The Great Upheaval in the Vietnamese Game Market: New App Store Listing Regulations and Coping Strategies Amid Surging Compliance Thresholds

2025-02-18

The Great Upheaval in the Vietnamese Game Market: New App Store Listing Regulations and Coping Strategies Amid Surging Compliance Thresholds

In the current landscape of the burgeoning global gaming industry, the Vietnamese game market, buoyed by its vast young user demographic and the rapidly escalating internet penetration rate, has emerged as a coveted arena for numerous game manufacturers. Nevertheless, the recent introduction of new listing regulations by the App Store tailored specifically for the Vietnamese market has precipitated a momentous transformation within the entire market.

Core Points of the New App Store Listing Regulations in Vietnam

Mandatory Licensing for Listing

All games intended for release on the App Store in Vietnam are obligated to possess a game publication number issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). During the submission for review, the license number and URL link must be accurately filled in on the Vietnamese store page of App Store Connect. Failure to do so will expose the game to the risk of either being delisted or prohibited from listing.

Classification Management and Licensing Restrictions

Vietnam categorizes online games into four distinct categories: G1 - G4. Among these, the G1 category, which encompasses multi - player online interactive games, is subject to the most stringent regulatory oversight. The bar for obtaining a G1 - class license is set high. Manufacturers are required to either establish a local company within Vietnam or collaborate with local publishers for representation. The game publication number is to be applied for by the publisher holding a G1-class license. The application process typically spans 3 - 6 months and necessitates the submission of detailed game content materials.

Minor Protection and Operational Regulations

Games falling under the G1 category are mandated to implement mandatory real - name authentication and impose restrictions on the playing time of players under 18 years of age. Health reminders must be periodically presented within the game. In the event of the game ceasing operations, an advance notice must be issued, accompanied by the formulation of a compensation plan for players.

Impact of the New Regulations on the Vietnamese Game Market

Market Restructuring

The new regulations have cast a shadow over small - scale game teams and manufacturers with limited resources. The arduous process and high costs associated with obtaining a game publication number may force them to bow out of the market. Conversely, large-scale enterprises, leveraging their inherent advantages, are better positioned to adapt to the new regulations, thereby expediting the concentration of market share and propelling the industry reshuffle.

Improvement of Game Quality

The rigorous content review and minor protection stipulations have spurred developers to prioritize the quality of game content, eschew negative elements, and infuse positive and healthy cultural undertones, thereby enhancing the overall player experience.

Coping Strategies for Game Developers and Publishers

Preparing for Qualification Application

Developers should initiate early planning, conduct in - depth research into application policies and requirements, and formulate a well - thought - out plan. Collaborating with professional agencies can be an effective strategy to enhance the success rate of the application. Simultaneously, forging stronger partnerships with local companies or publishers in Vietnam is advisable.

Optimizing Game Content

During the game development phase, efforts should be made to integrate Vietnamese culture, history, and values. Inviting local cultural experts and players to participate in the testing process can provide valuable insights for timely content optimization. Intensifying localization initiatives, including language translation, interface design, and more, is crucial for enhancing the game's adaptability.

Improving the Minor Protection Mechanism

For manufacturers engaged in G1 - class games, it is imperative to establish a comprehensive real - name authentication and anti - addiction mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of playing time limits. Strengthening the in - game health reminder function and refining the operation management system, along with formulating a contingency plan for ceasing operations, are essential steps.

The Vietnamese game market is currently at a pivotal juncture of transformation under the influence of the new regulations. Developers and publishers must grasp the implications of the new regulations, adopt effective coping strategies, and fortify their competitiveness to capitalize on opportunities during this transformative period and achieve sustainable development.

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The Great Upheaval in the Vietnamese Game Market: New App Store Listing Regulations and Coping Strategies Amid Surging Compliance Thresholds