Vietnam’s gaming boom: Esports, innovation, and investment fuel $1 billion surge

Sudhanshu Ranjan February 3, 2025
Vietnam’s gaming boom: Esports, innovation, and investment fuel $1 billion surge

Vietnam’s gaming industry is making significant strides towards reaching $1 billion in revenue. Driven by robust government support, increasing global investment, and a thriving local talent pool, the country is solidifying its position as a key player in the Southeast Asian gaming market. With new policies and events like Vietnam GameVerse 2024 fuelling momentum, Vietnam’s gaming sector is on an exciting growth trajectory.

The rise of Vietnam’s gaming industry

According to Vietnamnet Global, the gaming industry in Southeast Asia is expected to reach $7.14 billion by 2026, and Vietnam is set to play a significant role in this growth. The country’s gaming communities are expanding due to a young, tech-savvy population and increasing smartphone penetration. The government’s commitment to nurturing the industry further strengthens its potential.

The Ministry of Information and Communications finalised the Strategy for Management and Development of the Online Gaming Industry (2025-2030) in 2024, under the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information. This strategy aims to provide a healthy, sustainable environment that is properly governed for the growth of Vietnam’s gaming industry.

Held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 11-12, Vietnam GameVerse 2024 marked a significant expansion from its inaugural event. The conference featured tech giants such as Google, Meta, TikTok, Roblox, Riot Games, and Apple, and attracted over 40,000 attendees, double the number from 2023. This growth highlights the increasing global interest in Vietnam’s gaming market.

The role of international investment and collaboration

The rise of global partnerships is another critical driver of Vietnam’s gaming growth. Several international esports tournaments relocated to Vietnam in 2024, reflecting the country’s rising influence in competitive gaming. Additionally, more foreign enterprises have established a presence in Vietnam, with the number of international gaming companies increasing fivefold since 2023.

Vietnam is also fostering a new generation of game developers through startup support and academic programmes. The Game Hub project, launched in 2024, recognised six professional game studios and five student teams, highlighting Vietnam’s growing creative and technical capabilities.

Educational institutions are also on the move. The Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) introduced a game design and development programme, while VTC established a Game Academy in collaboration with major tech giants such as Google and Microsoft to teach young developers’ industry-relevant skills.

Emerging technologies in Vietnam’s gaming industry

A landmark conference on regulatory frameworks for online gaming management, provision, and use was held in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2024. Nguyen Thanh Hoa, the seasoned head of the Electronic Information Division at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications, presented a compelling vision for creating a cutting-edge development space for the gaming industry. Hoa also highlighted the huge potential of using innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in game development, especially for educational and culturally themed content that showcases the country’s rich heritage.

Vietnamese developers are now using AI and blockchain in game development, creating innovative gaming experiences. Games that are educationally oriented, support learning, and have environmental themes demonstrate the potential of the industry beyond entertainment.

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