Overview
Booming industry continues to grow exponentially as stigma against it is replaced with favourable light
With 45% of the global market share, Asia holds the biggest share of the global gaming industry. Singapore’s gaming industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, growing from a mere 500 players in 2007 to over 1.4 million players in 2017. Currently, from a population of 5.94 million, 3.96 million are gamers. Furthermore, the Singapore video games market is expected to reach USD 215.2 million in 2022, a huge jump from the USD 130.25 million revenue earned in 2017.
The shift in how video games are viewed was quite evident when the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) accepted that gaming was a key part of Singapore’s culture. In fact, the Singapore Games Association (SGGA) is supported by the government through 3 of its agencies, which are STB, Enterprise Singapore and the Media Development Authority (MDA), with hopes to establish Singapore as an e-sports hub and a desirable location for gaming companies to station their headquarters.
Singapore’s advanced technological infrastructure helps country stay ahead in the industry
The country’s advanced technological infrastructure plays a vital role in the gaming industry. Having one of the best fibre-optic connectivities and with 5G being commercially available, e-sports organisers and gaming companies can benefit tremendously from this with seamless cross-market play and great e-sports experiences.
With high-speed internet of 200.1 Mbps (megabits per second) compared to the global average of 73.6 Mbps and 5G, Singapore is the ideal place for e-sports teams to train and compete in. Established with the intention to strengthen the local e-sports ecosystem, Singapore is the only Asian country to have an e-sports gym that offers the best facilities and gaming tech for gamers. In fact, the company Esports Entertainment Asia opened an e-sports experience centre in the country in 2021.
Strong government support helps Singapore establish its position as gaming and e-sports hub
Government ogranisations like SportSG, EDB (Singapore Economic Development Board), STB and IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) are all working towards training local gamers, attracting large gaming organisations to the country and increasing skills of the local workforce.
From NGOs and government agencies launching initiatives such as leading events including gamescom asia and SuperGamerFest, to major gaming and e-sports events gaining strong support from STB, and the government investing in the gaming industry and growing tech, it is safe to say that Singapore is determined to become a global gaming and e-sports hub.
Key Trends
COVID-19 ironically has positive impact on industry thanks to public’s need for distraction during global shutdown
With public places shut down and social distancing put in place, the general public had to find new ways to entertain themselves from the comfort of their homes amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the pandemic that negatively impacted most industries had quite the opposite effect on the gaming industry, with 20% growth in the global gaming market in 2020 compared to the previous year. Better yet, the South Asian market is estimated to grow to three times the amount in 2017 by 2023.
According to a survey conducted in September 2020 in Singapore, 47% of participants said they play video games more often compared to before the pandemic. Additionally, as casual gamers look for new ways to use their free time, in Singapore, mobile games make up two-thirds of the games market.
As the largest segment, mobile games in Singapore have reached a market volume of USD 130.4 million in 2022. Adding to that, ‘time fillers’ take up 23% of the 3.8 million gamers in Singapore, becoming the biggest subset in the gaming community. These gamers tend to play while waiting in line, or taking the bus or train. Unsurprisingly, fast-paced and addictive games are the most popular among this subset of gamers. Many game companies have taken this into consideration and have created mobile versions of games previously only available on PCs or other gaming consoles.
Increase in participation of female gamers following Singapore’s changing attitudes towards gaming
According to a survey conducted in 2020, 55% of female participants in Singapore said they played online games. This has encouraged leading gaming companies and e-sports hosts to focus on and support more female participation in e-sports, including tournaments and leagues.
The increase in mobile games can also be credited as a contributor, with mobile games being much easier to access and keep up with than traditional console or PC games.
E-sports becomes priority, proving to be extremely profitable
Singapore is on its way to becoming an e-sports hub with the first global governing body for e-sports, the Global Esports Federation (GEF), setting up its headquarters in Singapore. Along with strong internet infrastructure, government support and innovative e-sports facilities like the e-sports gym, the country’s high smartphone penetration, which is estimated to reach 93% of the population by 2025, and high-profile influencers - whose interest and promotion of games and e-sports are helping reach bigger audiences- are some of the other factors that contribute to the e-sports wave in Singapore.
East Asia contributes to one-third of global e-sports revenue that is expected to reach USD 1.6 billion in 2023, double the revenue in 2018. Adding to that, with the global e-sports audience growing from 397.8 million in 2019 to 435.9 million in 2020 (Statista Survey 2021), branding opportunities can be offered during streaming or live telecast of e-sports events.
