Video Games in South Korea

PROSPECTS

Nintendo Switch and 5G to accelerate growth in video games hardware

Video games hardware is expected to continue to grow in the forecast period, thanks to increases for static consoles and AR/VR headsets. Within static consoles, Nintendo Switch will continue to see consumer demand.

Digital software drives growth in video games software

Digital video games software saw a higher growth rate than physical video games software in 2018, because much games software is shifting to online and mobile in South Korea. Because more players can be connected through Steam and online servers across countries, game players can develop their skills internationally.

Internet retailing remains the dominant distribution channel

Internet retailing continued to dominate the distribution of video games in 2018, accounting for nearly all sales, with only minor sales held by other distribution channels. In-game purchasing occurs only through internet retailing, and digital games software can also be purchased online.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Nintendo of Korea Co maintains its lead in video games hardware

Nintendo of Korea Co remained the leading player in video games hardware in 2018, because of its Nintendo Switch brand and the related software. Nintendo has a local distributor called Daewon Media, which has distributed Nintendo Switch and its software in the market since 2017.

NCsoft retakes the lead in video games software

NCsoft Corp led video games software until 2014, when Netmarble Games Corp took the lead. NCsoft retook the lead in video games software in 2018, thanks to the Lineage M mobile game, and Lineage in online games.

Concentration in toys and games

Due to the rising value shares of some of the leading players, toys and games became more concentrated in 2018. The share of smaller players, classified under “others” saw a strong decline over the review period, including in 2018.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.