Tag: Gaming

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is buzzing with potential, and one of the biggest drivers behind this is its booming population of gamers. From tech-savvy Gen Z consumers in urban hubs to an increasingly affluent and aspirational middle class in emerging economies, the diversity and scale of this demographic present endless opportunities for brands looking to expand their reach.

What makes this even more exciting is the sheer pace of change. Digital adoption is soaring, lifestyles are evolving, and consumer expectations are rising across the board. From innovative e-commerce platforms to thriving social media ecosystems, APAC isn’t just growing—it’s shaping the future of how businesses connect with their audiences. 

With this objective in mind, this is exactly what Mastercard did for its ‘Mastercard Gamer Exchange’ initiative, which helps consumers convert their unspent rewards points into gaming currency across some of the world’s most popular gaming titles. More recently, Mastercard Gamer Exchange expanded its reach in Malaysia through a partnership with Ribena which rewards gamers through the platform when they purchase eligible Ribena products. 

For our latest Top Story feature, we spoke with Kauveri Khullaar, senior vice president for consumer marketing & sponsorships for Asia-Pacific at Mastercard to better understand Mastercard Gamer Exchange’s plans to expand in APAC, and how Mastercard intends to continue tapping into the growing gamer demographic for better consumer experiences.

Creating a loyalty program for APAC’s gaming demographic

Before we explore Mastercard Gamer Exchange’s objective, Kaveri points out first how gaming has become a global phenomenon, captivating over 3 billion people, nearly half of whom are women, across casual and competitive genres. Moreover, the industry, projected to generate US$282b in revenue this year and grow to US$363b by 2027, is a powerhouse of entertainment.

Speaking in the context for APAC, she says, “Asia-Pacific leads the charge, contributing nearly half of global gaming revenue, thanks to its massive base of 1.5 billion gamers. In Malaysia alone, 23 million gamers are expected to drive US$650m in revenue by 2024, highlighting the region’s significant role in the gaming boom.”

Gaming’s growth in the region is supported by growing technological advancements like smartphones and 5G connectivity, which have propelled gaming’s growth, enabling casual gaming during commutes and easy access to free-to-play games. These innovations have contributed to the industry’s impressive revenue. While gaming appeals to all demographics, the most engaged players—who also spend the most—are mass-affluent, digitally savvy individuals aged 35-44.

From this context, Kaveri highlights that it was against this backdrop, and with an ambition for marketing to directly impact revenue, that Mastercard Gamer Exchange was created at the peak of COVID-19.

“It started in 2021 when all travel ceased, decimating one of the largest reward redemption categories. Loyalty programs faced the spectre of increased liability on their financial books owing to points’ accumulation, and frustrated members who were seeing their points value dilute over time; at the same time, stay-at-home entertainment activities were getting a fillip, with video gaming being the biggest beneficiary,” she stated.

Revolutionising rewards with gamers’ passion

For Kaveri, the Mastercard Gamer Exchange solution is designed to let gamers convert reward points into gaming credits across top titles, addressing a gap in traditional loyalty programs. For her, the platform–which is built on the insight that gamers typically engage with multiple games simultaneously–prioritises diverse in-game options and allows bite-sized redemptions, eliminating the need for large point balances.

“This philosophy of engineering a solution with gamers at its heart gave birth to a conversion engine that burns reward points for gaming credits across top gaming titles, giving game-loving consumers a simple, intuitive way to use loyalty points for a form of entertainment that had been largely underserved by rewards programs,” she said.

She also added that Mastercard Gamer Exchange not only enhances the gaming experience for consumers but also creates opportunities for brands to connect with this engaged audience by offering a fresh rewards category. Additionally, it serves as a novel distribution channel for game publishers and developers.

“Not only is Mastercard Gamer Exchange uniquely positioned to reward gamers, but it also plays an important role in connecting brands to this audience. With one simple, seamless solution, any brand – regardless of their sector or industry – can offer their audiences a whole new category in rewards redemption, gaining their loyalty and engagement with this consumer segment. This value proposition is true to what we stand for at Mastercard – connecting people to their passions, and thereby building a deeper connection with our and our partners’ brands,” she added.

