Fast and rapid evolving of video games nowadays are making it a global phenomenon that has taken over the world by storm. The unique form of entertainment has a different popularity all over the globe. Asia on other hand is in a league of its own by having one of the most die-hard gamers by now. Gaming is part of countries’ culture, which with this blog post we will give credit to our gamer allies involved with this evolution. Here are some of the reasons why there is obsession when it comes to playing games over there.
By no surprise, China is the world's largest gaming market with approximately 720 millions gamers. Japan is taking the second place with approximately 68 million gamers, while South Korea is third by having around 33 million players in hand. Of course part of the equation are countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Gaming on it’s won has become a cultural phenomenon for several reasons. The region itself is a technological center of the entertainment world. World’s largest tech companies are situated there and they are heavily investing in the gaming industry. World's leader in semiconductor manufacturing for example is situated in Taiwan - tsmc. Every technology that requires any computing power relates to semiconductors, loads of them. Tencent and Alibaba are also technological companies that stand out from the region. Cutting edge gaming technology being accessible is making so much easy for people to access any form of gaming.
On its own, gaming is providing a social aspect to the population in Asia. Games are being played with friends and family, in person or online. These social interactions are playing a crucial role as it helps build stronger connections among players. On the other hand, educational systems in Asian countries are highly competitive and there is severe pressure from parents and society for youngsters to be academically successful. That makes video games a way to release pressure that the young generation is holding on a daily basis and at the same time keeping in touch with students, friends and family on different levels.
Now, let’s have a look at what is most popular in each country. In China, the most popular games include Honor of Kings, PUBG Mobile, and CrossFire. In Japan, popular games include Monster Hunter, Dragon Quest, and Final Fantasy. In South Korea, games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and StarCraft dominate the gaming industry. The mentioned games have a massive following which makes them a significant cultural phenomena.
When it comes to demographics, gaming is popular among every age and is being represented respectfully. China on its own is having an average gaming age between 18 and 30. Males are making up the majority of gamers. Japan on other hand is having a popular demand spreader almost equally between men and women with a significant increase in female players. South Korea on its own is being dominated mainly by men players with the majority being in the range of 20-30.
Gaming in South Korea has become a recognised sport in 2000. The government has established the Korea e-Sports Association to
promote and regulate gaming as a legitimate sport.
Japan’s gaming scope is not only limited to consoles and Pc’s. Country itself is well - known for its love for any type of arcade gaming.
China might be the biggest gaming market in the world but it is famously known for its strict gaming regulations. The Chinese government has banned successful and popular gaming franchises as they claim to promote significant violence and addictive content. Some of the games being banned are Fortnite, PUBG.
Gaming industry in Asia is generating a significant boost to the economy in the countries. Billions of revenue is being generated and rapidly growing. In 2021 on its own, the industry generated over $90 billion, China being responsible for $42 billion itself.
There is a significant rise of gaming influencers and professional gamers all over Asia. Many of these gamers have become celebrities in their own right, with millions of followers on social media platforms like Twitch and YouTube. In countries like China and South Korea, professional gaming teams have become a mainstream phenomenon, with events like the League of Legends World Championship attracting millions of viewers.
In conclusion, gaming has become a crucial aspect of the culture in many Asian countries, with millions of people engaging in this form of entertainment every day. The reasons for the increasing obsession with gaming are multifaceted and complex, with rapid technological advancements, social interaction, and stress relief being some of the key factors. Popular games like Honor of Kings, Monster Hunter, and League of Legends have massive followings in Asia, attracting players of all ages and genders. The gaming industry in Asia has become a significant contributor to the economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year, while professional gaming and gaming influencers have become a mainstream phenomenon.
