Video Games in Thailand

PROSPECTS

Future of video games is online

The way in which people play video games is changing and this is reflected in the rapid shift from physical to digital video games software. The dynamic growth of mobile games is attributed to the increasing penetration of smartphones in Thailand, together with tablets, computers and other portable media players.

Increasing variety within AR/VR headsets should support further growth

After strong growth in 2017, AR/VR headsets saw a significant slowdown in growth in 2018, despite still recording double-digit current value growth. AR/VR headsets only started appearing in the market in 2016 and the availability of some of these products was initially limited in Thailand due to the lack of an official distributor.

Software boosted by older demographic while hardware suffers from decline of hand-held consoles

Computer games, online games and mobile are very popular among teenagers and adults who often use them to de-stress after a busy day. Sales of video games software have benefited from an increase in household income, with consumers showing a willingness to invest in in-game purchases to improve their experience, such as with leading brand RoV: Arena of Valor.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Distribution an issue for static consoles although Nintendo Switch benefits from retailer imports

Despite the lack of an official distributor of Nintendo Switch in Thailand, this brand of static consoles is gaining popularity among Thai consumers. Retailers have been importing these static consoles independently to cater to the rising demand for family-friendly consoles and the strong appeal of popular video games such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart.

Shifting landscape in mobile games sees RoV: Arena of Valor rise to prominence

Garena Online (Thailand) Co Ltd leads video games in Thailand, benefiting from the strength of its portfolio of mobile and online games. The company’s RoV: Arena of Valor became the leading brand in 2018.

Localised video games help producers to find an audience

Thailand has one of the largest gaming populations in Southeast Asia and as a result games designers are realising the importance of localising games to capture a larger share. There were concerted efforts within the video games industry to establish offices in Thailand towards the end of the review period and to hire home-grown talent to develop or tailor games to suit the Thai market.

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