The one sport that did not experience a huge drawback from the COVID-19 pandemic is a sport played online called e-sports. Mobile games especially are popular for players of any age, as long as they own a smartphone, where they can download the application online and have a productive sports match. Among Southeast Asia, data shows the gaming industry generated revenues of $4.4 billion in 2019, according to Newzoo report.
The fact is, e-sports have become more popular than traditional sports, up to the level that it rose as an official Asian Games competition. It was the only sport having sold-out lottery ticket sales, where over 5 million lottery entrants only had a 0.5% chance of winning.
Competitive 'Friendly' Matches
Each Southeast Asia countries have their gaming market. In 2023, Viet Nam led Southeast Asia in the number of professional eSports players, with 618 actively participating in tournaments. Indonesia, the most populous nation in the region, ranked second with 441 professional gamers.
Shooting games are equally well-known and regularly watched, and 40% of the audiences worldwide are from Southeast Asia region. Strategy games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang are still widely played and topped in Indonesia and the Philippines, both racing the first rank of each other year by year.
Recently in the Asian Games 2023, Thailand and Viet Nam competed for third place in the mobile game Arena of Valor. The game has also found success in countries such as Malaysia which hosted the MLBB SEA Cup in 2022.
Read also: Thailand Takes Home First Ever Esports Medal at Asian Games
Growing Interest in Youth
Mobile phones are the dominant platform for gaming in the region. PCs or gaming consoles are too expensive given the high cost of living and low wages across Southeast Asia. Despite that, over half of Southeast Asia's online population spends money on gaming.
The mobile gaming interest is supported by a 2021 survey conducted in Southeast Asian countries revealed that the majority of respondents were Gen Z and millennials aged 18 to 29. In Indonesia, only 1.5% of the gamers surveyed were aged 36 or older.
Many players engage with streamers and professional leagues to watch competitive gameplay in their favorite titles. This extends the growing popularity of mobile gaming into eSports. The role of social media profiles, gaming franchises, and marketing also push the buzz of turning mobile gaming into a phenomenon.
Only Become More Popular
The opportunity of the mobile gaming market has attracted significant investment from organizations and developers, further strengthening the eSports ecosystem in Southeast Asia. This includes the creation of franchised eSports leagues and the establishment of facilities across the region.
“What sets Southeast Asia apart from Western markets is the necessity for deep localization, driven by the region's diverse cultures and distinct characteristics. While often referred to as one region, Southeast Asia is essentially a collection of unique countries," said Jayf Soh, the Owner and CEO of the popular Southeast Asian esports organization RSG.
Unlike markets in Eastern Europe or Latin America, which often share similarities, Southeast Asian countries vary significantly in their gaming preferences and consumer behaviors.
Not only the increase in the number of players but also the viewers and matches will only elevate as digital technologies are more accessible and gaming features become more feasible. Southeast Asia indeed had one of the biggest potential to win this sport worldwide.
