MMORPG Gaming Market Trends

Market Trends of MMORPG Gaming Industry

Mobile Segment to Lead the Market

• With the increasing penetration of smartphones, more people have access to mobile devices capable of running MMORPG games. Smartphones have broadened the demographic of gamers, attracting even those without access to traditional gaming consoles or PCs. Their portability and accessibility allow players to immerse themselves in MMORPGs at any time and place, fueling market expansion.
• MMORPG gaming has proliferated in the past couple of years, especially on mobile platforms like smartphones and tablets. The surge in mobile-based gaming stems directly from recent technological leaps, notably in AR, VR, cloud gaming, and the advent of 5G. This trend underscores the industry's heavy reliance on advanced tech. Additionally, the market is witnessing a notable uptick in the hyper-casual game genre.
• With the global rollout of 5G and the introduction of unlimited data plans, cloud gaming is poised for significant success. This is especially true because of the growing number of gamers favoring mobile platforms. Furthermore, the ongoing expansion of 5G services and infrastructure investments play a pivotal role in bolstering this trend. According to Ericsson, it is anticipated that there will be around 5 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide by 2028, comprising 55% of all mobile subscriptions. Notably, the adoption curve for 5G is set to outpace that of its predecessor, 4G, with 5G expected to hit the 1 billion subscription mark two years earlier than 4G did post-launch.
• MMORPG games are increasingly available on the Android platform, poised to dominate the mobile gaming landscape in the coming years. Notably, users are showing a preference for paid MMORPG applications on Android. For instance, old-school RuneScape, an MMORPG on mobile, has garnered significant attention. Players can access the game by subscribing, with charges ranging from USD 10.99 monthly to USD 99.99 annually.
• Given the market potential, MMORPG game developers are increasingly launching their products on mobile platforms. For example, recently, Ashfall, a shooter MMORPG from NetEase, was released. Although smartphones offer a plethora of gaming options, their screen sizes often fall short of delivering a truly immersive gaming experience. In this scenario, gaming tablets are a favored choice among consumers seeking on-the-go gaming with the added benefit of a larger screen. While multiple gaming phones flood the market, tablets stand out with their larger screens, extended battery life, and superior processing capabilities, driving the market’s growth.

Asia-Pacific Expected to Witness Significant Growth Rates

• The Asia-Pacific region boasts a vibrant gaming culture marked by a longstanding passion for video games. The region's strong cultural ties to gaming have fostered a robust appetite for MMORPGs, bolstering their popularity among players deeply engaged in online multiplayer experiences.
• With populous countries like China and India, the Asia-Pacific region boasts a significant population, numbering in the billions. This vast demographic forms a robust foundation for MMORPG players, underpinning a market with immense potential. The sheer scale of potential players propels the growth of the MMORPG gaming market in this region.
• Asia-Pacific has witnessed a surge in mobile gaming. The widespread adoption of smartphones, bolstered by affordable data plans, has democratized mobile gaming. Additionally, the rising popularity of mobile MMORPGs, as developers tailor these games for mobile platforms, further fuels the market's expansion in the region.
• Moreover, the increasing adoption of 5G in the region is fuelling substantial growth in MMORPG games. Due to 5G's high-speed and low-latency connectivity, players are enjoying smoother, more immersive gameplay, leading to higher satisfaction and retention. The technology's real-time capabilities are especially vital for MMORPGs, elevating the overall multiplayer experience.
• With its higher data transfer rates, 5G enables more intricate game designs and enhances graphics. Given the region's strong affinity for mobile gaming, 5G's prowess is pivotal, making on-the-go gaming more appealing to a broader audience. According to Ericsson, it is anticipated that there will be around 1.8 billion 5G mobile subscriptions in North East Asia by 2028.