This document focuses on key points related to Chinese games entering the Vietnamese market, mainly covering critical aspects such as regulations, market, localization, cooperation, and payment, providing comprehensive guidance for Chinese game companies to enter the Vietnamese market.
1. Laws and Regulations: Operating games in Vietnam requires compliance with local laws, such as regulations on game content review, data protection, and user privacy. Before releasing a game, it is necessary to obtain an approval number from government authorities. Approval numbers are divided into G1 - G4 categories, with G1 being the strictest, and most overseas game publishers need to apply for it. To apply for an approval number, materials must be submitted and reviewed by government agencies. The review process usually requires game modifications, and after approval, the number is issued. The entire process takes 30 - 45 days. In addition, cooperation with local Vietnamese companies is required, servers must be placed in Vietnam, and already released games must be taken down and re-released after obtaining the approval number.
2. Cultural and Market Adaptation: Vietnam has a large population, and the number of mobile game players ranks among the top three in Southeast Asia, making it one of the top five game publishing regions globally. From 2022 - 2025, mobile games in Vietnam are growing at the fastest rate in the world. MMORPG and card games are popular, and publishers often choose these types of games. In the second half of 2023, both mobile game downloads and revenue in Vietnam increased. With rapid economic growth, a high proportion of players, widespread device usage, government support, and improved player spending power, the game market has a promising outlook and is expected to reach $586 million by 2027.
3. Localization and Language Support: Cultural adaptation includes aspects such as game character storylines, costumes and items, events, music, and sound effects. Localization work involves translating game interface text, optimizing interface fonts, colors, and layout, and providing voice dubbing. In terms of marketing, it is important to provide good customer service and community management, and to use popular Vietnamese media such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for advertising and promotion.
4. Cooperation and Licensing: Partnering with local Vietnamese companies can help Chinese game enterprises understand the market, obtain operational support, comply with local laws and regulations, build their brand, conduct media promotion, and save costs.
5. Payment and Currency: In Vietnam, international payments are not popular, and local payment methods account for more than 50% or even 80%. Game companies need to integrate commonly used Vietnamese payment methods, mainly third-party WAP-based top-ups, and also simplify the payment process and offer incentives to attract players.
