The growing esports and gaming market in Hong Kong

The global release of China's first “Triple-A” video game has captivated gamers with its stunning visuals and gameplay, igniting excitement in Asia's gaming scene. While the Mainland garners much attention, Hong Kong is emerging as one of the key players in video game development and esports. For talent in the fields, Hong Kong offers a dynamic environment with fair opportunities to propel their professional development.

A hub for digital entertainment development

Hong Kong's strategic status as a major Innovation and Technology hub makes it an ideal destination for game companies looking to penetrate the burgeoning Asian gaming market. The city's unique position bridges Eastern and Western markets, enabling independent developers to expand globally while introducing their intellectual properties to the Mainland and Asia. As an integral part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong's strategic location is particularly significant, given that two-thirds of the Mainland’s gaming revenues originate from the nearby Guangdong Province. Offering unrestricted access to foreign-produced hardware and games as a free port, Hong Kong is the perfect base for many companies to target both Chinese and overseas markets effectively.

Recognising Hong Kong's potential in the gaming industry, the Government actively supports the sector through initiatives like the Hong Kong Game Enhancement and Promotion Scheme. The scheme offers grants of up to HKD 550,000, expert guidance, and training in crucial areas such as marketing, game testing, and fundraising, allowing game start-ups to leverage the grant support to promote their new games and grow their businesses.

As a leading force behind Web 3.0 development in Asia, Hong Kong also provides the infrastructure and expertise to help developers transition from traditional Web 2.0 games to the next generation of decentralised, blockchain-based Web 3.0 games. The combination of government support and common interests of the gaming sector fosters the ongoing development of the game development ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Financial and additional advantages for esports in Hong Kong

Game development and esports are capital-intensive industries that demand substantial financial backing. Hong Kong’s favourable banking system and tax policies facilitate companies to efficiently manage international revenue streams, which is crucial for game sales and in-app purchases across global markets. This financial flexibility is particularly beneficial for esports organisers, enabling efficient handling of international tournaments, player contracts, and prize money transfers.

At the forefront of the creative digital community, Hong Kong's digital technology flagship and entrepreneurship incubator Cyberport plays a pivotal role in nurturing the gaming and Hong Kong esports industries:

• Facilitating collaboration between local, the Mainland, and overseas practitioners by hosting various online and offline events
• Providing dedicated esports venues
• Hosting competitions through the Esports Industry Facilitation Scheme
• Cultivating talent via the Esports Internship Scheme

These initiatives create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports different aspects of the gaming and esports industries, from game development to professional competition. By fostering growth for gamers, content creators, organisers, and coaches alike, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a prime destination for gaming and esports professionals seeking to advance their careers and businesses in a more supportive environment.