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Niko Partners 2022 Asia Video Game Industry Predictions

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1. MENA-3 games market revenue will surpass $2 billion in 2022

Niko Partners initiated coverage on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt for the first time in 2022. We call this region MENA-3 in our reports and expect combined games revenue across all platforms to surpass $2 billion this year. Growth will be driven by higher spending per user, additional government support across games and esports, and more gamers entering the market.

2. India will have over 400 million gamers in 2022 

We predict India will surpass 400 million gamers this year, accounting for over ¼ of total gamers in Asia. We also believe that India, the fastest growing market in Asia, will be the next market to reach $1 billion. Niko Partners has often talked about how the ITV markets, referring to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, would be the next billion-dollar games markets. These three markets have surpassed $1 billion individually over the past two years.

3. Game approvals in China will restart in early 2022 

China’s video game regulator has not approved any new titles since July 22, 2021. There were only 755 titles approved in 2021, compared to 1,411 in 2020. With the roll out of the national anti-addiction and real name identification system now complete, we expect approvals to restart in early 2022.

4. China’s regulatory approach will shift from reform to enforcement

China’s video game regulator introduced new policies in 2021, primarily aimed at curbing gaming addiction among minors. We expect the regulator to shift away from policy reform in 2022, as it looks to ensure compliance with current regulations. We are already starting to see a crackdown on companies that are curbing regulations and we have upgraded the risk of a Steam International ban in China to high.

5. Game companies in China will increase focus on exports 

Chinese game companies have dominated their home market and found success overseas with mobile games. With increased investment in AAA game development, local indie studios and the ongoing regulatory risk at home, we expect Chinese game companies to start finding success on all platforms overseas in 2022 and beyond.

6. Esports will become more legitimate in 2022

In 2017 the International Olympic Committee recognized esports as a sport, in 2018 esports was a demonstration event at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia and in 2022 Esports will be a medal event at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This will lead to more investment in esports player pipelines and player development. 2022 will enjoy an increase in esports training, education, subsidies aimed at esports management, player development.

7. Cross Platform and Cross Play will be a staple of new titles in 2022

The success of multi-platform titles such as Genshin Impact, the widespread adoption of scalable game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity as well as the demand for interoperability between devices has led to players valuing cross platform experiences with cross play. We expect some of the largest game studios in China, South Korea, and Japan to introduce titles that run across PC, Console, Mobile and Cloud with cross play enabled.

8. 5G will be available across all 14 markets we cover in 2022 

5G has been rolling out across numerous markets in Asia since South Korea launched 5G services in April 2019. This has led to increased download speeds, lower latency and helped enable cloud gaming on the go. Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Egypt are the four markets we cover that have yet to roll out 5G. We expect them to start their roll out by the end of the year.

9. M&A / Investments / IPOs will continue to play an important role  

2021 was a record year for game related investments, especially in China where the number of transactions doubled compared to the prior year. Tencent alone invested in or acquired more than 100 game related companies last year. We expect M&A / Investments to continue playing a notable role in 2022 and beyond as the value of IP, development talent and new technologies become more important. While there may be a lower number of deals closed in 2022, we believe the overall value will continue to remain high.

10. Gaming companies will capitalize on the metaverse trend better than tech companies, but it’s still too early for the concept

Metaverse became a hot word in 2021 with numerous tech and gaming companies embracing the concept. Niko Partners believes that live service video games have been building towards the metaverse concept for several years and that companies with experience in both video game development and social media platform operation will have an advantage when entering this space. We expect game focused companies to see the initial benefits of the metaverse trend while tech first companies will struggle to offer value to users. However, we don’t expect to see a true metaverse experience in 2022 based on the currently accepted definitions.

11. The convergence of video games and the entertainment industry further engages gamers 

The video game industry is building on the concepts of metaverse, pan-entertainment and transmedia which is leading to a convergence between games and entertainment. We expect to see more traditional brands, entertainment properties and artists take advantage of live service games in 2022. On the flip side, we expect to see more collaboration between video game IP holders and traditional entertainment such as movies, TV, and comics. This bi-directional approach will further engage gamers in the future.

