The Indonesia Esports Industry is no longer a niche subculture. In fact, it is now a mainstream economic and cultural force. With 96% of Indonesians aware of esports and more than half following tournaments and teams, esports is deeply embedded in daily entertainment habits. This wide awareness makes it one of the most culturally integrated industries in the country today.
Indonesia Esports Industry Will See Explosive Market Growth Through 2032
Indonesia’s esports market is on a steep growth trajectory. From a valuation of $11.1 million USD in 2023, the industry is forecast to expand to $16.55 million by 2030. Longer term, projections show the market hitting $126.86 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.89% from 2025 onward.
This rapid rise is part of a broader boom in gaming. The national gaming market is expected to double to $2.5 billion USD by 2024, reinforcing the foundation that fuels esports demand.
Youth-Driven Demand and Mobile Gaming Culture
Indonesia has a significant youth population, with 64.16 million people aged 16-30. This segment forms the core of esports engagement—playing games, watching matches, and spending on in-game content. 79% of Indonesians identify as gamers, most of them on mobile devices due to 128% smartphone penetration, with many owning multiple devices.
Just behind India and Brazil, Indonesia was actually ranked 3rd globally in mobile game downloads in 2022, with 3.37 billion downloads. This mobile-first culture creates an always-connected audience for brands to reach through gaming.
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Sponsorships Fuel Industry Revenue
Sponsorships and direct ads are the top revenue drivers in the Indonesia Esports Industry. In 2024, they generated over $20.08 million USD, making them essential for league operations, team funding, and event growth.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), tech, and lifestyle brands are leading this push. From in-game branding to influencer-led campaigns, advertisers are finding innovative ways to engage gamers. The demographic especially targets individuals aged 18-34, known for long screen time and high brand responsiveness.
Government Backing Strengthens the Indonesia Esports Industry Ecosystem
Government support is also lifting the esports industry. Through programs promoting digital talent development and the hosting of international tournaments like the Esports World Cup, authorities are helping legitimize esports as a career and foster infrastructure such as gaming hubs and faster internet. Esports is now a serious growth sector that the government is backing as part of broader digital economy goals.
Authenticity Is Key for Brand Success
To succeed in Indonesia’s esports scene, brands must engage authentically. Surveys show that 74% of young gamers are more loyal to brands that integrate meaningfully into gaming communities.
This means more than just ads. Brands that sponsor tournaments, support local teams, or invest in talent development signal long-term commitment and earn trust. Many are also tapping into esports influencers to connect directly with their audience through social media and streaming platforms.
Indonesia Esports Industry: A Dynamic Industry Built for the Future
The Indonesia Esports Industry is a powerful engine for youth culture, digital transformation, and economic growth. Its CAGR of 23.89%, combined with massive youth engagement, mobile dominance, and strong sponsorship activity, makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most promising digital sectors. With the right strategies, both local and global brands have a golden opportunity to grow alongside Indonesia’s thriving esports movement.
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