The recognition of gaming as one of Vietnam’s 12 official cultural industries signals a major shift in perception. The state is not only managing but actively supporting creative endeavors.
At the “Vietnamese Games - From Cultural Identity to Global Aspiration” forum, held as part of the National Exhibition on Achievements, People’s Artist Xuan Bac, Director of the Department of Performing Arts, shared in-depth perspectives on the cultural richness Vietnamese games can offer, and the synergies between gaming and the performing arts ecosystem.
People’s Artist Xuan Bac - Director of the Department of Performing Arts.
Games become more compelling when rooted in culture
According to Xuan Bac, video games already have tremendous appeal, particularly role-playing genres that invite players to explore history and global knowledge.
“In combat games, players learn about weapons and strategy. In entertainment games, designers incorporate scenery, customs, and traditions. Character outfits are meticulously crafted, reflecting deep cultural identity and enriching the overall experience,” he said.
Xuan Bac emphasized that by harmonizing modern elements with traditional values, games can do more than entertain – they can stimulate curiosity and elevate the user journey. Many globally renowned titles have proven this approach effective.
Gaming and performing arts: a creative ecosystem
The director noted that gaming today is recognized as a competitive sport, with large prizes and national teams participating in international tournaments.
“If we approach gaming with a civilized and scientific mindset, we’ll see its clear contributions to overall development, including skills, knowledge, and the growth of cultural industries,” Xuan Bac emphasized.
He proposed building a comprehensive gaming ecosystem that bridges digital and physical experiences. This could include organizing live art shows featuring cosplay and game-inspired costumes.
“These beautifully crafted outfits shouldn’t be confined to game events – they deserve a spotlight in performing arts programs,” he affirmed.
Additionally, Xuan Bac believes games can serve as powerful educational tools. With the right direction, games can integrate history, geography, and the arts into extracurricular or even core curricula.
“With a strong gaming ecosystem rooted in culture and education, we can turn games into a dynamic tool for teaching tradition and history,” he said.
When asked what cultural aspect he would most like to see featured in a made-in-Vietnam game, Xuan Bac declined to pick just one: “Vietnamese culture is too rich to isolate a single element. We have over 4,000 years of history, legends, heroes, scenic wonders, and regional tales.”
“Any of these stories, from folklore to historical milestones, can provide meaningful content for games. With the right effort, games can both entertain and educate while inspiring national pride,” he added.
The artist even admitted he’d eagerly play a Vietnamese game that meets these standards: “I’d invite others to join, as long as the game is engaging, educational, and spreads a sense of national identity.”
Gamers as cultural ambassadors
Nguyen Ngoc Bao, CEO of VTC Multimedia Corporation.Le Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Copyright Office of Vietnam.
Nguyen Ngoc Bao, CEO of VTC Multimedia Corporation, stressed that “games are more than entertainment. When infused with national culture, they are embraced by Vietnamese players with pride. Each gamer can become a cultural ambassador, spreading Vietnam’s heritage across digital platforms.”
He encouraged Vietnamese game developers to boldly draw from the country’s 4,000-year-old heritage to create IPs with distinct identity.
“Games are the vessel through which Vietnamese heritage can reach the world. In doing so, players don’t just enjoy the experience - they take pride in preserving and promoting national culture.”
From a regulatory standpoint, Le Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Copyright Office, emphasized: “The recognition of gaming as one of 12 cultural industries marks a clear shift in societal perception. The state no longer solely regulates – it also protects creativity.”
“Copyright protection means protecting intellectual effort. It motivates developers to create original, competitive products that stand out on the global stage,” he added.
Tuan confirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting a national strategy for cultural industry development through 2045, with gaming identified as a key sector.
Vietnamnet.vn
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