12. Blockchain game adoption increases, but the space remains experimental 

Blockchain based games made headlines in 2021 and VCs have invested billions in them. The past year has seen the rise of blockchain based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in games and the exploration of the Play to Earn (P2E) model. We expect to see new innovative game projects in 2022 and increased adoption of blockchain games. However, the numerous barriers to entry, lack of regulation and questions around sustainability will keep the space experimental in 2022.

13. The local game development scene will grow in developing markets 

Of the 14 markets we cover, Japan, South Korea, and China are considered game development powerhouses due to the hit titles released by domestic developers. The success of Vietnamese studio Sky Mavis (publisher of Axie Infinity) and a 2x increase in local game development studios in India since 2019 shows there is growing talent in these emerging markets. We expect to see the release of a hit game ($100m+ revenue) released by a studio from Southeast Asia or India in 2022.

14. The conversation regarding app store take rates will extend into 2022

The Epic v Apple case made headlines in 2021 and it indirectly led to Apple and Google reducing take rates for developers that earn less than $1m per year. In South Korea, a new bill required Apple and Google to offer alternative in app payment options. In China, TapTap made headlines for offering a 0% take rate and numerous developers have invested in direct distribution to avoid app store fees. As pressure continues to build, we expect platform holders to make further concessions in 2022.

15. Increasing government support towards local game development across SEA

In 2021, governments became increasingly supportive of the video game sector. Vietnam’s government took an active role in the creation of Vietnam Online Game Developers and Publishers Alliance (which will be formally established in 2022), Indonesia’s government showed support towards local game developers through fundings and infrastructure support, and Malaysia’s government continue to allocate specific national budget for gaming and esports. We anticipate more of this in 2022.

16. Korea and Japan to continue deregulation of the gaming and esports industry

Following Korea’s abolishment of the 10-year-old Shutdown Law and looking at Japan’s increasing interest in esports, we expect that both countries will continue to ease regulations or even move towards deregulation of certain laws or ordinances that hamper the growth of the gaming and esports industry. While an overhaul of the regulatory environment might not be feasible, small changes will be possible to occur in 2022.

Check our 2021 predictions accuracy here. All our predictions came true, except for #7 as a freeze on game approvals in China led to a lower number of import games being approved in 2021 vs 2020.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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How to Choose an iGaming Offer: N1 Partners x RichAds Share Their Expertise

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What does it really take to pick the right iGaming offer for promotion? With so many variables to consider, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially for affiliates just starting out.

To help clarify things, N1 Partners and the RichAds ad network joined forces to share practical advice on choosing profitable offers and avoiding common pitfalls.

The conversation took place during the N1 Puzzle Promo — a competition where affiliates, both seasoned and new, experiment with different traffic sources, tools, brands, and GEOs to achieve one main goal: maximize profits from their traffic. And selecting the right offer is the first step toward success.

Meet the Experts

Before diving into the tips, here are the people sharing their insights:

Daria Maichuk

Affiliate Manager at N1 Partners

Veronika Ponomareva

Head of Customer Service at RichAds

 

What is RichAds?

RichAds is an ad network offering a wide range of traffic sources, including:

  • Telegram ads
  • Push notifications
  • Popunders
  • Domain redirects
  • Native ads
  • Display traffic

Prices start at just $0.005 CPC for push ads and $0.5 CPM for popunders, with access to traffic across 200+ GEOs from Tier 3 to Tier 1.

 

How to Choose an iGaming Offer: Expert Advice

We asked Daria and Veronika the most important questions affiliates have when evaluating iGaming offers.

1. What parameters of an iGaming offer should be analyzed first before launching?

Daria Maichuk

“Start with the GEO: is gambling legal, how competitive is the market, and how solvent is the audience? Then check the payment model (CPA, RevShare, Hybrid) and the funnel: registration flow, minimum deposit, and site usability. The product matters too — top providers, live casino, sports, esports, localization, and bonuses. Finally, look at retention: how long players stay active and what campaigns keep them engaged.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“First of all, it’s the payout conditions, brand and its reputation on the market, as well as the funnel flow and the content of pre-landing/landing pages to pay attention to. Many things can affect a campaign’s result such as verification before the first deposit, the lack of locally popular payment methods support and the first deposit amount.” 

