Vietnamese internet service firms are increasingly developing online games as a way to generate revenue. As the internet market slows due to economic conditions, games are seen as a quick path to profits. Several major firms such as Vat Gia and VNPay have entered the game industry despite initially viewing games negatively. These companies have existing infrastructure and staff that can support game development. The online games market in Vietnam grew 20% in 2012 and analysts believe internet companies are well positioned to leverage their resources and partner with others to develop successful games and capitalize on market opportunities.

1. Vietnamese Internet service firms rush to make games
19/11/2013
The “game community” has become more crowded when more and more information and
communication technology firms jump on the bandwagon.
Internet service firms (digital content, e-commerce, social networks, and online ads) now tend to
jump into the online game sector which is believed to bring big profit to them, Vat Gia, VC Corp
and VNPay are among them.
Making games is the quickest money making way ?
The Internet service market began showing big difficulties in late 2012 following the economic
downturn. The software industry only got the turnover of $1.21 billion, a modest growth rate of 3
percent, much lower than that in previous years. The e-commerce, which made considerable
progress in the years before, became stagnant in the economic recession.

2. The turnover of digital content firms reached $1.24 billion in 2012, up by 6 percent. However,
the growth was attributed mainly to the steady growth rate of the online game sector.
Therefore, the online game industry has caught the special attention from ICT firms. A recent
report showed that Vietnam has become the fastest growing online game market in South East
Asia. In 2012, the industry brought the turnover of VND5 trillion, an increase of 20 percent over
2011.
In the eyes of ICT firms, making games is the quickest way for anyone to make money. However,
making games had never been the focus of ICT firms until recently. It was just considered the
way of making money for short term, because the games’ “life expectancy” is not long, while
ICT firms strive to sustainable and long term value.
Especially, some ICT firms even thought that making games may spoil the firms’ images.
However, they have changed their mind, when technology investors have become more cautious
with their investments and start ups find it more difficult to receive investments. Some firms
have got exhausted in capital after a long period of operation.
In such conditions, making games is the first thing Internet firms think of, because the job can
bring money to help them survive the current difficulties.
Internet firms have great advantages to join the games market. Their advanced infrastructure
systems are ready for making games.
Analysts have noted that in the context of the great potentials of the Vietnamese games market, it
is now easier than ever to buy games from partners or join forces with others to develop games.
Internet firms can also use their staff who have basic knowledge on the system administration,
online marketing and game operation for the new business field.
What’s the 2014 games market like?
Vuong Quoc Than Thoai (mythological kingdom) is a game of Vat Gia, a company which once
stated that it would never join the game industry. Huyen Thoai Anh Hung (the legend of a hero)
has been made by VNPay, an electronic payment portal.
VNPay’s General Director stated on a local newspaper in an interview that the firm has jumped
into the online game industry. More games are expected to be launched into the PC-based online
game market, thus making the market more crowded.
Source: Thanh Mai-VNS