Gen Z finds promising playground in Vietnam's booming game industry

By Dan Minh June 25, 2025 | 05:00 pm PT

Vietnam's gaming industry, once dominated by global tech giants, is quickly becoming a fertile ground for Gen Z entrepreneurs, offering vast potential for those with bold ideas and creative ambition.

New startup trend

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, Vietnam's gaming sector has been growing at over 15% annually, with domestic revenue surpassing US$655 million in 2024. Projections from TikTok and Sensor Tower's joint report, "Strategy for Management and Development of the Online Gaming Industry in Vietnam for the 2025–2030 Period", suggest this figure could reach $1.66 billion by 2025 and soar to $2.42 billion by 2029.

Students in a game development class. Photo courtesy of BUV

Government support is also fueling the rise.

The Prime Minister's directive on developing Vietnam's cultural industries specifically supports online games that reflect national identity and align with global trends, creating a favorable environment for homegrown developers.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of British University Vietnam (BUV), spoke at the Vietnam GameMaker Conference 2023, organized by the National Innovation Center. Photo courtesy of BUV

Hoang Bao Long, founder of LacBird and senior teaching fellow at British University Vietnam (BUV), highlighted that integrating local cultural elements has become a key trend in the gaming industry, especially as the younger generation increasingly finds culture fascinating and worth exploring.

The resounding success of games that draw on local history and culture, such as "Black Myth: Wukong" (China), "Ghost of Tsushima" (Japan), and most recently the Vietnamese game "The Tale of Street Cat", set in the streets of Hanoi and developed by Gen Z creator Quynh Trang, proves that these directions are boosting the domestic gaming industry and setting a strong path for the future.

Next generation of game innovators

As the market expands, so does the demand for talent. While working in prestigious studios remains a goal for many, independent developers now have more opportunities than ever to carve out their niche.

Today's game industry students need not only technical expertise but also the skills to make their unique mark in the market from the very start. This focus is central to the Games Art program at British University Vietnam (BUV).

BUV's Games Art program, awarded by the University of Staffordshire (ranked the U.K.'s top game education institution by TIGA in 2024), offers an international-standard learning environment right in Vietnam. Students receive in-depth training on creating high-quality game art products, from character design and props to 3D environments and settings. As of now, BUV is the only university in Vietnam offering an authenticated British education in games.

The Games Art students gain access to an international-standard learning environment. Photo courtesy of BUV

The program's hands-on learning approach is its standout feature. Students participate in group projects, work alongside industry experts, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment. BUV also partners with leading game studios such as Gameloft and VNG to provide practical learning and real-world experience, helping students enhance their professional skills, foster creative thinking, and build essential soft skills.

Additionally, the program's faculty consists of experienced industry professionals who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students, helping them maximize their individual strengths and craft successful career paths.

With the rapid growth of the gaming industry globally and within Vietnam, games art is a highly promising field for Gen Z entrepreneurs. By choosing a high-quality, internationally recognized program like BUV's Games Art degree, awarded by the University of Staffordshire, students gain the skills needed to innovate in a competitive industry. This strong foundation enables young people to launch their own ventures, establish independent studios, or contribute innovative designs to future projects.

British University Vietnam (BUV) is Vietnam's first QS 5-star university and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to be accredited by QAA, the UK's prestigious higher education quality assurance agency. BUV's well-designed programs stay current with industry trends, combining theory and practice to ensure 100% graduate employability or further study within three months of graduation.

See here for more information about Games Art at BUV.