Core Insights - The report titled "China Game Going Abroad Guide - Korea Edition" was jointly published by Gamma Data and the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association Game Working Committee, focusing on the Korean gaming market and mobile gaming trends [1][2] Group 1: Korean Gaming Market Overview - Korea ranks as the fourth largest gaming market globally and is the third largest market for Chinese game developers [3][6] - The Korean gaming market is projected to reach 25.19 trillion KRW in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9.7% [5][6] - Mobile games dominate the market with a 59% share, followed by PC games at 26% [8][6] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - RPG games account for 52% of the mobile gaming revenue, with strategy games experiencing significant growth [10][6] - 47% of mobile game users complete their first in-game purchase within 30 days of logging in, indicating strong consumer engagement [12][6] - The high frequency of credit card usage in Korea (137.5 times per person in 2022) facilitates digital payments for in-game purchases [12][6] Group 3: Market Entry Challenges - Entering the Korean gaming market presents high barriers, including language, culture, localization, and legal regulations [6][13] - The Korean government enforces strict regulations on game content, including age ratings and the disclosure of in-game item probabilities [14][6] Group 4: Strategies for Success - Chinese developers are advised to focus on mainstream genres like RPG and strategy, exploring unmet needs and niche markets [16][6] - Localization and quality assurance (QA) are critical for successful game launches, as Korean users have high expectations for game quality and cultural relevance [17][6] - Effective marketing strategies should leverage both international and local distribution platforms, with a focus on brand and word-of-mouth promotion [18][20]

Core Insights - The report highlights that South Korea is the fourth largest gaming market globally and the third largest market for Chinese game developers expanding overseas [1][3][23] - The South Korean gaming market is projected to reach 25.19 trillion KRW in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9.7% [5][23] - Mobile games dominate the market with a 59% share, followed by PC games at 26% [7][23] Market Overview - South Korea holds a 7.8% share of the global gaming market, supported by high internet and mobile device penetration [3] - The gaming environment in South Korea is robust, with significant audiences for game streaming, social gaming, and cloud gaming [3] Market Segmentation - RPG games account for 52% of the mobile gaming revenue, while strategy games are experiencing rapid growth [9] - The mobile gaming sector is a key focus for Chinese developers due to its substantial market size [7] Consumer Behavior - 47% of mobile game users complete their first in-game purchase within 30 days of logging in, with 12% making a purchase on the first day [11] - South Korean consumers exhibit a high frequency of credit card usage, averaging 137.5 times per year, facilitating digital payments for in-game purchases [11] Market Entry Barriers - Entering the South Korean gaming market involves high barriers related to language, culture, localization, and legal regulations [12] - Cultural sensitivity is crucial, particularly regarding historical events and local customs, which must be carefully navigated in game content [13] Regulatory Environment - The South Korean government enforces strict regulations on game content, including age ratings and the disclosure of in-game item probabilities [14] - The revised Game Industry Promotion Act mandates real-name age verification for games rated for ages 19 and above [14] Localization and Quality Assurance - Effective localization and quality assurance (QA) are essential for successful game launches and ongoing operations in South Korea [18] - The GRAC (Game Rating and Administration Committee) requires direct rating for adult products, while non-adult products can use international age rating systems [18] Distribution Channels - The main distribution channels in South Korea include international platforms like Google Play and Apple App Store, as well as the local One Store [19] - Google Play holds over half of the market share, while One Store attracts developers with lower revenue-sharing rates [19] Marketing Strategies - Brand and reputation marketing are critical for the success of new games, with users often relying on recommendations from friends or gaming influencers [21] - A diverse media strategy is essential for reaching the target audience effectively [21] Strategic Importance - South Korea serves as a crucial market for Chinese game developers due to its cultural similarities and strong gaming infrastructure [23] - The country has a history of influential gaming IPs that have shaped the gaming landscape in Asia and beyond [23]