Mastercard Gamer Exchange’s Ribena collaboration and the platform’s future

Mastercard Gamer Exchange first entered the Malaysian market in 2023 through a successful collaboration with Boost, achieving strong adoption rates. This was then followed by this partnership with Ribena Malaysia, showcasing the platform’s ability to deliver value across diverse industries and highlighting its appeal to like-minded brands beyond the gaming sector.

“Malaysia boasts a unique melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its vibrant gaming community.  The campaign with Ribena is still underway, and we have already seen positive traction with the number of redemptions driven by this campaign. This is a clear sign that the approach is resonating with the audience of gamers that Ribena appeals to,” Kaveri said.

When asked about the future of Mastercard Gamer Exchange and Mastercard’s gamer-related initiatives, she stated that the company has been at the forefront of creating unique offerings for gamers in Asia-Pacific and around the world since 2018, being the first global partner for popular game ‘League of Legends’. 

She also added that Mastercard regularly partners with banks to introduce co-branded League of Legends cards that offer cardholders Riot points, discounts and cashback on in-game purchases.

“With Mastercard Gamer Exchange, we will continue to forge partnerships with issuing banks,  merchants and fintech partners who are keen to leverage this lucrative audience and commit to a long-term game of value creation for them,” she concluded.

***

The gaming demographic in APAC isn’t just growing—it’s thriving, and it’s reshaping the way people engage with entertainment. With millions of avid gamers across diverse age groups and preferences, the region is a goldmine of opportunities for brands looking to connect with a digitally-savvy, highly engaged audience.

Whether it’s through platforms like Mastercard Gamer Exchange, which seamlessly integrates rewards with gaming, or through collaborations with industry partners, the potential to build loyalty and drive engagement in APAC’s gaming ecosystem is immense. 

Japan – To celebrate the 12th anniversary of the popular tower defence mobile game The ‘Battle Cats,’ creative innovation company R/GA and game developer PONOS have reimagined the experience for players by blending cinematic art and gameplay inspired by Japan’s Sengoku period.

Titled ‘The Way of the Cat,’ the campaign takes inspiration from Japan’s Sengoku period, a time of tactical mastery and conflict. By combining art, gameplay, and storytelling, it showcases the game’s strategic depth, transforming The Battle Cats from a quirky, cute title into a rich, strategy-driven experience.

R/GA brought the vision to life with the Sengoku concept, a centrepiece showcasing the game’s intricate battles and strategies. Enhancing this, the modern Byobu serves as a striking visual element, seamlessly linking in-game artistry with the campaign’s narrative.

This cohesive approach launched a Sengoku-themed in-game event, allowing players to dive into the game’s rich storytelling. Complementing this, social media tactics encourage players to explore and engage with its strategic depth.

As part of the anniversary campaign, two cinematic films inspired by classic Samurai cinema were also released to celebrate the game’s milestone.

Seiichiro Sano, managing director and COO of PONOS, said, “As we celebrate 12 years of The Battle Cats, we’re excited to challenge perceptions and showcase the game’s strategic depth. This collaboration with R/GA honours our heritage while inviting new players to experience the thrill of tactical gameplay in a fresh way.” 

Masaya Nakade, executive creative director at R/GA Japan, added, “Our aim was to elevate the perception of The Battle Cats by weaving together art and strategy to capture the game’s true essence. Through Sengoku-inspired storytelling and high-calibre visuals, we’ve crafted an experience that celebrates the game’s unique creativity and challenges players to appreciate its depth.”

India –  Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has teamed up with Enormous Brands India for its latest campaign, aiming to inspire hardcore gamers to “Find their Vibe” while redefining BGMI as a premium and inclusive gaming platform that resonates with all audiences.

Built around the ‘Seriously Fun’ concept, the campaign highlights how gaming—especially BGMI—serves as both a meaningful and entertaining cornerstone of Indian gamers’ lives. 

