Digital Gold Rush: Why Games With Microtransactions Outshine Premium Titles in Asia

Abhimannu Das
Updated On: 
<div class="paragraphs"><p>Digital Gold Rush: Why Games With Microtransactions Outshine Premium Titles in Asia</p></div>
Digital Gold Rush: Why Games With Microtransactions Outshine Premium Titles in Asia

Cover-Credits: 

AFK Gaming

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, the crowded cafes of Seoul, and the rapidly expanding urban landscapes of China, a new trend in gaming is taking the market by storm. Gamers are no longer eagerly lining up to purchase the latest premium titles with hefty price tags. Instead, they are diving headfirst into the world of free-to-play games, willingly spending their money on virtual items, skins, and upgrades.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region emerged as the largest microtransaction market in 2023 and is projected to be the fastest-growing for the next decade. In 2022, four of the top five countries in average monthly consumer spend on iOS were from Asia. In 2023, the region led in mobile gaming with a 64% share of the industry’s global revenue, generating $124 billion and projected to reach $195 billion by 2030. Factors such as local cultures, online transaction accessibility, and regional game development are fueling this growth in microtransaction based games.


Published On: 

Subscribe now to unlock this story

paywall character
App Logo

Why should I pay for video game news?

Games media faces a crisis with shutdowns and layoffs due to reliance on ad revenue, leading to clickbait and poor reporting.

Your subscription supports our mission to create quality content, prioritizing reader satisfaction and breaking free from the ad-driven model trap.

Monthly$2.99
Annually$29.99

Access to high quality articles, deep dives and explainers

In-depth analysis of video games, esports and youth culture industry trends and competitive strategies

Competitive edge with timely and detailed information

Identification of potential partnership and investment opportunities

Access to AFK Gaming Insights - Exclusive data and analytics for the Indian Esports industry