Opinion by Samantha “Sam” Patel, veteran gaming industry analyst and lifelong gamer.
As someone who has spent countless hours playing games across various platforms and cultures, I have seen firsthand the stark differences between Western and Asian gaming markets. And let me tell you, there’s a reason why they say “When in Rome, play the Gacha!”
Western studios have been missing out on a massive opportunity by ignoring the appeal of Gacha-oriented mobile games to Asian audiences. It’s like offering caviar to a starving man and expecting him to be satisfied with crackers.
The popularity of these games lies in their focus on loot boxes, randomness, and the combination of earning and spending in-game currency. They require work, mental arithmetic skills, and many hours — what gamers call grind. This is a stark contrast to Western games that are typically engineered for fun, with simple rule systems and an explicit progressive nature.
Bridging the gap
To succeed in the Asian market, Western game studios need to adapt their development philosophies. They must understand what makes Gacha games successful in Asia and incorporate those elements into their designs while keeping cultural sensitivities and legal considerations in mind.
This means creating games that are visually appealing, engaging, and rewarding for Asian players. It also means integrating NFT collections and gaming wallets with the demands of Gacha, ensuring a sustainable design for real-world value extraction.
The potential payoff
If Western studios can successfully adapt to the demands of Asian gamers, they could reap significant rewards. China and India are two of the biggest gaming markets in the world, with millions of players eagerly awaiting games tailored to their preferences.
Of course, it won’t be easy, but as someone who has spent countless hours grinding games for virtual currency, I can assure you that the rewards will be worth the effort.
So let’s get to work and start bridging the gap between Western and Asian gaming markets. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be playing Gacha together in a global gaming utopia. Or at least until the next big thing comes along!
Samantha “Sam” Patel is a veteran gaming industry analyst and lifelong gamer. She has spent countless hours grinding games for virtual currency, which she still insists is a valid form of currency.
Opinion by Sam Patton, chief operating officer at DriftZone.
One challenge lies in the fact that Western Web3 games haven’t been well-received by Asian audiences. To address this issue, game developers should adapt their approaches by understanding the keys to success in Asian gaming culture.
In Japan, there’s a saying, “Yo-ge, kuso-ge,” which translates to “Western games are crap.” However, this perspective may not be entirely accurate. While it is true that Western games have dominated the market for a long time, Asian games have also made significant strides in the West. Titles such as Final Fantasy, Tekken, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and Animal Crossing are just a few examples of Asian games that have gained immense popularity globally. So, it could be argued that they do not necessarily have a point.
It’s important to note that Western games do enjoy popularity, as demonstrated by the dedicated fan bases of League of Legends, GTA V, Call of Duty, Minecraft, and Fortnite in Asia. However, these titles don’t rank among the most played games in Asia. Instead, Asian gamers tend to favor local games, and the concept of Web3 hasn’t yet gained significant traction.
Gacha-oriented mobile gaming
In Asia during its early stages, gaming took place predominantly on small, low-resolution mobile phones where players had to squeeze information into limited space. It was during this era that “Gacha” games gained immense popularity, while western gamers were more inclined towards leisurely console games.
Gacha games revolve around loot boxes, scarce items, randomness, a mix of earning and spending in-game currency, and time commitment. Critics claim these mechanics can foster gambling habits, excessive spending, and significant time investment (similar concerns are raised about cryptocurrency). However, even the most popular AAA games have incorporated Gacha elements into their designs. Honor of Kings, Clash of Clans, PUBG, League of Legends, and Crossfire are among the top games in Asia, all mobile games that use Gacha concepts and generate substantial revenues.
Recent: Dubai-based Web3 Unleashed hackathon announces finalists, reveals prize pool
In simpler terms, game developers for Web3 (decentralized internet) gaming may face greater obstacles when trying to gain popularity in the Western world due to its relative lack of familiarity with cryptocurrency basics. The complications associated with crypto wallets are a primary reason why potential users shy away from playing Web3 games. Conversely, Eastern audiences appear more accustomed to understanding and navigating the intricacies of cryptocurrencies. By tailoring their approach to this audience, developers could potentially attract more users and active players.
The opportunity at large
As a researcher examining the gaming landscape in Asia, I’ve noticed that both China and India, being the largest gaming markets on the continent, have yet to fully embrace cryptocurrencies. This presents a challenge for the growth of Web3. However, we can devise strategies where Web3 gaming studios could develop captivating titles with optional on-chain features, allowing players the freedom to engage at their discretion. Navigating the intricate web of regulations and jurisdictions in these regions may prove beneficial in the long run. It’s worth noting that China leads global spending on iOS apps, while Japan tops the charts for Google Play store spend (which is not accessible in China).
Breaking into the gaming market in China is a tough task for studios, whether they focus on Web3 or not. It’s worth noting that approximately 93% of global spending on the leading iOS app store comes from Chinese games. Given that China has a higher percentage of localized spending compared to any other region, it’s easy to understand why developers find this challenge daunting, despite the fact that gaming expenditure reached an impressive $107.3 billion last year.
Web3 gaming studios might find it advantageous to explore Indonesia and Thailand, where users devote the most daily hours globally to mobile gaming. Similarly, Vietnam and the Philippines are markets that have shown a strong affinity for Web3 games, particularly when there’s an opportunity to earn small sums daily through playing games. These regions share a characteristic of players who are willing to invest significant time in games, but only if they receive something in return. They aren’t simply playing for entertainment.
Could Gacha and Web3 combine to meet a real market need?
Western blockchain games can succeed
One way to rephrase that statement could be: The market for video games developed specifically for Asian players has been largely unexplored, but this could be about to change significantly. After the success of Wukong, a Chinese game based on mythology selling 18 million copies in just two weeks, developers are starting to shift their perspectives. Instead of trying to get Asian audiences to appreciate Western Web3 games, they might now focus on researching and creating games that cater specifically to Asian gamers’ tastes and preferences.
As an analyst, I recognize that creating successful games in today’s market necessitates a comprehensive grasp of popular, engaging, and addictive gaming trends prevalent across Asia. This understanding should encompass how Asian art and visual design differ from Western aesthetics. To achieve this, game studios must intricately integrate NFT collections with gaming wallets while catering to the preferences of Gacha systems, primarily focusing on randomized loot boxes and upgradeable assets. The ultimate goal is to establish a balanced design that enables the extraction of real-world value without disrupting cultural gaming nuances or legal regulations. This delicate balancing act takes place behind the scenes to maintain an immersive and authentic gameplay experience for players across different regions.
If Western game developers manage to meet the preferences of Asian gamers effectively, they could potentially reap unprecedented financial successes.
Currently serving as the head of operations at DriftZone, Sam Patton previously held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Mintlayer (a Bitcoin Layer 2 platform). Now, he oversees the operations at DriftZone, using his skills to develop games that appeal to players and foster a seamless transition between Web2 and Web3.
This post serves as a source of general knowledge and isn’t meant to function as legal or financial guidance. The perspectives, ideas, and beliefs shared in this article belong solely to the writer and may not align with or be endorsed by CryptoMoon.
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2024-11-12 14:36