
• Liên Quân Mobile rolled out its major Vết Nứt Thời Không update on September 29, refreshing multiple battlefield mechanics with the return of three Bosses alongside a new Teleport spell, equipment, and PvE content.
• Play Together VNG released Version 2.32 on October 1, launching its autumn LiveOps cycle with Giant Vegetables, the Harvest Festival, and seasonal collection content.
• Vietnam’s League of Legends national team won a bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games, bringing Vietnamese esports’ total at the event to two bronze medals following NARAKA: Bladepoint.
• National Student Open Cup 2026 officially kicked off with Liên Quân Mobile and Valorant, targeting 300 teams and a total prize value of VND 2 billion.
• Hai Phong and VNGGames continued preparations for Games ON: Hai Phong 2026, bringing national esports finals into a broader setting combining pedestrian spaces, technology, culture, and the night-time economy.
• The Government issued Resolution 299/NQ-CP, continuing to position video games among the priority sectors of the cultural industries and within the direction of exporting creative products. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism clarified several compliance requirements for online game services through the case of a FiveM/GTA V community server.

Market & Game Performance

Dynamic ranking: Honkai: Star Rail Returns to the Top 50 as Revenue Rises More Than 155%

Appmagic data this week shows eight titles in Vietnam’s Top 50 mobile game revenue ranking climbing at least 10 positions. Total Top 50 revenue reached approximately USD 1.46 million, down around 3.8% week over week. Against this backdrop, Honkai: Star Rail – 3T Online stood out by returning to the Top 50 while also being the only title to meet the Revenue Spike threshold with growth above 100%. [1]

Rank Spike: 8 Titles Record Significant Ranking Gains

The following titles climbed at least 10 positions compared with the previous week:

• Fishdom rose 10 positions to #17, generating approximately USD 28,728.
• Garena® Delta Force climbed 26 positions to #22, with revenue of approximately USD 24,653.
• Honkai: Star Rail – 3T Online jumped 53 positions to #24, generating approximately USD 22,949.
• Ta Là Quan Lão Gia rose 32 positions to #33, with revenue of approximately USD 18,477.
• Rummy – Fun & Friends climbed 26 positions to #35, generating approximately USD 18,112.
• Hero Clash rose 17 positions to #39, with revenue of approximately USD 16,028.
• 3Q Đào Đào Đào climbed 10 positions to #45, generating approximately USD 14,781.
• Hole It 3D rose 14 positions to #49, with revenue of approximately USD 13,736. [1]

Notably, five of the eight titles above were outside the Top 50 in the previous week. This indicates that W40’s movement was driven not only by shifts among games already in the ranking, but also by renewed revenue activity from products that had been operating for some time.

Revenue Spike: Honkai: Star Rail Revenue Rises 155.64%

Honkai: Star Rail – 3T Online was the only title in this week’s Top 50 to record revenue growth of at least 100%. Estimated revenue increased from approximately USD 8,977 to USD 22,949, equivalent to a 155.64% increase, while the game climbed from #77 to #24. [1]

The increase coincided with the official launch of Version 4.6 “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise” on September 28, at the start of W40. The version introduced the new 5-star character Pearl, continued the Astropolis storyline, and added new events, areas, enemies, stages, and other content. [2]

For a game operating under a gacha model, the launch of a new character alongside a major version can simultaneously create drivers for returning-user engagement and direct spending through limited-character systems. Version 4.6 was also supported by Pearl-related launch content, login activities, and new events during the same period. [2]

The timing of Version 4.6 alongside the AppMagic revenue increase suggests that the update likely played an important role in supporting the game’s revenue performance during the week. However, the available data does not allow the contribution of the character banner, new content, returning players, or other activities to the 155.64% increase to be isolated.

New Release: 3Q Đào Đào Đào Enters the Top 50

3Q Đào Đào Đào, an Idle RPG, entered the Top 50 this week at #45, with estimated revenue of approximately USD 14,781. According to AppMagic data, the title was first released on September 5, 2026, and ranked #55 the previous week, therefore meeting the criteria of a game released within the past three months that newly entered the Top 50. [1]

Its move into the ranking after the initial launch period indicates that the game is still maintaining a degree of growth momentum after market entry. However, its ability to maintain or further improve its position in the coming weeks will provide a clearer signal of retention quality and post-launch LiveOps effectiveness.

Back-to-Top: Six Titles Return to the Top 50

Six titles released more than three months ago returned to the Top 50 after being outside the ranking in the previous week:

• Honkai: Star Rail – 3T Online, at #24, with approximately USD 22,949 in revenue.
• Ta Là Quan Lão Gia, at #33, with approximately USD 18,477.
• Rummy – Fun & Friends, at #35, with approximately USD 18,112.
• Hero Clash, at #39, with approximately USD 16,028.
• Township – Thị trấn vui vẻ, at #46, with approximately USD 14,512.
• Hole It 3D, at #49, with approximately USD 13,736. [1]

Honkai: Star Rail was the most notable case, simultaneously meeting three signals: returning to the Top 50, climbing 53 positions, and increasing revenue by more than 155%. Meanwhile, the return of games spanning empire building, Rummy, Idle RPG, and farming shows that revenue reactivation during the week was not concentrated in a single segment.