Key Statistics
- From small indie companies to AAA studios, Singapore currently has about 220 game developers and publishers, as of 2022.
- In 2021, the Singapore gaming industry made USD 487 million in revenue, of which mobile games made up 56.3% with USD 274 million, PC games made up 26.1% with USD 127 million and console games made up 17.5% with USD 85.3 million.
- According to a 2022 article, 53% of the Singapore male population and 40% of the female population played console games, PC games were played by 65% of males and 47% of females, and mobile games were played by 74% of males and 68% of females.
- In an article published in 2022, it was estimated that e-sports are watched by 21% of the urban online population in Singapore.
- A survey conducted in Singapore in April 2022 revealed that 80% of participants who were between the ages of 16 and 24, 73% of participants between the ages of 25 and 34, 64% of participants between the ages of 35 and 44, and 55% of participants between the ages of 45 and 54 played online games.
Top Singapore MNCs in Gaming
IGT ASIA PTE. LTD.
IGT Asia, incorporated in 2008, is part of the global network of gaming giant IGT, which is headquartered in the UK, with operations in North America, South and Central America, EMEA and the Asia Pacific. IGT Asia makes it possible for players to enjoy their favourite games across all channels and regulated divisions, ranging from gaming machines and lotteries to interactive options. Its gaming solutions anticipate consumer needs wherever they choose to play by offering a plethora of premium content, significant investment in innovation, in-depth customer information, operational knowledge and cutting-edge technology. IGT Asia provides value by upholding the highest standards of services.
UBISOFT SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Ubisoft Singapore was established in 2008 as an AAA game development studio in Southeast Asia. Ubisoft is a global player which is headquartered in France. The studio in Singapore is home to 35+ different nationalities who provide ambitious gaming experiences. Since Assassin's Creed II, Ubisoft Singapore has contributed to all Assassin's Creed titles. It pioneered naval battle game experience and water technology in Assassin's Creed III and, most recently, Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Its expertise in AAA and real-time processes drove the team to lead the development of Skull and Bones. Ubisoft has now expanded beyond games into movies, television, comic books and other areas.
ELECTRONIC ARTS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD
Repeated Company as per the Client -
TAKE-TWO ASIA PTE. LTD.
Take-Two Interactive Software, headquartered in New York City, is a global creator, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Take-Two Asia was incorporated in Singapore in 2008. The company creates and publishes goods that are designed for console systems, portable gaming systems, and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are available for purchase in physical stores, through digital downloads, internet platforms, and cloud streaming services. Take-Two achieved new levels in 2014 for both the company and the entertainment sector. Its Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V sold more than a billion dollars faster than any other entertainment release in history.
WARGAMING ASIA PTE. LTD.
Wargaming Group is an award-winning multinational online game developer and publisher, as well as a market leader in the free-to-play MMO sector. Wargaming's commercial operations centre was established in Southeast Asia in 2012, with the objective of providing easy access to Wargaming's products to players in the region. Wargaming Asia is headquartered in Singapore, with regional offices in Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan. The studio released a slew of tough RTS and TBS titles, notably the critically praised Massive Assault series. Wargaming Asia has evolved from a maker of military real-time strategy to one focused on multiplayer online games.
BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT ASIA PTE. LTD.
Bandai Namco Holdings is a multinational publisher and producer of interactive content for all major video game consoles, mobile devices and the web. Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia, which was incorporated in 2003, is a notable publisher and distributor of PC and console video games in Asia, featuring key titles such as Tekken, Soulcalibur, Pac-Man, Dark Souls, Dragon Ball Fighterz, and Naruto: Ultimate Storm. Bandai Namco has interests ranging from toys and games to anime and music, as well as amusement equipment and facilities.
KEYWORDS INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
Keywords Studios, headquartered in Ireland, is a video game industry service company with studios in Dublin, London, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Shanghai, New Delhi, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro. In Singapore, Keywords International was established in 2014. The company allows premier content producers and publishers to use its experience and capabilities across the interactive content lifecycle. Keywords Studios continues to develop world-class skills in services required by video games and other interactive content makers, including art services, game development and audio services. Keywords, Babel Media, Binari Sonori, Lakshya Digital, Alchemic Dream, Reverb, and Liquid Violet are among the international brands represented by Keywords.
