The Great Potential of Local Games in the International Cloud Gaming Sector
The game development subsector within the creative economy is rapidly growing, with local youth creating numerous games that gain international recognition. By early 2024, Indonesia has emerged as Southeast Asia's largest game contributor on the Steam platform. This recognition underscores Indonesia's potential to produce high-quality, competitive games that make significant economic contributions.
As of January 2024, Indonesian developers have produced 256 games on the Steam platform. This number includes games that have been released, canceled, postponed, and those still in development. The impressive quantity of local games highlights Indonesia's capability to compete internationally and produce quality content.
The presence of Indonesian games in the top positions on Steam signifies not only a creative achievement but also a substantial economic contribution. The popularity of these games can lead to increased revenue and job creation within the local gaming industry.
Mobile Gaming Market
Indonesia is the third-largest mobile game market based on downloads on Google Play. In 2024, user transactions in the Indonesian mobile gaming sector are estimated to reach $0.37 billion, marking a 15.6% increase from 2022. This growth is driven by in-app purchases (IAP) and reflects the rising popularity of mobile gaming in the country.
Cloud gaming, which allows users to play games without downloading or installing them, is predicted to be the next big trend in Indonesia's gaming industry. The total revenue from the gaming market in Indonesia is estimated to reach $505.44 billion in 2024, with an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.74%, potentially reaching $649.8 billion by 2027.
Opportunities for Local Game Developers
1. Creating Quality Games: The growth of the cloud gaming industry presents an opportunity for Indonesian developers to create quality games that can compete globally. This requires investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure to support game development and distribution.
2. Attracting Investors: The promising growth of the gaming market in Indonesia is likely to attract investors interested in tapping into this burgeoning sector. Investments can drive further innovation and development, helping local developers to produce world-class games.
3. Expanding Market Reach: By leveraging cloud gaming platforms, local developers can reach a wider audience beyond the domestic market. This expansion can lead to increased revenue and recognition on the international stage.
Indonesia's game development sector has shown remarkable growth and potential, particularly in the realm of cloud gaming. With continued investment and innovation, local developers can create high-quality, competitive games that contribute significantly to the economy. The future of Indonesia's gaming industry looks promising, with opportunities for developers, publishers, and investors to collaborate and drive the sector forward.