2. How can a beginner determine the potential of an offer? Which metrics should they focus on to avoid wasting budget?

 Daria Maichuk

“Key metrics are Conversion Rate (CR), Earnings Per Click (EPC), and Click-Through Rate (CTR). A low CTR usually means the offer doesn’t match the audience or creatives. Test multiple landers — welcome pages and reg forms typically perform best. Also consider First Time Deposits (FTD) and retention, as they reflect the long-term potential of an offer.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Cost per registration, cost per conversion and ROI — are basic yet the most crucial things to look at. Potential means the long-lasting profit, so pay attention to the LTV (Lifetime Value). An offer could have a moderate EPC, but if the player retention is high and brings many secondary deposits, then the LTV would be extremely high accordingly. Ask your manager about the LTV of the offer in the required geo.” 

 

3. How does a brand’s license affect the choice of GEO and traffic?

Daria Maichuk

“White licenses allow affiliates to work in regulated markets and run campaigns on official ad channels like Google Ads, FB, and TikTok. Grey licenses are also usable, but platforms often restrict or ban them, so affiliates need strong moderation skills.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“The licensing topic is highly important due to the fact that it determines the legality of traffic and what sources are acessible. Strict licenses (MGA, UKGC) approve only the cleanest traffic (mostly PPC and SEO). The traffic is very expensive, but provides quality leads. Curacao license gives more freedom as you can work with push-traffic, teasers and popunders. High risks come with no license at all as well as the accessible traffic sources are very limited.” 

4. Which three GEOs currently deliver the highest ROI in iGaming, and why?

Daria Maichuk

“Germany: high purchasing power, stable LTV and retention, large deposits, strong conversion.

Canada: fast-growing, high trust in licensed brands, boosting CR and retention.

Australia: players spend more, stay active longer, and convert well into deposits.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Depends on the traffic source we’re looking at, for example, if it’s either push or pop, then Bangladesh, Brazil and South Africa are currently on top.”

5. How can you understand whether an offer fits your main traffic source (FB, PPC, push, etc.) before testing?

Daria Maichuk

“Beginners often test blindly, but it’s possible to know in advance. FB and Google are the most widespread sources. Google traffic is highly engaged because players search for the product themselves. Facebook is harder for retention, but we work actively to improve it, especially for this audience, where push campaigns are essential. Push/Pop works for most offers, though CR is lower. If an offer has working apps (ASO), it can also be promoted through stores.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Facebook and Google Ads are following strict guidelines on accessible content regarding iGaming offers, so it’s a common headache for marketers to test offers there and co-exist with moderation rules. Push and pop traffic doesn’t apply so many demands to the advertising content, so they’re way more preferrable for promotion means. So are Telegram Mini Apps, by the way, since they feature more tolerant moderation by advertising networks and fresh relevant audience.” 

6. Top 3 traffic sources for iGaming in 2025?

Daria Maichuk

“Google: high-intent users, precise targeting.

Facebook: huge reach, flexible creative testing.

SEO: long-term stability, independent of traffic costs, especially effective for RevShare.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Telegram Mini Apps: fresh audience, broad opportunities for advertising formats and extremely relevant users who come from casual games and tap-to-earn clickers.

Push-notifications: proven traffic source with high CTR and pre-made user bases that provide easier outreach to converting players.

Popunders: high CR and cost-effective means for promotion, since quality landing pages are usually enough to convert impulsive gamblers.” 

7. Do your affiliates drive traffic through Telegram and what are the specifics? What do you think about mini-app traffic?

Daria Maichuk

“Yes, we’ve seen such cases, but most affiliates still prefer other sources. Data is still limited, but we’re closely monitoring Telegram and mini-app traffic and see strong potential here.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“For us it’s a channel that we actively explore, since introducing Telegram Mini App ads showed us how much of a potential they hold straight away. First of all, TMAs themselves offer a global coverage and outreach to a variety of potential leads for the iGaming products, coming from all over games and applications. In fact, since the moderation policies there are independent from the official Telegram Ads platform, that gives additional interest to this traffic.”

