A comprehensive new report from Omdia, “South-Eastern Asia Online Gaming Report—2025,” paints a vivid picture of a vibrant and rapidly evolving gaming landscape in Southeast Asia. The report highlights Steam’s commanding lead in the region’s PC gaming market, the surprising surge in popularity of mobile sports games, and the increasing influence of government initiatives and regulations shaping the industry’s trajectory.

In 2024, Valve’s Steam platform solidified its dominance in Southeast Asia, achieving a regional high of 11.5 million yearly active users (YAUs). This impressive figure represents 3.7% of Steam’s global user base, underscoring the strategic importance of the Southeast Asian market. Steam’s success can be attributed to its proactive approach in integrating local payment gateways, facilitating seamless transactions for gamers in diverse financial ecosystems. Furthermore, the platform’s implementation of region-specific pricing strategies has made it significantly more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. This targeted approach has not only attracted players but also positioned Steam as a preferred platform for Southeast Asian developers seeking to expand their reach and connect with a global audience. The ability to offer culturally relevant content at competitive prices has proved to be a winning formula for Steam in this dynamic region.

While the PC gaming sector is primarily dominated by Steam, the mobile gaming market in Southeast Asia presents a more nuanced picture. The report indicates a modest overall growth of 2% in the mobile gaming sector for 2024. However, within this broader trend, specific game categories have experienced remarkable success. Konami’s eFootball and EA FC Mobile Soccer have emerged as frontrunners, capitalizing on the immense popularity of football in the region. These titles have not only benefited from the excitement surrounding major football events but have also strategically implemented regular updates and fostered influential IP collaborations to maintain player engagement. This combination of timely content, enhanced gameplay, and strategic partnerships has fueled a remarkable 39% increase in sports games revenue within the mobile gaming sector, solidifying these titles’ prominence and highlighting the significant potential of targeted sports games in the Southeast Asian market.

Beyond the dynamics of specific platforms and game genres, the Omdia report emphasizes the growing role of Southeast Asian governments in shaping the gaming landscape. Recognizing the industry’s economic potential and cultural significance, governments are actively cultivating gaming ecosystems through various initiatives. These include investing in esports infrastructure development, establishing talent development programs to nurture local gaming professionals, and implementing robust intellectual property protection measures to encourage innovation and attract investment.

However, the report also acknowledges that regulatory hurdles remain a significant factor for companies operating in the region. Several countries maintain restrictions on foreign games and companies, often with the stated goals of safeguarding local developers and protecting younger audiences from potentially harmful content. These regulations can take various forms, including stringent content review processes, limitations on advertising, and even outright bans on specific titles. Navigating these diverse and often complex regulatory frameworks is a crucial challenge for both local and international companies seeking to succeed in the Southeast Asian gaming market. The balance between fostering a thriving gaming industry and addressing cultural and social concerns remains a key point of contention and a continuous area of evolution in the region.

Despite these challenges, Omdia’s report paints an optimistic picture of Southeast Asia’s gaming future. The region’s large and increasingly tech-savvy population, coupled with growing internet penetration and rising disposable incomes, creates a fertile ground for continued growth. Steam’s dominance in the PC ecosystem, the burgeoning popularity of sports games on mobile, and the increasing support from government-backed esports initiatives are collectively shaping a dynamic and promising gaming environment. The report underscores the importance of understanding local preferences, adapting to evolving regulations, and building strong partnerships to succeed in this competitive market.

“Southeast Asia remains a crucial battleground for developers,” notes Chenyu Cui, Senior Analyst at Omdia. “While the market offers significant growth opportunities, success hinges on adapting to evolving regulations, building strong local partnerships, and aligning with regional gaming trends. Companies that can effectively navigate these complexities and cater to the unique preferences of Southeast Asian gamers will be well-positioned to capitalize on the region’s tremendous potential.”

The report further elaborates on the need for localized content. Games with themes, characters, and storylines that resonate with local cultures and mythologies tend to perform significantly better than generic, globally-focused titles. Similarly, incorporating local languages and dialects into the game’s interface and audio can significantly enhance the player experience and foster a stronger sense of connection.

The Omdia report also points to the growing importance of mobile esports in Southeast Asia. With mobile devices being the primary mode of internet access for many in the region, mobile esports tournaments have become a popular form of entertainment and competition. Games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile have achieved massive popularity, spawning thriving esports ecosystems with professional teams, dedicated leagues, and passionate fan bases.

In conclusion, the “South-Eastern Asia Online Gaming Report – 2025” provides valuable insights into the key trends and dynamics shaping the region’s gaming market. While Steam’s dominance in PC gaming remains undeniable, the mobile sector presents a diverse and competitive landscape with significant opportunities for growth, particularly in the sports games category. However, navigating the complex regulatory environment and adapting to localized preferences are crucial for success. As Southeast Asian governments continue to invest in gaming infrastructure and promote esports initiatives, the region is poised to become an even more significant player in the global gaming industry.

About Omdia

Omdia, a part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a technology research and advisory group. Omdia’s in-depth understanding of technology markets, coupled with actionable insights, enables organizations to make informed growth decisions. Omdia provides comprehensive market intelligence, data-driven analysis, and strategic recommendations across a wide range of technology sectors, including telecommunications, media, IT, and consumer electronics.

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