UNITY TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
RIOT GAMES SERVICES PTE. LTD.
Riot Games is a video game developing company based in Los Angeles, with a presence in many countries across the globe. In Singapore, Riot Games Services was incorporated in 2015, with the intention of revolutionizing the way video games are made, distributed and supported for gamers. Riot's first title, League of Legends, has gone on to become the most played PC game in the world, as well as a crucial driver of esports' meteoric development. Riot's community is built on its players, and it is for them that Riot continues to enhance the League experience, both in-game and beyond.
YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
YOOZOO Games, headquartered in China, is a video game developer which publishes its online games in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2015, it founded Youzu in Singapore. Youzu Singapore has worked with performance marketing and design teams in Singapore, operations in Thailand, and customer service in the Philippines to develop a single cross-functional team to deliver an integrated solution for game publishing. Youzu Singapore has successfully released titles such as Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming, Light of Thel, and Saint Seiya.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Gaming
VIRTUOS HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2006, IGG Singapore is a well-known video game developer and publisher which is committed to offering fantastic games to gamers all around the world. IGG Singapore's primary focus has been on mobile games and MMORPGS for IOS, Android, Facebook and PC platforms. In just a couple of years, IGG Singapore has grown into a professional high-tech corporation that spans the complete business range of online game production, publication, distribution and service. IGG Singapore has offices in the United States, Canada, the Philippines and China.
GARENA ONLINE PRIVATE LIMITED
Garena Online, established in 2009, is a Singapore-based online game developer and publisher. The company offers worldwide consumers access to popular and entertaining mobile and PC online games that it creates, curates and localizes. It promotes games as a social and entertainment platform that encourages community participation and communication. Garena Online is the creator and publisher of the popular mobile game Free Fire. The company is also a well-known esports organization. It sponsors esports events all around the world, from grassroots local tournaments to some of the most watched professional esports competitions in the world.
OFFGAMERS GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
OffGamers Global, incorporated in 2010, is a major digital retail distribution and payments network, which provides game credits and top-ups for computer games, content producers, e-commerce cards and telecom recharge. OffGamers Global is a digital distribution network that is dedicated to content providers, where clients from all over the world may acquire top-up services such as gaming credits and telecom recharge by using the company’s internationally diversified payment choices. OffGamers Global has offices in America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, enabling the company to offer its services to customers in these regions.
RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
GO GAME PTE. LTD.
Established in 2015, Go Game is a mobile game publisher and technology firm dedicated to providing excellent games. The company obtained the support of gaming monster Sega, and venture capitalist firm Incubate Fund in Japan. Since its inception, Go Game has expanded across Asia, with offices in the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand. Mozense in Malaysia joined the game family in 2017 to become its sixth office. Go Game provides a comprehensive set of publishing services and tools to assist mobile game creators to achieve success in app stores. Go Game created games such as Disney Crossy Road in Southeast Asia, and Dragon Project for the global market.
MYTONA PTE. LTD.
Mytona, incorporated in 2015, is a mobile game development firm specializing in free-to-play games. The company produces and distributes games for a wide range of consumers across several platforms and genres. Mytona is particularly pleased with its main products, Seekers Notes and Cooking Diary, which are perennial bestsellers in their respective areas. Seekers Notes and Cooking Diary are the top-grossing smartphone games in many regions, including the United States, China and Western Europe. Currently, Mytona Group has offices in Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia and Serbia.
E3 DISTRIBUTION PTE. LTD.
E3 Distribution, which was established in Singapore in 2006, is a regional video game industry leader, distributing and retailing a wide range of brands in game software, video game consoles and gaming accessories. E3 Distribution is said to be Asia's fastest-growing video game firm, with a distribution network that spans Southeast Asia and India. A robust and well-balanced brand portfolio includes specialist brands like Rseat, Playseat, Nyko, Mionix and Gioteck, as well as appealing licences such as the Steam Wallet prepaid card and private label Gatz.
Top Singapore SMEs in Gaming
GAMETIZE PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 2009, Gametize serves as an enterprise-grade gamification platform for social engagement and advocacy around the world. Supported by the Gametize Platform, which allows anybody to develop a game in five minutes, it uses the notion of gamification to tackle issues. Gametize is acknowledged by companies like Shell, Samsung, P&G, DBS, Singtel and Accenture. Academics and research firms such as Bond University, San Jose State University, and Forrester have all recommended Gametize. In 2015, Gametize was named one of Singapore's 20 hottest companies by Singapore Business Review and, in 2013, it won the People's Choice Award at IBM SmartCamp (ASEAN).