The campaign is driven by the insight that, for true enthusiasts, gaming is far more than casual entertainment—it’s a serious passion. In India, where the spirit of competition and resilience is deeply ingrained, gaming has seamlessly become a part of the nation’s cultural fabric.

Developed in collaboration with Enormous Brands India, the ad film captures how deeply BGMI resonates with Indian gamers, embodying the notion that Indians take their fun seriously.

The ad opens with a compelling film that highlights how gaming fits into India’s diverse routines and passions, showcasing gamers from across the country. It also incorporates popular in-game elements and terms, deepening the connection with its audience.

Furthermore, the narrative extends to social media through engaging posts and stories, reinforcing the message that gaming is not just a hobby but a way of life.

Srinjoy Das, associate director for marketing at KRAFTON India, said, “As BGMI continues to grow into a true pop-culture phenomenon, it has also evolved into a deeply immersive and high-involvement experience for gamers across India. The concept of ‘Seriously Fun’ perfectly captures how passionately our players engage with the brand, blending their dedication with quirky, relatable moments from everyday life.”

Ankit Pathak, senior creative director of Enormous Brands, said, “The ‘Seriously Fun’ campaign is a reflection of India’s vibrant and competitive gaming spirit. We wanted to create a narrative that feels authentic and inclusive, celebrating gamers and their diverse lifestyles while showcasing BGMI as the ultimate gaming destination. We’re happy with the way the film has managed to capture the attention of the viewers across varied age groups.”

The ad film will be amplified on social media with engaging content—posts, stories, and community challenges—reinforcing the idea that gaming is a lifestyle, not just a hobby.

Singapore – WPP has announced a global partnership with Roblox, building on several years of collaboration on interactive 3D brand content and advertising. The alliance will help scale expertise among agency teams and brands in leveraging Roblox as a new media channel.

Through the partnership, WPP and its media investment company, GroupM, will join the official Roblox Partner Program as an agency partner to work directly with Roblox to establish a long-term measurement advisory relationship, shaping the future of the brand ecosystem on the platform and setting new standards for 3D environments and immersive media. 

Roblox will also develop innovative ways for WPP’s creative agencies to utilise Roblox’s platform as a creative engine and partner with Roblox creators.

In addition, WPP and Roblox will also work together to pilot a first-of-its-kind Roblox certification program for marketers to deepen their expertise in the platform’s ecosystem. The multi-module training course will be developed for both creative and media agencies, with WPP team members being the first to get certified on Roblox’s platform.

The partnership builds on a longstanding foundation of work that WPP and Roblox have developed together on behalf of global clients including adidas, Church & Dwight, Danone, Nickelodeon and Paramount. Going forward, WPP and Roblox will host a series of client sprint days that bring together experienced Roblox community creators, developer studios and agency strategists to develop a unique activation in one business day.

Tapping into Roblox’s nearly 80 million daily active users and WPP’s extensive experience in the gaming sector, the collaboration includes a broad scope of initiatives from offering Roblox sprint days to a joint advisory council to advance 3D measurement and Roblox platform education, with the aim of pushing the boundaries of creativity on Roblox like never before.

Rob Reilly, chief creative officer at WPP, said, “Roblox is an amazing platform for brands to engage creatively with a young, expanding and valuable audience. By merging WPP’s creative firepower with Roblox’s innovative environment, we will continue to invent new and exciting ways for brands to connect with the next generation of consumers. Buckle up.”

Meanwhile, Stephanie Latham, VP of global brand partnerships and advertising at Roblox, commented, “We’re excited to partner with WPP to push the boundaries of brand creativity on Roblox. This alliance will enable brands to harness our platform’s unique capabilities and connect with our incredible community, driving forward new standards in immersive media and delivering exceptional experiences for a diverse and engaged audience.”

Lastly, Andrew Meaden, global head of investment at GroupM, stated, “Roblox has redefined the way young people interact with the world and discover new products and ideas. We are looking forward to partnering with such an important platform to shape the future of media investment, measurement, and brand engagement in virtual worlds and help our clients navigate this exciting new frontier.”

