Video Games in South Korea

PRE-COVID-19 PERFORMANCE

In 2019, steady sales growth of video games are driven by mobile, static console games and VR/AR headsets

Strict regulations imposed on the gaming industry continue to stifle growth across 2019

South Korea has had limited gaming hours for teenagers since 2011, with those under 16 prohibited from playing online and console games from midnight until 6 am. However, this does not apply to mobile games.

The popularity of Lineage supports NCsoft Corp’s leading position in 2019, as players invest in E-sports and e-commerce drives sales

NCsoft Corp continued to retain its leading position in 2019, with its flagship game, Lineage. Lineage is an MMORPG, with sales mainly taking place online, boosted by the launch of Lineage M in 2017 and Lineage 2M in 2019.

2020 AND BEYOND

COVID-19 impact

In 2020, sales of video games are now expected to grow by 6% in constant 2019 value terms, in light of the impact of COVID-19. This compared to a 4% rise in sales forecast in our 2019 edition of toys and games.

Affected products within video games

Video games is set to record higher growth in 2020, compared to the pre-COVID-19 predictions. This is due to consumers turning to video games for increased home entertainment, with digital sales boosting overall growth, as an easy, convenient way to purchase and play games at home.

Recovery and opportunities

The video games industry is predicted to see a boost in growth in 2020, compared to the pre-COVID-19 prediction. Across the forecast period, growth in the industry will continue to be driven by AR/VR headsets, as a new technology appealing to consumers and boosting the industry forward.

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