MobiFone, a leading telecommunication operator in Vietnam, has announced the launch of a new cloud gaming service for its customers. The service, powered by Radian Arc’s GPU Edge infrastructure and Blacknut’s SDK solution, will offer unlimited access to a curated catalog of premium PC and console video games. The service aims to tap into the growing market of mobile gaming in Vietnam, which ranks as one of the most active countries in Asia for gaming.
Cloud Gaming: A New Way to Play
Cloud gaming is a technology that allows users to stream and play video games on any device, without the need for downloading, installing, or updating them. The games are hosted on remote servers and delivered to the user’s device via the internet. This means that users can enjoy high-quality graphics and performance, regardless of their device’s specifications or storage capacity.
Cloud gaming also offers convenience and flexibility, as users can switch between devices and play anywhere, anytime. Users can also access a large library of games, without having to purchase or own them individually. Cloud gaming is seen as the future of gaming, as it eliminates the barriers of hardware and software compatibility, and reduces the costs and environmental impacts of gaming.
MobiFone’s Cloud Gaming Service: Features and Benefits
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service is enabled by Radian Arc’s proprietary GPU Edge infrastructure and Blacknut’s streaming technology, which leverage MobiFone’s 4G and 5G network coverage. Radian Arc is a Singapore-based company that provides GPU Edge solutions for cloud gaming and other applications. Blacknut is a France-based company that provides B2B2C cloud gaming solutions for telcos, ISPs, and media companies.
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service will give users unlimited access to more than 500 high-quality PC and console titles from Blacknut’s catalog, which is one of the world’s largest for cloud gaming. Users will be able to play popular games such as Overcooked, Asphalt9, Ryse: Son of Rome, or Lords of the Fallen, among others. Users will also be able to discover new games and genres, as Blacknut curates its catalog based on user preferences and feedback.
Users will be able to play the games on any device, including tablets, smartphones, and PCs. The games will run smoothly and seamlessly on MobiFone’s network, with no latency or lag issues. Users will not need any additional hardware or installation to launch a game. They will simply need to click and play.
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service will offer different subscription plans for users, depending on their needs and budgets. Users will be able to choose from monthly or annual plans, or pay per game. Users will also be able to try out the service for free for a limited period of time.
MobiFone’s Cloud Gaming Service: Target Market and Potential
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service is targeted at the large and growing market of mobile gamers in Vietnam. According to a report by App Annie (1), Vietnam was ranked as one of the five most active countries for mobile gaming in the first half of 2023. The report also stated that Vietnamese app users spent 83 billion hours online in 2022, which is equivalent to four hours a day.
Vietnam has a high smartphone penetration rate in Asia, with more than 70% of its population owning a smartphone (2). The country also has a young demographic, with nearly half of its population under 30 years old (3). These factors make Vietnam an ideal market for cloud gaming, as young and tech-savvy consumers are more likely to adopt new technologies and services.
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service has the potential to attract millions of customers in Vietnam, as it offers a unique value proposition that combines entertainment, convenience, and affordability. The service also has the potential to increase MobiFone’s revenue and customer loyalty, as it creates a new source of income and enhances its brand image.
MobiFone’s Cloud Gaming Service: Challenges and Opportunities
MobiFone’s cloud gaming service faces some challenges in the Vietnamese market, such as competition from other cloud gaming providers, regulatory issues regarding licensing and content, and consumer awareness and education. However, these challenges also present opportunities for MobiFone to differentiate itself from its rivals, collaborate with local authorities and content creators, and promote its service to potential customers.
MobiFone is not the only telco that offers cloud gaming services in Vietnam. Viettel (4), another leading telecommunication operator in Vietnam, launched its own cloud gaming service in 2022, in partnership with Gamestream (5), a French cloud gaming company. Viettel’s cloud gaming service claims to have more than 300 games in its catalog, including titles from Ubisoft (6), Capcom (7), Bandai Namco (8), and Square Enix (9). Viettel also offers various subscription plans and payment methods for its customers.
MobiFone will have to compete with Viettel and other cloud gaming providers in terms of quality, quantity, and price of its service. MobiFone will have to leverage its network infrastructure, technology partners, and content catalog to offer a superior and distinctive cloud gaming experience to its customers. MobiFone will also have to tailor its service to the local market, by offering games that are relevant and appealing to Vietnamese gamers.
Another challenge that MobiFone faces is the regulatory environment in Vietnam, which imposes strict rules and restrictions on online gaming and content. According to the Ministry of Information and Communications (10), online games in Vietnam must obtain a license from the ministry before being launched or distributed in the country. The ministry also has the authority to ban or remove any games that violate the laws or social norms of Vietnam.
MobiFone will have to comply with the regulations and ensure that its cloud gaming service does not contain any illegal or inappropriate content. MobiFone will also have to work closely with the ministry and other stakeholders to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions for its service. MobiFone will also have to collaborate with local game developers and publishers, to create and distribute original and localized content for its service.
A final challenge that MobiFone faces is the consumer awareness and education about cloud gaming in Vietnam. Cloud gaming is still a relatively new and unfamiliar concept for many Vietnamese consumers, who may not understand its benefits or requirements. MobiFone will have to educate its customers about cloud gaming, and how it differs from traditional gaming. MobiFone will also have to demonstrate its value proposition, and how it can enhance the gaming experience for its customers.
MobiFone will have to launch effective marketing campaigns and promotions, to raise awareness and interest about its cloud gaming service. MobiFone will also have to offer free trials and incentives, to encourage customers to try out its service. MobiFone will also have to provide customer support and feedback channels, to address any issues or concerns that customers may have about its service.