8. How many FTDs are needed to objectively evaluate an iGaming offer?

Daria Maichuk

“PPC: 20–30 FTD.

Facebook (slots): 20–30 FTD.

Facebook (crash games): at least 100 FTD.

In-app: around 100 FTD.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“At least 30 FtD, but to evaluate the offer properly it’s best to look into the player activity in the long run, the average amount of the deposits and other in-depth metrics.” 

9. Which KPIs do you recommend for testing: ROI, FTD, deposit, or retention?

Daria Maichuk

“We often use soft KPIs. On average, we expect the avg dep count to be >=2. Sometimes we also track the ratio of total deposits to partner payout.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“It’s a complex matter as hitting the KPIs is usually the result of a combination of factors getting along.”

10. What should affiliates do if an offer “drops” after two weeks — switch or optimize?

Daria Maichuk

“If results were good initially, optimize creatives and targeting. If not, check whether the creatives included slots actually available in the product. Our managers always provide updated slot and targeting recommendations.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Optimize the campaign, examine the metrics, check the creatives, change landing pages – try to find the correlation to this in the traffic performance.”

11. Which statistical indicators show that an offer can be scaled?

Daria Maichuk

“The main sign is stable positive ROI over several days or weeks. Also look at the funnel (click → registration → deposit) and player retention.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“Simply, a more or less stable ROI is the main indicator here.”

12. How to scale an offer within one source without lowering CR?

Daria Maichuk

“Increase budgets gradually — 10–20% every 1–2 days. Scale your best-performing bundles first. Always refresh creatives: without new content, audiences burn out and CR declines.”

Veronika Ponomareva

“The same level scaling is the key. If by creatives, then create new combinations of creatives and landing pages. If by the audience — gradually add more newcomer oriented targetings, instead of increasing the bids on the current ones. Just test everything by degrees.”

Conclusion

The N1 Puzzle Promo highlighted not only the competitive spirit among affiliates but also the importance of knowing how to pick the right iGaming offers. From choosing GEOs and traffic sources to tracking KPIs and scaling campaigns, the advice from N1 Partners and RichAds gives affiliates a clear roadmap to better results.

RichAds continues to support the iGaming community with its self-serve platform, offering access to 220+ GEOs and multiple traffic types from push and popunders to Telegram Mini Apps and native ads.

Launch smarter campaigns, work with the right offers, and grow your iGaming profits!

The post How to Choose an iGaming Offer: N1 Partners x RichAds Share Their Expertise appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NODWIN Gaming brings DreamHack India back to Hyderabad Comic Con for the ultimate youth entertainment extravaganza this Octobe

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NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced that DreamHack India 2025, India’s largest digital festival, will return to Hyderabad this year as part of Hyderabad Comic Con 2025, one of the nation’s biggest pop culture celebration. The mega three-day event will take place from October 31 to November 2, 2025, giving fans the ultimate festival of gaming, comics, cosplay, and fandom culture under one roof.

Adding to the excitement, DreamHack India celebrates its 6th anniversary this year, marking a milestone moment for India’s gaming community. DreamHack has become a staple of India’s esports and gaming calendar, featuring electrifying LAN tournaments, cosplay contests, tech expos, retro zones, meet & greets with leading streamers and creators, and its fan-favourite Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) zones.

The BYOD zone remains one of DreamHack’s most iconic experiences. Here, attendees can bring their own PC, console, or mobile setup to game together across three days, surrounded by friends, creators, and fellow enthusiasts. For working professionals and college students, BYOD offers the perfect weekend gaming getaway, an immersive break from routine where you and your crew can compete, connect, and play nonstop in a true festival atmosphere. This year, fans will also have the option to rent a high-performance PC on site, making it easier than ever to jump straight into the action without carrying heavy equipment.