Philippines – Ampverse Group has launched ‘Ampverse Pulse,’ a full-service next-gen marketing agency designed to transform brand engagement with the booming gaming and entertainment communities in Southeast Asia, India, and MENA. 

Ampverse Pulse will enhance the group’s existing marketing solutions by delivering a comprehensive suite of services for brands and game publishers. This includes strategies for gaming influencers, IP partnerships in gaming and entertainment, in-game advertising, user acquisition, media planning, gaming commerce partnerships, and white-labelled tournaments and events.

The new agency will leverage Ampverse Group’s ecosystem, which encompasses a diverse portfolio of gaming and entertainment media assets, insights from 600 million followers, and a team of experienced professionals. This foundation enables effective strategic planning and activations for over 300 clients targeting gamers, utilising next-gen behaviours and purchase patterns from its commerce products.

Ampverse Group has experienced significant growth in brand partnerships across Southeast Asia and is looking to expand these efforts with Ampverse Pulse, also introducing services to India and the MENA region. With a strong track record of successful collaborations with brands like Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Sony, Ampverse Pulse will provide integrated marketing solutions to engage gaming and entertainment audiences, unlocking new opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Benj Dalmacio, head of business development at Level Infinite, shared, “We are thrilled to have worked closely with Ampverse Group for Honour of Kings’ presence in the recently concluded PGDX Manila 2024. Their team has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication throughout our collaboration—helping provide a great experience to our community and to the thousands of attendees during the event.”

The launch of Ampverse Pulse follows Ampverse Group’s achievement of collaborating with over 300 global brands and game publishers, underscoring the high demand and effectiveness of its offerings.

“Ampverse Pulse is not just an extension of our marketing solutions offering, but a next-generation agency that deeply understands youth culture given our gaming DNA. Ampverse Pulse is testament to our commitment to serving the evolving needs of brands and game publishers wanting to deliver business results by being relevant to the next generation,” said Charlie Baillie, chief executive officer of Ampverse Group. 

“As gaming continues to grow across Southeast Asia and the Philippines, this is an exciting time to be here. We want to be strategically positioned to provide Ampverse Pulse capabilities to brands so they can reach the more than 50 million gamers in the country,” Baillie added.

Indonesia – Google Play has teamed up with DDB Group Singapore to launch its new ‘Protect Your Play’ campaign that urges Indonesian gamers to stay vigilant against hidden cyber threats in online gaming.

As Indonesia’s gaming market rapidly expands, Google Play’s campaign aims to alert Indonesian gamers about the risks of neglecting online security, including potential data leaks and scams by cybercriminals on unsecured gaming sites.

The campaign features one of Indonesia’s top action stars, Iko Uwais. Renowned for his roles in The Raid, Expendables, and Star Wars, Uwais is celebrated for his exceptional fighting skills.

Conceptualised by DDB Group Singapore, the campaign film features Uwais navigating the gaming worlds of popular platforms such as Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Freefire, and EA Sports FC. In a dramatic twist, Uwais confronts villains representing online security risks with high stakes as his personal assets and banking details are put at risk.

The campaign also showcases Google Play’s security features, including two-step verification and data encryption, which protect transactions and user data. This technology ensures gamers can safely top up without leaving the game.

In addition to the main campaign film, the initiative features 15-second game-specific ads, gaming influencer battles, and numerous promotions with discounts and game perks, all designed to build excitement and encourage online safety among users. 

Vinod Savio, CCO at DDB Group Singapore, said, “A campaign for gamers has to be engaging. Our task was to deliver a serious message in a way that gamers would not only enjoy but also sit up and pay attention.”

Amanda Chan, product marketing manager at Google Play, added, “Marketing to a diverse yet deeply passionate audience like the gaming community is challenging. DDB Group Singapore did an excellent job of focussing on our audience’s shared love of game cinematics to create an educational campaign that works. It’s no mean feat, and the results speak for themselves.”