New Releases & Major Updates: Liên Quân Refreshes Core Gameplay as Play Together Expands Autumn LiveOps

Liên Quân Mobile Rolls Out the Vết Nứt Thời Không Update

On September 29, Liên Quân Mobile rolled out the Vết Nứt Thời Không update, with changes spanning the battlefield, equipment, map, systems, hero balancing, and entertainment modes. [3]

One of the most notable changes was the return of three Bosses: Caesar, Kraydus, and King Kong. During the late game, these objectives can directly affect match outcomes, requiring teams to make additional decisions around resource control and engagement timing. The update also introduced the Teleport spell, new enchantments and equipment, as well as the Super Boss Battle PvE mode. [3]

By making substantial changes to objective control and late-game pacing, Garena is using the update as an opportunity to refresh core gameplay, rather than relying only on cosmetics or short-term events. For a long-running live-service title, gameplay-level changes can create additional reasons for former players to return while also generating new content for the competitive and creator ecosystems.

Play Together VNG Releases Version 2.32 with Autumn LiveOps Content

On October 1, Play Together VNG released Version 2.32, launching the Giant Vegetables and Harvest Festival event series. Players can take part in seasonal activities across the Plaza and Downtown, collect items, craft rewards, and access new farming-related content. [4]

The version also prepares to shift its card collection theme to BT21 Multiverse, adjusts several Home Town mechanics, and concludes the Catch! Teenieping Season 5 collaboration content. [4]

This operating model continues to reflect the LiveOps characteristics of a social simulation game, where seasonality, collection, and rotating collaborations are used to create frequent reasons to return rather than relying on standalone major expansions. Cosmetic and collectible content also provides monetization touchpoints suited to players who value social interaction and customization.

Esports & Community

Esports Highlights & Tournament Updates: Vietnam Adds Another Asian Games Medal as Student Esports Opens a New Season

Vietnam Wins League of Legends Bronze at the 20th Asian Games

On October 1, Vietnam’s League of Legends national team won a bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games after losing 0–2 to Chinese Taipei in the semifinals. Vietnam had previously won all three group-stage matches to finish first in Group A. [5]

This was the second medal for Vietnamese esports at the 20th Asian Games, following the bronze won by the NARAKA: Bladepoint team. For League of Legends specifically, the result also improved on Vietnam’s fourth-place finish at the previous Asian Games. [5]

Winning medals across two different titles further strengthens Vietnamese esports’ presence within Asia’s multi-sport competition system. For publishers, teams, and brands, events such as the Asian Games also broaden the intersection between competitive gaming, traditional sports, and more institutionalized sponsorship opportunities.

NSOC 2026 Kicks Off with VND 2 Billion in Total Prize Value

On September 30, the National Student Open Cup 2026 – Vietnam National Student Esports Tournament officially began its third season. This year’s two competitive titles are Liên Quân Mobile and Valorant, with an expected scale of 300 teams and a total prize value of VND 2 billion. [6][7]

The tournament is organized by OEG under the direction of the Vietnam Olympic Committee, in coordination with BEAT Network. Alongside the competition, NSOC 2026 is also running the “Behind The Screen” career talkshow series at 10 universities to connect students with career opportunities in gaming and esports. [6][7]

The continued expansion of student tournaments suggests that Vietnam’s esports ecosystem is developing an additional talent pipeline outside the professional environment. For publishers and brands, campus esports also offers direct access to younger players, where competitive participation, community building, and brand activation can be integrated within the same program.

Industry Events & Community: Esports Expands into Urban Public Spaces

Hai Phong and VNGGames Prepare for Games ON: Hai Phong 2026

On September 28, the Hai Phong People’s Committee held a meeting to review preparations for Games ON: Hai Phong 2026, an event organized in coordination with VNGGames and scheduled for October 10–11 around the City Theatre Square and the central garden area. [8]

The program will feature the finals of three national esports competitions, including League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. It will also integrate technology experiences, arts activities, and local food into the city’s pedestrian and night-time economy spaces. [8]

Bringing esports directly into public spaces rather than limiting it to indoor arenas represents a notable direction for gaming events in Vietnam. A model combining esports with technology, culture, and the urban economy could help publishers reach not only core gamers but also a broader public audience, while opening additional opportunities for experiential marketing and local partnerships.