Together, DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2025 will host an unparalleled lineup of activities, including:

  • PAN FEST (BGMI) – An open-for-all BGMI competition with daily lobbies, giving every fan a chance to drop in solo or squad up with friends and battle it out live at the festival.
  • KO Fight Night – DreamHack’s legendary fighting games tournament returns, featuring Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros, and Street Fighter VI. Expect intense 1v1 duels, dramatic comebacks, and electrifying rivalries.
  • Chess at DreamHack – A battle of minds featuring Rapid and Blitz formats, where classic strategy meets DreamHack’s competitive stage, drawing in both seasoned players and curious fans.
  • BYOD Tournaments – The heart of DreamHack, where fans can bring their own PCs, consoles, or mobiles (or rent one on-site) to game non-stop across three days with friends, communities, and creators.
  • Retro & Board Games Zone – A nostalgia-packed zone featuring classics like Contra, Pac-Man, and Tetris alongside all-time board game favourites like Monopoly, Carrom, and Ludo for fans looking for a fun, casual break.

Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “Over the past six years, our partnership with DreamHack has built some of India’s most iconic gaming moments, and blending it with Comic Con has created a one-of-a-kind celebration where gaming meets pop culture. Hyderabad’s fans have always brought unmatched energy, and last year’s three-day format proved just how powerful this fusion can be. This October, we’re coming back bigger and bolder than ever with everything from comic book launches, spectacular cosplay showcases, music and comedy performances, and geeky shopping to esports tournaments, chess, retro, and tabletop games, all under one roof.”

Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, added: “What makes Hyderabad Comic Con truly magical is how it brings every kind of fan under one roof, from cosplay enthusiasts and comic collectors to gamers and creators. Last year, over 40,000 fans cheered as Wagh Suyog was crowned champion in both the Blitz and Rapid Chess formats, a perfect example of how competition, creativity, and community thrive together here. This year, by joining forces with DreamHack once again, we’re taking that spirit to the next level. Fans can look forward to three unforgettable days where pop culture, gaming, and fandom collide like never before.”

Comic Con India has been the nation’s definitive pop culture destination for over a decade, bringing together comics, anime, movies, television, and cosplay in five major cities. This year, Hyderabad Comic Con returns earlier than ever with more experiences, more fandom, and more entertainment than before.

The post NODWIN Gaming brings DreamHack India back to Hyderabad Comic Con for the ultimate youth entertainment extravaganza this Octobe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The Kraken awakens in Stakelogic’s latest slot adventure

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Kraken’s Catch combines suspense, spectacle, and seafaring riches in one stormy release

Stakelogic is setting sail into uncharted waters with its latest slot release, Kraken’s Catch, a feature-packed, high-volatility slot where monstrous multipliers and a mysterious sea creature lie beneath the surface.

This 5×3 slot with 15 win lines invites players on a nautical adventure where every spin can uncover treasures from the deep. Central to the chaos are the Fish symbols, which can land with multiplier values that are ripe for collection, but only if the right characters appear.

The eager Fisherman symbol hooks all visible Fish symbol values and applies a personal multiplier of up to 5x, while the mysterious Eye of the Kraken symbol, appearing exclusively on reel 5, triggers the Call of the Kraken feature, summoning the beast to scoop up all Fish and Fisherman values in a dramatic underwater sweep.

The excitement escalates in the Free Spins Bonus, where players collect Fishermen to climb the Progress Bar and trigger more spins and stronger global multipliers, up to a massive x5. If that wasn’t enough, the slot’s standout moment comes via the Eye of the Deep Bonus, an all-or-nothing spin filled exclusively with Fish, Fishermen, and the Kraken’s eye. Here, winnings are tallied through a three-stage collection mechanic that can result in monumental payouts.

Players can also activate Super Stake™, increasing their bet by 50% for double the chance to trigger Free Spins. For those eager to dive straight into the action, the Buy Bonus feature offers instant access to the Hold ‘N’ Win-style mechanic for 100x the bet.

With a max win of 5,000x, multiple RTP variants (up to 95.97%), and thrilling collection mechanics, Kraken’s Catch combines high seas drama with high-stakes gameplay in true Stakelogic style.

James Jelliffe, Head of Slots at Stakelogic, said: “Kraken’s Catch brings together everything players love about a great slot including exciting features, fast-paced progression, and thrilling collection mechanics, all wrapped in an atmospheric underwater theme. The Eye of the Deep bonus is a real highlight, delivering tension and excitement in a single spin. We’re confident this game will make waves across the industry.”

The post The Kraken awakens in Stakelogic’s latest slot adventure appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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