Are You Gaming? Southeast Asia’s video game industry is a USD 9.1 billion growth story

Southeast Asia’s video game industry has moved beyond entertainment. It is now a meaningful contributor to the region’s digital economy. In our new report, Are you gaming?, we look at the economic and social impact of the gaming industry in the region.

A USD 9.1 billion industry, and growing

Across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, the industry generated an estimated USD 9.1 billion in revenue in 2025, supporting USD 8.2 billion in value added and approximately 646,800 jobs. Exports account for 48% of total revenue, indicating that the industry is not simply serving domestic consumers but competing for global demand.

No single model for growth

The contribution varies considerably by market, reflecting each country’s existing industrial strengths. Hardware and peripherals manufacturing accounts for 55% of value added overall, pointing to the continued importance of electronics production capabilities in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Singapore, by contrast, has developed a different comparative advantage, with game development and publishing driving the largest share of its contribution, consistent with its position as a regional hub for major gaming companies. There is no single model for growth across the region.

The road to 2030

Looking ahead, the industry’s trajectory will depend heavily on the policy environment. By 2030, value added is projected to reach USD 12.2 billion under business-as-usual conditions, rising to USD 14.2 billion under an accelerated growth scenario supported by targeted government action, with jobs supported climbing to as many as 1.16 million. Esports is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over this period.

Why policy design matters

That policy environment is the central question the report addresses. Governments across Southeast Asia are increasingly focused on online safety and youth protection, and these are legitimate priorities. But our analysis shows that overly restrictive or poorly calibrated measures risk weakening investment and limiting the growth of local ecosystems. A more balanced approach, one that protects users while preserving room for growth, will be essential to realising the industry’s full potential.

Download the full report for country-level deep dives, growth projections to 2030, and policy recommendations for sustaining the industry’s momentum.