To put things into perspective, the global gaming industry is a massive entity valued at over $200 billion as of 2024. The industry is dominated by giants like the United States, Japan, and China, where multi-billion-dollar companies produce AAA titles that reach millions of players worldwide. India is also making a mark, with its gaming market expected to reach $5 billion by 2025.

In contrast, Bangladesh’s gaming industry is still in its infancy. However, this also means there’s immense growth potential. As the global gaming market expands, new players emerge from unexpected corners of the world. Bangladesh could very well be one of these new players if the right steps are taken.

According to Statista, the global gaming industry is valued at over $200 billion as of 2024, outstripping the film and music industries combined. In such a strong global gaming market, where does Bangladesh stand?

Bangladesh’s gaming industry is at an interesting crossroads. While mobile gaming consumption has increased significantly, the production side is still developing. As we are still sitting at the consumption end, the industry’s global growth is forcing us to think about our potential to reach the production end.

What’s cooking in the local game development kitchen?

When we think of game development in Bangladesh, it might not be a name that comes to mind on the global stage—yet. Most local developers have focused on mobile games, which makes sense given the country’s technology landscape and the widespread use of mobile devices. As of August 2024, the top three grossing games in the country are all mobile titles: Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Free Fire, as per Similarweb data, a global data aggregation company. With affordable smartphones and widespread internet access, mobile gaming has become the most accessible entry point for many in Bangladesh.

Local studios have produced games that resonate with the Bangladeshi audience. Titles like Heroes of 71, inspired by the country’s Liberation War, have struck a chord with players due to their cultural relevance. The game’s success led to a sequel, Heroes of 71: Retaliation. In 2020, Zero Hour, a first-person shooter on PC, made history as the first Bangladeshi game released on Steam, receiving positive feedback from players. However, mobile games still dominate, and there’s a significant gap in PC and console games. 

The elephant next door, India

India, our neighbor, presents a contrasting scenario, making substantial strides in both mobile and PC game development. The country boasts successful studios like Nodding Heads Games, creators of Raji: An Ancient Epic, and Ogre Head Studio, as well as developers of Asura (CyberConnect2), which have gained both local and international recognition.

India’s success can be attributed to better access to advanced technology, a larger pool of technically skilled professionals, and substantial investment from domestic and international sources. The country’s gaming community is vast and well-organized, with a vibrant eSports scene.

In comparison, Bangladesh is still in the process of building the necessary ecosystem. While there is evident creativity and potential, the industry lacks the robust infrastructure that India enjoys. This gap means that while India is advancing into console and PC game development, Bangladesh is still finding its footing with mostly mobile games.

Why are we lagging?

Several factors contribute to Bangladesh’s gaming industry’s slower growth, particularly in PC and console games. One of the most significant challenges is limited access to advanced technology. High-performance computers, development kits for consoles, and powerful game engines are expensive and not easily available. This forces many developers to work with outdated or less capable tools, limiting their projects’ quality and scale.

Another major issue is the lack of specialized technical education. While there are universities and institutes offering courses in computer science and software engineering, proper game development training is rare. Many Bangladeshi developers are self-taught, which speaks volumes about their passion and determination and highlights the need for formal education and training opportunities as well.

Another hurdle is investment, or the lack thereof. Creating high-quality games requires substantial financial backing, especially for PCs and consoles. In Bangladesh, investors often see the gaming industry as a risky venture. This cautious stance results in limited funding, restricting the growth of ambitious projects.

Where are we looking at?

The dream of seeing more Bangladeshi-developed games on platforms like Steam or consoles like PlayStation and Xbox is alive and well, but achieving it requires a coordinated effort. 

Investment is the first priority. Both the government and private sector need to recognize game development’s potential as a lucrative business. Offering tax incentives, grants, and funding for startups could encourage more developers to venture into PC and console game development.

Education and training should be prioritized simultaneously. Universities should provide specialized courses in game development, covering everything from programming and game design to animation and more. Collaborations with international universities or online platforms could also help bridge the gap.

Also, building a strong community is crucial. Game development often relies on collaboration, and having a vibrant community of developers, artists, and programmers can lead to knowledge sharing and innovation. Events like game jams, workshops, and conferences can help nurture this community and provide a platform for showcasing talent.

While gaming’s popularity in the country is undeniable, it’s about time we think about making our mark in production.

Sudipto Roy (Apon) is an enthusiast of football, technology, and video games. He previously worked as a content writer for The Rapport Building Community, a mental health-focused organization.
aponroy889@gmail.com