Locally-developed video games stand to reap enormous financial growth in the long run.
Badan Ekonomi Kreatif Indonesia (BEKRAF), the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy, is bringing seven Indonesian video game developers to exhibit at the largest video game show in Asia, Tokyo Game Show 2018, September 20-23, 2018.
The selection process was administered by the Indonesian Game Association (AGI)‘s strict screening committee since August 2018. Entitled “Archipelageek”, the Indonesian booth comprises mobile, PC, and console video game developers, Agate and Studio Namaapa; online game portal developer, Megaxus; open source game engine by Melon Gaming; to intellectual property and game developer, by Lentera Nusantara, Wisageni Studio and Semisoft. Archipelageek is BEKRAF and AGI’s support program to Indonesia’s local game developers and it will take spot at New Starts Area Hall 1, International Conference Halls, Makuhari Messe, Japan.
As the leading hub of the global gaming industry, Tokyo Game Show 2018 gives thousands of game enthusiasts a first-hand preview of the latest games and game-related gadgets and technologies, created by the biggest game companies. Held once a year, it attracts more than 250,000 visitors to attend up to 2,000 booths from the world’s key players in the industry.
“By participating in the expo, we strive to connect Indonesia’s leading developers in the gaming industry, with hundreds of new games, service providers, and potential partners from around the globe, and particularly from Japan. The mobile game industry continues to ride a growing wave each year, estimated to account for US$50 billion dollars globally. Thus, Indonesia, as the 6th largest population of internet users, is ready to tap into the global gaming market,” said Joshua Puji Mulia Simandjuntak, Deputy Chairman for Marketing of BEKRAF.
Joshua added that all Indonesian exhibitors foster their local identities. “It works through the content form of their products, which often make Indonesian cultural and heritage references in their stories. One such online video game incorporates an Indonesian fable about a street musician. Moreover, we’re taking a look at major shifts in the gaming industry, not only in Indonesia but also throughout Asia Pacific. Thus, we are optimistically expanding our gaming potential throughout the APAC region, specifically to Japan.”
With 43.7 million active gamers, Indonesia earned US$869.7 million from the industry in 2017, as stated in a report by Newzoo. This ranks Indonesia at #16 worldwide in terms of game revenues. According to Bank Indonesia, the gaming industry in Indonesia will contribute to 1.93% to the economy. Japan is the world’s third-largest gaming market, with 65 million gamers spending a total of US$12.5 billion, making it a high-potential market for Indonesian game makers for expansion.
With a growing base of smartphone users, Japan is undeniably the world’s most mature market for mobile games, as well as consoles, which skyrocketed by more than 70% in sales last year.
It is a market with huge opportunities for Indonesia’s various thriving gaming clusters, including mobile gaming app, console, and social-network game developers, to promote the growth of the Indonesian creative economy.
