Mobile gaming in Indonesia - statistics & facts
Indonesia’s mobile gaming market has taken center stage among its counterparts in the Southeast-Asian region. The country boasts Southeast Asia’s largest mobile games user base and ranks third in terms of mobile gaming revenue behind the Philippines and Thailand. The country’s rising smartphone penetration rate and affordable data plans have made mobile gaming increasingly accessible and have fostered a thriving community of mobile gamers across the archipelago.
Recognizing the full potential of the mobile gaming industry, the Indonesian government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2024, which serves as a tool to strengthen the national gaming ecosystem. This government regulation aims to accelerate the development of the national games industry and drive further growth that will eventually enable the industry to compete in the global gaming scene.
Indonesia: a booming mobile gaming hub
Mobile gaming has become a ubiquitous pastime among Indonesia’s young, tech-savvy population, who eagerly embrace digital entertainment. Enhanced mobile internet connectivity with 4G and emerging 5G networks have ensured fast and reliable internet connectivity and uninterrupted gaming experiences, making mobile gaming appealing to many Indonesians. With budget-friendly options readily available, more Indonesians can engage in mobile gaming without significant financial investment. The freemium model, where games are free to play with optional in-app purchases, aligns well with the spending habits of many Indonesian gamers. In addition, several Indonesian mobile gamers also tend to choose to watch ads during gameplay rather than pay. In-game advertising has become the most pivotal means of monetizing mobile games among Indonesian publishers. In-game advertising has also provided an opportunity for brands to expand their consumer base by targeting users with specific advertisements.What is next for Indonesia’s mobile gaming industry?
The rapid growth of Indonesia’s mobile gaming industry has had a positive impact on the country’s economy. The industry has not only created job opportunities ranging from developers and designers to IT services but also boosted state revenue through taxes, in turn, stimulating the local economy. Indonesian developers are increasingly making their mark on the global stage, creating games that resonate not only locally but also internationally. Maleo, with its Bus Simulator Indonesia (BUSSID) and Bus Telolet Maker, has garnered around 130 million downloads, making it the leading Indonesian mobile game publisher on Google Play. Another remarkable stride has been made by Ojol The Game. This Indonesian simulator game generated around 16 million downloads, surpassing other gaming apps in the Google Play Store worldwide in March 2024.Recognizing the full potential of the mobile gaming industry, the Indonesian government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2024, which serves as a tool to strengthen the national gaming ecosystem. This government regulation aims to accelerate the development of the national games industry and drive further growth that will eventually enable the industry to compete in the global gaming scene.
