Vietnam game industry is on a remarkable trajectory of growth, with the potential to emerge as one of the leading global hubs for game production.
Vietnam’s Growing Strength in Game Development
According to Ms.Emily Nguyen, Head of Sales for Google Ads – Gaming and Apps in Vietnam, the country boasts approximately 35,000 game developers, a figure comparable to major markets like China. Vietnam also ranks fifth globally in game production, with a particular focus on mobile gaming. Local studios such as Amanotes, Topebox, ABI Studio, and Falcon Game Studio are making waves in the international market, with 70% of them targeting global audiences.
Between 2019 and Q1 2023, Vietnamese-developed games achieved an impressive 4.2 billion downloads worldwide, showcasing the growing demand for homegrown talent in the global gaming landscape.
Challenges Facing the Vietnamese Game Industry
Locally developed games account for just 0.5% of the global gaming market value. Additionally, Vietnam’s domestic market is dominated by imported games, particularly from China. Vietnamese-developed mobile games hold only 22% of the market share, while foreign companies capture the lion’s share of revenues.
Another challenge lies in cultural representation. Unlike games from China, Japan, or South Korea, which often showcase rich cultural narratives, Vietnamese games lack a distinct cultural identity. Games like Black Myth: Wukong highlights how integrating cultural heritage can differentiate a game and create a lasting impact. Developing culturally distinct Vietnamese games could not only enhance recognition but also carve a unique space in the global market.
Bright Spots in 2024
The year 2024 has already brought promising developments for Vietnam’s gaming industry. Developers and publishers are increasingly focusing on creating made-in-Vietnam games to boost player retention and recapture market share.
For example, Gamota’s Gabros Studio achieved over 2 million downloads on Google Play within months of launching its hypercasual games. Horror games such as The Scourge (Tai Ương), Thần Trùng, and Đồng Cỏ Lau, which embrace Vietnamese cultural themes, have garnered strong support from domestic and international gaming communities.
Notably, Bad Parenting by Studio 2002 has captured global attention, demonstrating Vietnam’s ability to produce competitive, world-class games.
Nurturing Talent and Building Sustainable Growth
Vietnam’s gaming companies are investing in talent development through collaborations with universities and educational institutions. These initiatives provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and industry insights, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
The annual Vietnam GameVerse event further supports the industry by connecting developers with investors and fostering international collaborations. It serves as a vital platform for young developers to secure funding and showcase their innovations.
The Road Ahead for Vietnam Game Industry
Vietnam’s gaming industry holds immense potential to grow sustainably and compete globally. With support from the government, international partnerships, and technological adaptability, Vietnam can redefine its position in the global gaming landscape.
