New research shows a significant shift in gaming behavior among the 97 million gamers in Japan and Korea, with a notable increase in multi-platform play. The July 2024 East Asia Gamers Behavior and Market Insights Report from Niko Partners reveals that over 70% of Japanese mobile gamers and 90% of South Korean PC gamers now engage with games across multiple platforms.
This trend reflects a broader acceptance of console and PC gaming among Japanese mobile players and a growing interest in mobile and console gaming among Korean PC players, indicating a dynamic evolution in the gaming landscapes of these regions. In this article, we will summarize key findings from the report and shed insights on the relevance for blockchain gaming.
Over 90 Million Gamers in Japan and Korea Play Multi-Platform
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Multi-platform gaming rises in Japan and Korea
The data reveals that 97 million gamers in Japan and Korea are increasingly engaging in multi-platform play. Over 70% of Japanese mobile gamers and 90% of South Korean PC gamers now play games across multiple platforms. This marks a 30% increase in Japan and a 5% increase in Korea compared to 2023.
The top 10% of most-played games in both countries are available on at least two gaming platforms, demonstrating a growing trend of cross-platform engagement. Console availability in Japan has improved after pandemic-related scarcity, and more games are being developed for multi-platform use that drives engagement on consoles, mobile, and PC. Cross-platform games lead to higher engagement among East Asian gamers.
The Asia-10 Games Market Report by Niko Partners
Key findings and trends
Multi-platform popularity: In Japan, 39% of all gamers play on at least two platforms, with a notable 30% year-over-year increase in mobile gamers who also play on consoles. In Korea, 58% of all gamers are multi-platform players, with a 5% increase in PC gamers who have started playing on mobile devices.
Market growth predictions: Japan's mobile game market is predicted to stagnate over the next five years. However, growth is expected in the PC (5-year CAGR of 8.8%) and console (5-year CAGR of 2.5%) sectors. In contrast, Korea's PC and mobile game market revenues are expected to stagnate, while the console market is anticipated to grow (5-year CAGR of 3.4%).
Drivers for game adoption:Genre familiarity and compelling storylines are the top factors driving Japanese and Korean gamers to try new games, with over 60% of Japanese gamers and 40% of Korean gamers highlighting these elements as important.
Livestreaming and marketing: Livestreaming has become a crucial marketing tool, with more than 31% of Japanese gamers and 40% of Korean gamers watching game livestreams. YouTube remains the dominant platform for gaming content, capturing 90% of the gaming audience across Asia. Local platforms like SOOP (AfreecaTV) in Korea and NicoNico in Japan have also gained significant traction, each attracting over 20% of gamers in their respective countries.
East Asia Gamer Behaviour and Market Insights by Niko Partners
Relevance to blockchain gaming
The rise of multi-platform gaming in Japan and Korea holds significant relevance for the blockchain gaming industry. The increasing trend of gamers engaging across multiple platforms highlights a growing appetite for interconnected and versatile gaming experiences, a core principle of blockchain gaming.
Blockchain technology's ability to facilitate cross-platform play, secure asset ownership, and provide seamless integration between different gaming ecosystems positions it as a natural fit for this evolving market. As gamers in East Asia continue to embrace diverse gaming platforms, blockchain gaming stands poised to capitalize on this shift, offering innovative solutions and enhanced engagement for a tech-savvy audience.
Final thoughts
The 2024 insights underscore the growing trend of multi-platform gaming in Japan and Korea, highlighting shifts in gamer behavior and market dynamics. As cross-platform games gain popularity, developers and marketers have new opportunities to engage a broader audience across different gaming systems. For more in-depth information and access to the full report, visit Niko Partners' website.
