The number of users playing online games in Vietnam is forecasted to surpass 10 million by 2011, according to a research titled "Online Games Market in Vietnam" by Pearl Research.
According to Pearl Research, the online games market in Vietnam will be "driven by rising incomes, increasing PC and Internet penetration rates, and a large population of youth that are actively seeking out entertainment content." However, Vietnam's rapidly emerging online gaming industry will face several critical challenges including government regulations on online games, worldwide economic recessions, developing infrastructure, and general low income levels. Despite these contending issues, the market outlook is positive.
Currently, there are over 50 online games in the market, which is a notable achievement considering the online games industry merely emerged in 2004. The emergence of locally developed game titles targeted specifically at Vietnamese gamers is another trend driving the online games market. Pearl Research found that top online games in Vietnam attract up to 200,000 users.
Approximately 50% of total Vietnamese population is under age 25, which is an age range known for being tech savvy thus making them a high priority demographic for digital entertainment companies. Internet cafes in Vietnam where Pearl Research conducted interviews were consistently crowded with users playing online games. Interviews with Vietnamese gamers indicated that many were spending 60,000 to 100,000 VND (US$3 -$6) per month. Some even spent an average of 500,000 VND ($31) per month on gaming use, especially those interviewed at high-end Internet cafes. These consumers are driving the digital entertainment and online games market with virtual item purchases.