Vietnam’s video game industry currently generates around USD 650 million in revenue. But that figure could reach USD 1 billion by 2030, according to Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Authority of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information.

Speaking at a press conference for Vietnam GameVerse 2026 on January 29, Le Quang Tu Do described the current moment as an unprecedented opportunity for the local gaming industry.

“I believe the USD 1 billion goal is fully achievable,” he said.

Game industry gains recognition as a cultural pillar

This optimism stems from a major shift in policy and public perception. In November 2025, the government issued a national strategy for developing cultural industries, identifying gaming as one of six key sectors. A recent Politburo resolution on cultural development reaffirmed this priority.

He emphasized that these changes help dismantle outdated stigmas around gaming as a wasteful or harmful activity. Instead, the sector is now recognized for its economic potential, with global revenues approaching USD 200 billion.

“Gaming is already larger than film, publishing, or music,” he noted. “Vietnam has competitive advantages here  - we just haven’t tapped into them.”

Strategies for growth: talent, investment, and global returnees

To meet its revenue goals, Vietnam is adopting a multipronged strategy. One major focus is attracting overseas Vietnamese game developers to return and invest in the domestic market. Authorities are exploring tax and regulatory incentives on par with major hubs like Singapore and Dubai.

Talent development is also a priority. Alongside formal bachelor programs  - such as the gaming engineering track at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology  - Vietnam is negotiating with South Korea’s Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) to establish a training center modeled on the Korean system.

Another key initiative is the promotion of games rooted in Vietnamese culture and history. Under the national cultural program for the next decade, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism plans to commission one to three major cultural games per year. Projects like Hao Khi Dong A by Viet Legacy and investments from VNG, VTC, and Gamota reflect a rising "Do Local, Go Global" trend.

Du Lam