INFINITY CORE PTE. LTD.
Infinity Core, established in 2011, is a digital interactive firm that focuses on experiential marketing, digital graphics, and interactive digital media solutions for brands and enterprises. Ramen Chomp Digital Drum Game, Match 5 Microsite Game, Interactive Spin & Win Game, and Quick Reaction Game Kiosk are some of Infinity Core's creations. Focusing on human-centred design and gamification, the company uses the power of interaction to assist organizations to turn ideas and concepts into reality. Infinity Core collaborates with the world's top agencies, brands, media and technology firms. Creative content, software development, hardware solution integration, game development, 3D multimedia, and technology consulting are offered by Infinity Core.
HAPPY LABS PTE. LTD.
Founded in 2013, Happy Labs is an independent firm that creates family-oriented games. The company creates games that are suitable for people of all ages, enabling anyone, anywhere, to enjoy these games. Happy Labs' games are designed for a casual audience, and its desire is to present gamers with enjoyable simulation and action games. Its games have also been translated into numerous languages, including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai and Japanese. Restaurant games such as Toriko, Happy Pet Spot, Happy Pet Math, Puchi Puchi Pop, and Happy Pet Line are among the games created by Happy Labs.
EYOU TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD.
Eyou Technology, incorporated in 2013, is a gaming organization that specializes in online, mobile and other client software games as well as game-related items and e-commerce. The firm follows the ‘players-first, service-first’ approach and has released over 200 different types of mobile games in 20 countries. Among these titles, Demoncer, Lightchaser, Elora's Raid, Gaia Odyssey, and Mirage: A Perfect Skyline have proved popular. The firm has produced games that have been successful in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, South East Asia, Korea, Japan, Russia, Brazil and the Middle East, among other global markets. Eyou Technology works with organizations such as Facebook, Google, Unity, Twitter and TikTok.
PLAYPLAYFUN LLP
Established in 2015, Playplayfun is one of the most popular and largest arcade game portals, which offers online games that gaming enthusiasts can play for free. Playplayfun features arcade games, educational games, puzzle games, and strategy games in Flash, Unity and HTML5 formats. Playplayfun is headquartered in Singapore. The company is a game publisher which is recognised for award-winning titles such as The Bonfire Series, Spirit Roots and Shadow of Naught. Playplayfun also allows developers to publish their games on its sites.
ORIONARTS PTE. LTD.
OrionArts, which was founded in 2011, is a Singapore-based game development firm. The company strives to produce games with precise controls, supergraphics and epic experiences for gamers. OrionArts develops casual games as well as tough 2D games. Its creative path frequently includes both local and worldwide talent. OrionArts is presently creating a Toyzilla game in order to create a Toyzilla brand, as well as other interesting initiatives. While Galerider is OrionArts' most recent game, the company is developing a dragon-riding action shooter game for mobile devices.
PLAYWARE STUDIOS PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in Singapore in 2000, Playware Studios is an EdTech firm that uses best practices in gaming technology for teaching and learning. In learning settings, Playware Studios pioneered the notion of ‘Gamelets’, which are short-form games containing 3D immersive virtual world material that can be simply generated, disseminated, played and reviewed. With backgrounds in video games, television, electronics, comics, e-learning and marketing, the Playware Studios team is well-versed in creating mixed and multi-modal multimedia experiences. Playware Studios has launched over 200 games and experiences across several platforms. Around 50 are serious games that are utilized in elementary, intermediate, tertiary, and adult education and training.
EPICSOFT ASIA PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
MIGHTY BEAR GAMES PTE. LTD.
Mighty Bear Games, which was established in Singapore in 2016, is a firm that is dedicated to presenting the future of online multiplayer gaming to a global audience. The company’s team comprises industry experts who have gained experience in companies like King, Ubisoft, EA, Lucasarts, Disney, Gameloft and Jagex. At Mighty Bear Games, the focus is on blending the richness of desktop gaming with pick-up-and-play accessibility, while being guided by AAA experience and a mobile-first flexibility. Some of the games in the company’s portfolio include: Mighty Action Heroes, Disney Melee Mania, World of Legends, Mighty Pets and Puzzles, and Butter Royale.
BS INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS PTE. LTD.