Singapore – Global gaming and entertainment company Ampverse Group has announced the appointment of a new board of advisors comprising distinguished global executives from the gaming, advertising, investment, technology, and media sectors. This strategic move accelerates Ampverse Group’s expansion and solidifies its position as a dominant force in the industry.

The new members of the advisory board include John Redgrave, Marcus John, Rohit Sharma, Oliver Woodley, Chirag Shah, and Gita Ramakrishnan. Together, they will propel Ampverse Group into its next phase of growth under the leadership of Ampverse CEO Charlie Baillie.

As the former vice president at Discord, Redgrave played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. He previously founded Lattice, which was later acquired by Apple and Sentropy which was sold to Discord. With a deep understanding of digital platforms and a keen eye for innovation, Redgrave brings invaluable expertise to Ampverse Group’s advisory board.

Meanwhile, for over 3 decades, John has advised Fortune 500 companies, federations, governments, and investors on major sports and entertainment investments, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and Formula 1. He is currently the CEO of Sports Capital Advisors and was formerly global head of sports of WPP’s MediaCom and managing director of IMG/Endeavor China.

As the former COO and board member of AnyMind Group, Sharma also founded POKKT, a mobile video advertising platform in India, SEA and MENA that has been backed by Investors such as JAFCO Asia, Jungle Ventures, Singtel Innov8 and GSF.

Meanwhile, Woodley is the global commercial director of Soho House Group and long-time investor into Ampverse, and also formerly held senior roles at VICE Media. 

For Shah, he is a seasoned entrepreneur, having co-founded several ad tech companies, including one acquired by Dentsu. He brings a wealth of experience in Gaming 360, scaling businesses, giving investment advice, and navigating complex markets. 

Lastly, Samakrishnan is a seasoned investor with over 20 years of experience in capital markets, excelling in both private and public equities with a top decile performance record. 

The combined expertise and global reach of this new board will be a driving force in Ampverse Group’s ambitious growth plans. These advisors bring unparalleled experience in digital innovation, strategic investments, and market expansion. Their insights and leadership will guide Ampverse Group in exploring new frontiers, enhancing its market presence, and fueling sustainable growth.

Charlie Baillie, CEO of Ampverse Group, said, “To build a remarkable company, you need a remarkable team. Since founding Ampverse Group in 2019, we’ve been fortunate to attract a world-class group of team members and investors. Looking ahead, we have huge global ambitions, and therefore I’m excited and honoured that such a distinguished group of leaders from the gaming, media, investment, technology, and advertising sectors share our vision and have agreed to join our newly formed advisory board.” 

Singapore – Bridgestone Asia Pacific, India, China (BSAPIC), a group company of Bridgestone Corporation, and racing sim series Forza Motorsport are partnering to launch the first-ever “Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top” virtual gaming competition. 

Through this partnership, Bridgestone will be the first tyre manufacturer to partner with Forza Motorsport, one of the top simulation racing video games globally, in this latest instalment of the game, featuring participants racing the Lamborghini Huracán STO on the Hakone Grand Prix within the game.

From 20 June 2024 to 10 July, eligible racers can compete in the “Bridgestone Rivals: Race to the Top” event to unlock an exclusive in-game Bridgestone Racing Suit and set their fastest time to stand a chance to win attractive prizes worth up to USD$1,000. Within the game, racers will be taking on the virtual Hakone Grand Prix, a motorsports mecca built to host every level of racing with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. 

Surrounded by the sublime beauty of the Japanese countryside on the shores of Lake Ashi, the circuit is a futuristic showcase for flat-out speed with long straights, wide turns, and a few heavy braking zones. The final winners will be announced based on the fastest lap time recorded at each participating location, spanning across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and South Korea.

This partnership also aligns with the Bridgestone Group’s vision of continuing to provide the “excitement of driving” 10 or 20 years from now by contributing to the development of a safe, secure, and enjoyable car culture and motorsports culture through a wide range of sustainable motorsports activities such as e-sports, and by supporting mobility experiences that move people’s hearts. 

