Singapore, renowned for its impressive economic growth, employment stability, and high disposable incomes, provides an ideal backdrop for the expansion of the gaming industry. The number of gaming users has seen a consistent increase, with 46% of the online population engaging in video game content and 21% of it showing interest in e-sports. Besides this, factors such as impressive GDP growth, low unemployment, and high disposable incomes have played a pivotal role in driving consumer spending on gaming. This has been spurred by the rise of e-sports and the proliferation of mobile gaming and has resulted in a surge in demand for gaming products and services. As the sector rapidly expands, the anticipation of a promising future for the industry is high; one that will significantly impact the business landscape and elevate the demand for professionals with specialised skills.
Key Drivers of Growth in the Gaming Industry
Singapore's gaming industry is filled with significant growth potential, with its games and e-sports market exhibiting a remarkable 15% year-on-year surge in 2020, with growth projected to persist. This growth is driven by the active participation of 60% of Singapore's population in gaming and e-sports. Furthermore, online gamers have demonstrated their willingness to spend a significant amount on games, with expenditures reaching USD 327 million in 2019, solidifying the nation's role as a pivotal player in the Southeast Asian games market. These evolving trends within Singapore's gaming industry are anticipated to continue in the coming years, propelled by several key factors:
Increased digital quality of life—the country's advanced infrastructure, including high-speed internet and state-of-the-art data centres, supports the growth of the gaming industry. This infrastructure enables developers to create and deliver high-quality gaming experiences and encourages the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud gaming and virtual reality.
Expansion of gaming tourism—Singapore's two integrated resorts have played a significant role in establishing the country as a gaming tourism destination. The continued development and expansion of these resorts, along with new gaming regulations, will likely further boost the gaming industry's contribution to the country's economy.
Advancements in gaming technology—the adoption of emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming is expected to drive innovation and growth in the gaming industry. Singapore's strong technological infrastructure and skilled workforce make it well-positioned to capitalise on these trends.
Increasing adoption of mobile gaming—with the widespread availability of smartphones and high-speed internet, mobile gaming is expected to dominate the gaming landscape in Singapore, creating new opportunities for developers and investors.
Rising popularity of e-sports—the growth of e-sports in Singapore is expected to create new avenues for revenue generation, as advertisers and sponsors from public and private organisations flock to the sector.
Singapore Government Initiatives as a Driver of Growth in its Gaming Industry
The Singaporean government has demonstrated robust support for the gaming industry through the implementation of policies designed to foster growth and innovation. Tax incentives, grants, and incubator programs are instrumental in encouraging investments and the development of the gaming sector. Last year, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) provided substantial support for various e-sports events and took proactive measures to diversify the gaming landscape in Singapore.
To accelerate the progress of the industry, the government is also actively nurturing a pool of digital talent through comprehensive education and training programs offered at tertiary institutions, to upskill and reskill professionals to form a highly-skilled workforce specialising in the gaming industry. These experts play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of high-quality gaming products and services that align with the ever-evolving demands of gamers.
6 Most In-Demand Roles in the Gaming Industry in Singapore
As the industry grows rapidly, there is a rising demand for professionals in both technical and non-technical positions. In 2021, nearly 2,000 individuals were employed in the Singapore gaming sector across roles in coding, digital design, production, visual artistry, content creation, product management, UI/UX design, and business development. In addition to those positions, the following six roles are also in high demand to support game development:
Game Analysts: responsible for collecting and analysing data related to player behaviour and in-game metrics to help improve game design, engagement, and monetisation.
Localisation Manager: this position oversees the adaptation of video games to different languages, cultures, and regions, ensuring that the game's content is culturally relevant and language-appropriate for the target audience.
Producers: producers in the gaming industry monitor the development process, manage teams, budgets, and schedules, and ensure that the game is delivered on time and within budget.
Visual Artists: often referred to as graphic or concept artists, they are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, including character design, environments, and overall artistic direction.
Game Publishers: game publishers are companies that fund, market, and distribute video games. They often handle the business and marketing aspects of game development and play a crucial role in bringing games to the market.
Brand Managers: this role focuses on the marketing and promotion of a game or gaming company, developing strategies to build and maintain a strong brand identity and market presence for the game or gaming brand.
However, the industry continues to face challenges due to a digital talent gap that hinders the progress of game development in the country, despite the government's initiatives to nurture a generation of skilled talent. It is important for companies therefore to formulate precise strategies to attract professionals in the market not only by offering competitive salaries and compensation but also with an understanding of the new priorities and preferences of professionals that have emerged since the pandemic. Another option is to consider skill-based hiring.
Partnering with a recruitment expert in the market can help you navigate the challenges of the competitive hiring landscape. Get in touch with us today for more information on exactly how to do this.