A new report from GamesBeat, presented by Xsolla, explores how Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are shaping the global gaming market.
Developed by GamesBeat's editorial team – led by Dean Takahashi, Rachel Kaser, and the GamesBeat Partnerships group – with insights from Xsolla's APAC team, the report examines the region's diverse markets and how they are shaping the evolution of interactive entertainment. Asia is now the world's largest gaming region, with more than 286 million gamers in Southeast Asia alone and a mobile gaming sector valued at $14.8 billion in 2025. Across the region, growth rates are nearly double those seen in Western markets, driven by expanding mobile access, local IP development, and an increasingly connected esports community.
The report highlights Japan's enduring strength in mobile and console gaming, with market revenue projected to grow from $26.3 billion in 2024 to more than $60 billion by 2033. In South Korea, esports continues to anchor the industry, generating $69 million in 2024 and expected to reach $237 million by 2030 as competitive mobile gaming continues to expand. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has established itself as a global hub for mobile gaming, with esports revenue on track to surpass $350 million by 2025 and record-breaking viewership for events such as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship, which drew over 5 million concurrent viewers in 2024.
The report's contributors note that the APAC region has evolved from a major player to a leader in defining the next phase of interactive entertainment. Its combination of narrative depth in Japan, esports innovation in South Korea, and mobile-first creativity across Southeast Asia reflects a global industry that is diversifying in both audience and opportunity.
"The APAC region represents one of the most exciting frontiers in gaming today. Partnering with GamesBeat on this report underscores our shared mission to help developers and publishers understand the regional nuances, monetization strategies, cultural trends, and infrastructure that are critical to success. These insights illuminate where innovation is happening now and where global opportunities are emerging next."
Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Xsolla
Creating Opportunities for Video Games in Asia builds on GamesBeat's State of the Industry: Dubai Report released earlier in 2025 and continues the series' focus on data-driven insights into how regional ecosystems are reshaping the global market. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding local infrastructure, cultural preferences, and monetization strategies for developers and publishers seeking to reach new audiences.
The full report is available for download, providing market analysis, esports data, and context for the emerging opportunities defining the APAC games industry.