As part of Bridgestone E8 Commitment, the company aims to fulfil its corporate promise for “Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility.”

Lennard Kwek, director of brand marketing and communications at BSAPIC, said, “We are very excited to embark on this partnership with Forza Motorsport. It is an incredible opportunity to connect with a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts and create memorable experiences in motorsport among people of all ages and abilities. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting a dynamic motorsports culture – and we are excited to finally bring this commitment to the virtual realm as well.”

Singapore – We Are Social Gaming, the gaming-focused division of global socially-led creative agency We Are Social, has announced three distinct new offerings to help brands, publishers and developers cut through in gaming spaces.

The first one is the gaming division aiming to simplify theprocess of getting non-gaming brands into the gaming space by showing them there are levels to play and multiple ways to win. For We Are Social, there is no “one size fits all” approach – as bespoke solutions put clients and their products and the centre of conversation at a time where gaming is shaping culture.

In addition, the agency is also offering game developers and publishers a full-funnel, connected and amplified approach to socially-led product marketing, with a focus on brand building, conversion, and player retention across new and existing titles.

Lastly, We Are Social also taps into its broad roster of clients and connections to create meaningful partnerships with brands and developers, introducing each to new audiences. 

We Are Social Gaming consists of a global squad of more than 50 of the agency’s most skilled gaming and esports experts from multiple disciplines, who work across We Are Social’s entire client portfolio to identify gaming opportunities for brands in all sectors and industries. 

Some of its gaming clients include Activision/Blizzard, Riot Games, Sony, Twitch, G2 and Fnatic, and it has worked with non-gaming brands such as Uber Eats, Vodafone and Renault on gaming-focused campaigns over the last few years. 

Rachel Rakowski, global head of gaming at We Are Social said, “It’s safe to say that gaming is no longer niche – it has firmly cemented itself as part of culture and as such is one of the most sought-after media spaces for brands today. However, gaming spaces are not like traditional media, and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Brands and developers need to think differently to cut through the noise.”

She added, “This is why we’ve launched our three new offerings, which will give companies from any sector or industry an opportunity to connect with gaming communities in a number of different ways. We’ll be focused on work that’s rooted in culture, driving connections between people, communities, and brands, all while crafting messages meaningful to our clients’ audiences and providing meaningful ROI.” 

Manila, Philippines – Digital financial services platform Atome has partnered with Mastercard to allow Atome card holders in the Philippines to convert their rewards points into gaming credits via the Mastercard Gamer Xchange (MGX). 

In this partnership, MGX will facilitate a convenient exchange to help gamers in the Philippines convert their rewards points into gaming credits across nearly 4000 game titles in a spend-and-earn exchange. 

Up until March, gaming enthusiasts using the Atome Card to shop can obtain as much as ₱2,000 worth of gaming credits. 

This partnership offer follows the recent upgrade of the Atome Card, which now allows Filipino consumers to shop and ‘buy now and pay later’ anywhere as long as Mastercard is accepted. 

Magic Tang, head of cards business at Atome, said, “We’ve seen a very strong take-up for the Atome Card, especially among digital-native Gen Z and millennial users in the Philippines, with one of the top use cases for the Atome Card being online purchases. We see a strong synergy in this partnership with Mastercard’s MGX platform as it provides Atome Card holders and gamers access to a wide range of gaming credit options.”

Also speaking on the partnership, Kaveri Khullar, senior vice president for consumer marketing and sponsorships at Mastercard, commented, “MGX bridges the world of rewards to the thriving global gaming community, offering an innovative and seamless redemption solution in a new category. From eSports viewers to console and smartphone gaming enthusiasts across a range of demographics, it opens new connections to the world’s fastest-expanding entertainment market.”

She added, “As the Philippine gaming market anticipates further growth in the next few years, this partnership with Atome is a fantastic example of how innovative payment experiences are evolving to connect consumers to their passions.”