Incorporated in 1993, BS International is an importer, exporter and wholesale distributor of video game accessories. These include hardware such as consoles and software such as games. BS International has worked with numerous big gaming businesses, including Playseat, and continues to expand its reach. In addition to its wholesale distribution of video games and accessories, BS International is the exclusive reseller of Playseats in Singapore. The company also has a click-and-collect store, gamescrazydeals.com, where users may buy their favourite games online. For consumers, BS International provides self-collection or delivery alternatives.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Gaming
YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
YOOZOO Games, headquartered in China, is a video game developer which publishes its online games in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2015, it founded Youzu in Singapore. Youzu Singapore has worked with performance marketing and design teams in Singapore, operations in Thailand, and customer service in the Philippines to develop a single cross-functional team to deliver an integrated solution for game publishing. Youzu Singapore has successfully released titles such as Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming, Light of Thel, and Saint Seiya.
ESL SEA PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
MIXED REALMS PTE. LTD.
Mixed Realms, which was established in 2016, is an entrepreneurial studio. It is headquartered in Singapore. Mixed Realms produces video games in a tiny nation that isn't normally recognised for making great video games. Mixed Realms is well known for producing Sairento VR, a popular game that allows players to experience being a gun-blazing, katana-slashing cyber ninja in virtual reality. Other games in Mixed Realms’ portfolio include: Gordian Quest – a deck-building game, and Hellsweeper – which is described as ‘a roguelike first person combat simulator’.
GARENA ONLINE PRIVATE LIMITED
Garena Online, established in 2009, is a Singapore-based online game developer and publisher. The company offers worldwide consumers access to popular and entertaining mobile and PC online games that it creates, curates and localizes. It promotes games as a social and entertainment platform that encourages community participation and communication. Garena Online is the creator and publisher of the popular mobile game Free Fire. The company is also a well-known esports organization. It sponsors esports events all around the world, from grassroots local tournaments to some of the most watched professional esports competitions in the world.
OFFGAMERS GLOBAL PTE. LTD.
OffGamers Global, incorporated in 2010, is a major digital retail distribution and payments network, which provides game credits and top-ups for computer games, content producers, e-commerce cards and telecom recharge. OffGamers Global is a digital distribution network that is dedicated to content providers, where clients from all over the world may acquire top-up services such as gaming credits and telecom recharge by using the company’s internationally diversified payment choices. OffGamers Global has offices in America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, enabling the company to offer its services to customers in these regions.
SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SINGAPORE PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeated Company as per the Client -
KEYWORDS INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.
Keywords Studios, headquartered in Ireland, is a video game industry service company with studios in Dublin, London, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Tokyo, Shanghai, New Delhi, Los Angeles and Rio de Janeiro. In Singapore, Keywords International was established in 2014. The company allows premier content producers and publishers to use its experience and capabilities across the interactive content lifecycle. Keywords Studios continues to develop world-class skills in services required by video games and other interactive content makers, including art services, game development and audio services. Keywords, Babel Media, Binari Sonori, Lakshya Digital, Alchemic Dream, Reverb, and Liquid Violet are among the international brands represented by Keywords.
VIRTUOS HOLDINGS PTE. LTD.
Repeated Company as per the Client -
BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT ASIA PTE. LTD.
Bandai Namco Holdings is a multinational publisher and producer of interactive content for all major video game consoles, mobile devices and the web. Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia, which was incorporated in 2003, is a notable publisher and distributor of PC and console video games in Asia, featuring key titles such as Tekken, Soulcalibur, Pac-Man, Dark Souls, Dragon Ball Fighterz, and Naruto: Ultimate Storm. Bandai Namco has interests ranging from toys and games to anime and music, as well as amusement equipment and facilities.
MIGHTY BEAR GAMES PTE. LTD.
Mighty Bear Games, which was established in Singapore in 2016, is a firm that is dedicated to presenting the future of online multiplayer gaming to a global audience. The company’s team comprises industry experts who have gained experience in companies like King, Ubisoft, EA, Lucasarts, Disney, Gameloft and Jagex. At Mighty Bear Games, the focus is on blending the richness of desktop gaming with pick-up-and-play accessibility, while being guided by AAA experience and a mobile-first flexibility. Some of the games in the company’s portfolio include: Mighty Action Heroes, Disney Melee Mania, World of Legends, Mighty Pets and Puzzles, and Butter Royale.