Around half of the world’s three billion gamers are located in Asia-Pacific. With 270 million gamers, the video game market in Southeast Asia alone is worth $5 billion. There is still a lot of room for expansion given the region’s young population, improved internet infrastructure, rising technological literacy, and affordable smartphones.

Recent data indicates that video games are not just for boys, which defies conventional gender stereotypes. Around 45% of gamers in Asia are currently female, and this percentage is rapidly increasing. The top three markets in APAC for female mobile gamers are India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with the other markets closely behind.

Female gamers will play a significant role in the search for new growth engines in 2023 if businesses have the right information to reach this new customer base. Additionally, the rapid expansion of mobile gaming provides hope for the future.

Know your customers and give them what they want Knowing your customers is essential for any gaming company that wants to keep up with the latest trends and cater to a wide range of gamers.

According to a recent report from Niko Partners, the number of female gamers in Asia is increasing at a rate of 7.6% annually, compared to 5% for male gamers. However, evidence from the United States suggests that only 30% of mobile games are thought to be made for women, and 44% of the most popular games on Google Play feature male characters.

There are unmet market needs for games with female characters and players who are geared toward them. Notably, female gamers are more likely to cite relaxation (47 per cent), fun and entertainment (45 per cent), and escapism (44%), whereas male gamers are typically motivated by competition (61%), challenge (58%), and learning new skills (58%).

Therefore, to gain an advantage over competitors and capitalize on this expanding demographic, brands should adopt a female perspective and address these requirements directly.

More games that are compatible with mobile devices A focus on the mobile experience is also necessary to capitalize on the expanding female gaming market.

In the world’s top 10 games markets, 94% of female gamers use mobile as their primary gaming platform, and mobile is the preferred option in every major Asian market. Additionally, 84% of female gamers are open to making in-game purchases.

In-app purchases cost them more than $20 billion last year to improve their gaming experience. Businesses will be able to stay close to their female customers if they emphasize mobile-friendly gaming design.

Businesses are acting quickly to capitalize on the growth of mobile gaming, which connects more gamers from all over the world and transcends gender lines. The range of smartphone experiences has been broadened by hardware advancements and well-known franchises like Mobile Legends and PUBG. Gamers can now enjoy a more connected and adaptable mobile gaming experience thanks to 5G technology and improved internet infrastructure.

Additionally, the rise of portable gaming has made it easier for more people to join casual games. A survey in 2020 found that 23% of gamers in Singapore are “time fillers,” playing a quick round of mobile games while waiting for a bus or train. The number of installations of these casual games increased by 49% in 2021.

Mobile games allow commuters to play wherever and whenever they want, unlike PC games, which require a complete home setup. This trend is expected to grow in the coming years as travel resumes. If you’re a game developer, you should look into making more idle tap games and games like them. These games would give people a quick way to escape life’s stress and make boring situations fun.

Find a balance between safety and smooth operation On the back end, security is still a top priority because it protects gamers’ trust in gaming businesses that want to grow in the long run.

A recent report reveals that hackers are targeting gamers with malware that steals passwords. In the seven months of last year, 185,689 passwords were taken from 2,179 devices. The security threat grows with the popularity of games.

In addition to good user habits, a robust security system that is continually improved is required to prevent security risks. Gaming merchants can remain vigilant in monitoring suspicious activity by establishing a dedicated security team and relying on dependable payment partners like PayPal, allowing gamers to rest assured that their data and payment information are safe.

We work with gaming merchants who tell us that gamers are often impatient, so a great payment experience shouldn’t stop them from playing. For instance, gamers appreciate one-click payments because they can quickly save their information and check out. It’s worth investing in game-changing features like a crease-free in-app purchasing process and a smooth website layout with simple clicks.

There is widespread agreement that the coming year will be difficult, but emerging trends have pointed to opportunities for gaming businesses. One way to take advantage of the opportunity is to design experiences that are more mobile-friendly and inclusive.

While innovative game design and brilliant code are unquestionably necessary for success, the real goal is a winning customer experience from beginning to end. Gaming merchants can concentrate on elevating and improving the gameplay with a payment partner that provides built-in security solutions, frictionless check-out, and cross-border capabilities.

Credit: e27