Policy & Infrastructure

Regulatory Developments & Compliance Updates: Gaming Becomes More Integrated into Vietnam’s Cultural Industry Strategy

Resolution 299/NQ-CP Continues to Position Gaming as a Priority Cultural Industry

On September 29, the Government issued Resolution 299/NQ-CP, amending and supplementing the action program for the development of Vietnamese culture. The document continues to identify video games as one of the priority areas under the Strategy for the Development of Cultural Industries to 2030, with a vision to 2045. [9][10]

Notably, the program addresses mechanisms to expand markets and exports for cultural products, strengthen connections with international partners and investment, and develop coordinated programs linking communications, cultural diplomacy, and the export of Vietnamese creative products and services. Video games are explicitly included among the product categories covered by this direction. [9][10]

This is primarily a strategic-level signal, rather than an immediate tax incentive or licensing procedure change for game companies. However, for publishers and studios, the continued positioning of gaming alongside software/digital content and other creative industries indicates that the sector is becoming more clearly integrated into Vietnam’s long-term development and export agenda.

Ministry Clarifies Requirements for Online Game Service Provision

On September 28, the Government Electronic Newspaper published a response from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism concerning the operation of a FiveM/GTA V community server, clarifying how existing rules governing online game services may apply to community-server models. [11]

According to the response, entities providing online games in Vietnam must meet the relevant requirements under Decree 147/2024/ND-CP, including requirements regarding establishment as a company under Vietnamese law, registered business activities, domain names, financial capacity, personnel, and technical systems. Game publishing is also subject to the relevant licenses, certificates, or notification procedures under the G1–G4 classification system. [11]

The Ministry also reiterated requirements relating to account information and player-data retention, while noting that the handling of email addresses, Discord accounts, passwords, and other data must also comply with personal data protection regulations. [11]

Importantly, this is not a new regulation introduced during the week, but an official explanation based on the existing legal framework. Nevertheless, the FiveM case is relevant to international studios and publishers because it illustrates how compliance obligations may also arise for community-operated server models when the underlying activity falls within the scope of providing online game services in Vietnam.

References

[1] AppMagic. Vietnam Top 50 Mobile Game Revenue Ranking – Week 40/2026. Licensed internal data.

[2] Honkai: Star Rail – HoYoverse. Version 4.6 “Dance With the Beast Before Moonrise” Update Details.
https://hsr.hoyoverse.com/es-es/news/166468 

[3] Garena Liên Quân Mobile. Chi tiết bản cập nhật Vết Nứt Thời Không 29.09.2026.
https://lienquan.garena.vn/?search=boss 

[4] Play Together VNG – VNGGames. Chi tiết bản cập nhật 2.32 ngày 01/10/2026.
https://playtogether.vnggames.com/tin-tuc/tin-tuc/chi-tiet-ban-cap-nhat-2-32-ngay-01-10-2026.html 

[5] Cục Thể dục thể thao Việt Nam. Thể thao điện tử Việt Nam giành HCĐ Liên Minh Huyền Thoại tại ASIAD 20.
https://tdtt.gov.vn/asiad20/id/96633/the-thao-dien-tu-viet-nam-gianh-hcd-lien-minh-huyen-thoai-tai-asiad-20 

[6] VTV. Hành trình khai phá và mài giũa tiềm năng eSports của sinh viên Việt Nam.
https://vtv.vn/hanh-trinh-khai-pha-va-mai-giua-tiem-nang-esports-cua-sinh-vien-viet-nam-100260930185721967.htm 

[7] National Student Open Cup / OEG. National Student Open Cup 2026.
https://nsoc.oeg.vn/ 

[8] Cổng Thông tin điện tử TP Hải Phòng. Phó Chủ tịch UBND thành phố Lê Trung Kiên chủ trì làm việc về công tác chuẩn bị tổ chức sự kiện “Games ON: Hải Phòng 2026”.
https://www.haiphong.gov.vn/tin-lanh-dao-thanh-pho/pho-chu-tich-ubnd-thanh-pho-le-trung-kien-chu-tri-lam-viec-ve-cong-tac-chuan-bi-to-chuc-su-kien–972933 

[9] Chính phủ. Nghị quyết số 299/NQ-CP ngày 29/09/2026.
https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?classid=509&docid=219679&pageid=27160 

[10] Thư Viện Pháp Luật. Nghị quyết 299/NQ-CP năm 2026 sửa đổi, bổ sung Chương trình hành động về phát triển văn hóa Việt Nam.
https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Van-hoa-Xa-hoi/Nghi-quyet-299-NQ-CP-2026-sua-doi-Nghi-quyet-30-NQ-CP-va-Nghi-quyet-155-NQ-CP-727258.aspx 

[11] Báo Điện tử Chính phủ. Điều kiện cung cấp dịch vụ trò chơi điện tử trên mạng.
https://baochinhphu.vn/dieu-kien-cung-cap-dich-vu-tro-choi-dien-tu-tren-mang-102260928095040248.htm