Niko Partners' latest research reveals a significant shift in gaming behavior among the 97 million gamers in Japan and Korea, with a notable increase in multi-platform play. According to the July 2024 East Asia Gamers Behavior and Market Insights Report, over 70% of Japanese mobile gamers and 90% of South Korean PC gamers now engage with games across multiple platforms.

This trend reflects a broader acceptance of console and PC gaming among Japanese mobile players and a growing interest in mobile and console gaming among Korean PC players, indicating a dynamic evolution in the gaming landscapes of these regions. In this article, we will summarize key findings from the report and shed insights on the relevance for blockchain gaming/

Over 90 Million Gamers in Japan and Korea Play Multi-Platform

Multi-Platform Gaming Rises in Japan and Korea

Recent research by Niko Partners, a leading market research firm specializing in video games, esports, and live streaming in Asia and MENA, reveals a significant shift in gaming behavior in Japan and Korea. According to their July 2024 East Asia Gamers Behavior and Market Insights Report, 97 million gamers in these regions are increasingly engaging in multi-platform play.

The report highlights that over 70% of Japanese mobile gamers and 90% of South Korean PC gamers are now playing games across multiple platforms. This marks a 30% increase in Japan and a 5% increase in Korea compared to 2023. The top 10% of most-played games in both countries are available on at least two gaming platforms, demonstrating a growing trend of cross-platform engagement.

“We noticed a large increase in gamers reporting to play on more than one platform in the past year,” said Lisa Hanson, CEO, of Niko Partners. “Some of this is due to the availability of consoles in Japan after scarcity during the pandemic, and some of it is due to more games being developed for multi-platform use that drives engagement on consoles, mobile, and PC. What is notable is that gamers in East Asia demonstrate that cross-platform games lead to higher engagement.”

The Asia-10 Games Market Report by Niko Partners

Key Findings and Trends

Multi-Platform Popularity: In Japan, 39% of all gamers play on at least two platforms, with a notable 30% year-over-year increase in mobile gamers who also play on consoles. In Korea, 58% of all gamers are multi-platform players, with a 5% increase in PC gamers who have started playing on mobile devices.

Market Growth Predictions: Niko Partners' East Asia Games Market Model Report predicts stagnation in Japan’s mobile game market over the next five years. However, growth is expected in the PC (5-year CAGR of 8.8%) and console (5-year CAGR of 2.5%) sectors. In contrast, Korea's PC and mobile game market revenues are expected to stagnate, while the console market is anticipated to grow (5-year CAGR of 3.4%).

Drivers for Game Adoption: Genre familiarity and compelling storylines are the top factors driving Japanese and Korean gamers to try new games, with over 60% of Japanese gamers and 40% of Korean gamers highlighting these elements as important.

Livestreaming and Marketing: Livestreaming has become a crucial marketing tool, with more than 31% of Japanese gamers and 40% of Korean gamers watching game livestreams. YouTube remains the dominant platform for gaming content, capturing 90% of the gaming audience across Asia. Local platforms like SOOP (AfreecaTV) in Korea and NicoNico in Japan have also gained significant traction, each attracting over 20% of gamers in their respective countries.

East Asia Gamer Behaviour and Market Insights by Niko Partners

Relevance to Blockchain Gaming

The rise of multi-platform gaming in Japan and Korea, as detailed in Niko Partners' 2024 report, holds significant relevance for the blockchain gaming industry. The increasing trend of gamers engaging across multiple platforms highlights a growing appetite for interconnected and versatile gaming experiences, a core principle of blockchain gaming.

Blockchain technology's ability to facilitate cross-platform play, secure asset ownership, and provide seamless integration between different gaming ecosystems positions it as a natural fit for this evolving market. As gamers in East Asia continue to embrace diverse gaming platforms, blockchain gaming stands poised to capitalize on this shift, offering innovative solutions and enhanced engagement for a tech-savvy audience.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 insights from Niko Partners underscore the growing trend of multi-platform gaming in Japan and Korea, highlighting shifts in gamer behavior and market dynamics. As cross-platform games gain popularity, developers and marketers have new opportunities to engage a broader audience across different gaming systems. For more in-depth information and access to the report, visit Niko Partners' website.