The dynamic challenges and critical strategies for game developers seeking international success took stage at the Global Digital Forum. The panel discussion, "Game Industry: Challenges and Best Practices for Entering New Markets," moderated by Alexander Mikheev, CEO of APRIORI, brought together a powerhouse lineup of global experts from China, South Korea, Russia, and international markets. Against the backdrop of a $188 billion global industry serving over 3.4 billion players, the panel dissected the intricate journey from domestic success to global relevance.

Mikheev set the stage by highlighting the industry's staggering scale and Russia’s unique position: a resilient $2 billion market navigating geopolitical headwinds, fostering domestic platforms like VK Play and RuStore, and boasting the third-largest audience on Steam. "Despite challenges," Mikheev noted, "our ecosystems are maturing, and institutions like APRIORI are vital connectors bridging developers, business, and government in shaping national strategies."

Block 1: Navigating the Entry Maze – Barriers and Bridges

The discussion dove straight into the formidable barriers facing studios venturing abroad. Li Jie, Deputy Director of the Internet Society of China’s Electronic Sports Committee, outlined the systemic challenges Chinese developers face, framed by ISC’s three-pillar approach (Policy Bridge, Tech Foundations, Global Dialogue). He pinpointed critical hurdles:

● Cultural Gaps: Moving beyond superficial language translation to deep "behavioral UX" understanding and avoiding religious/historical blind spots.

● Regulatory Complexity: Navigating divergent rating systems (PEGI, ESRB, GRAC) and stringent data sovereignty laws (GDPR, China DSL).

● Tech Dependencies: Mitigating engine supply chain risks and managing high localization operational costs.

Li Jie emphasized the industry's crucial shift: "From 'wild expansion' to 'precision cultivation.' Success requires cultural resonance as the baseline, homegrown tech as the differentiator, and compliance as the non-negotiable key to market access."

Daniel Liu, Founder of HURA (China), presented a compelling counter-narrative through his unique "digital sports" platform blending real racing, remote control, and gaming. Liu highlighted how HURA’s core concept – the universal thrill of speed and competition – inherently reduced cultural friction. Their expansion into international markets leaned heavily on robust low-latency tech for remote control and a digital-first marketing strategy prioritizing organic social content and community engagement. "Technology bridged physical distances," Liu stated, "and digital marketing bridged psychological ones."

Xu Zhang, CEO of Doujing Technology (China), provided a granular roadmap for market adaptation, stressing a multi-layered approach:

● Linguistic Localization: Ensuring contextual fluency, not just literal accuracy.

● Character Design: Adapting attire (e.g., Middle East) and avoiding sensitive symbolism.

● Narrative & Environment: Contextualizing historical, political, and religious elements.

● UX/UI Optimization: Region-specific layouts, icon meanings, and control schemes.

● Voice Localization: Prioritizing dialect authenticity and local speech cadence.

Xu Zhang paired this with a proactive certification strategy: rigorous regulatory mapping (SAPPRFT, GDPR) combined with early and iterative engagement with agencies. His formula: "Cultural-legal deep localization + proactive regulator relations = market entry success."

Block 2: The Localization Imperative – Beyond Words

Kim Si Woo, Head of Global Sales at Qroad Inc. (South Korea), stressed that modern localization demands a "comprehensive approach tailored to each market, encompassing operations, marketing, and user engagement," illustrated by Qroad’s current work localizing the Russian game Stalcraft:X for Korea.

Xu Zhang reinforced this with a stark cautionary tale: a Chinese game launched in the Middle East without adapting religious symbols or character designs, triggering user backlash, platform penalties, and ultimate removal. "Localization isn’t just about language; it’s about cultural adaptation and respect," Xu Zhang emphasized. His solution? Establishing local teams in sensitive regions with native designers and developers for authentic ground-up adaptation.

Hicham Nouhou, an International Games Industry Expert, provided a global comparative lens, affirming that deep localization is fundamental for AAA success worldwide. "Language is a key selling point... It’s very important to continually engage with gamers communities," Nouhou stated, advocating for partnerships with local personalities and promoting UGC. He underscored the need for cultural relevance and sensitivity, showcasing iconic examples:

● Crash Bandicoot's cuter redesign for Japan.

● Final Fantasy's avoidance of direct religious associations (e.g., replacing 'church' with 'clinic').

● PUBG Mobile's celebration of diverse local/regional events (Ramadan, Navruz).

● Super Mario Kart replacing champagne with waving flags in the US version.

"It’s not just a Game; it’s a unique universe," Nouhou concluded, highlighting the depth required.

Block 3: Ecosystem Enablers – Platforms, Associations, and Policy

The final segment explored the vital support structures enabling global reach. Alexey Kalenchuk of the Skolkovo Foundation outlined Russia’s evolving support infrastructure, positioning Skolkovo as a key hub fostering innovation and connection within the challenging landscape.

Li Jie returned to detail China’s robust institutional support mechanisms amidst market transformation (mature core gamers, AI adoption, booming Middle East expansion):

● Policy Coordination: Self-regulation with a "traffic light" content rating system.

● Education Reform: Game dev micro-degrees at 80+ universities and state-certified esports roles.

● Tech Priorities: AIGC tools slashing localization costs, lightweight engines for emerging markets.

● Global Collaboration: Initiatives like the Asian Game Developers Alliance with shared localization databases.

Li Jie championed "early regulator engagement," "market-fit tech," and "authentic cultural appeal" as core principles. He issued a powerful call for collaborative action: a regulatory early-warning system, open-source cultural compliance tools, and joint academic programs. "When games showcase Dunhuang art, Slavic epics, Amazonian folklore, Arab traditions," he proclaimed, "technology fulfills its highest purpose."

Daniel Liu closed the support discussion by framing digital sports platforms as unique "springboards" for global expansion. HURA’s model leverages platform tech (remote control, data transmission, event management) to overcome traditional sports limitations. Crucially, Liu highlighted ecosystem collaboration as a key accelerator: "Technology is the foundation, the platform is the enabler, and ecosystem collaboration is the accelerator."

Conclusion: The Global Playbook – Precision, Depth, and Collaboration

The panel concluded with a resounding consensus: succeeding in the global gaming arena demands moving far beyond simple porting or translation. The modern playbook requires:

● Precision Cultivation: Deep market research and tailored strategies replacing blanket approaches.

● Holistic Localization: Integrating cultural, operational, marketing, and community adaptation from the outset.

● Proactive Compliance: Engaging regulators early and building relationships.

● Leveraging Ecosystems: Utilizing platforms, associations, and government support structures effectively.

● Embracing Technology: Employing AI and specialized tools to manage costs and complexity.

As Alexander Mikheev summarized, the path to global success is complex but navigable. The insights shared by this international panel – from the systemic frameworks of China and Russia to the hard-won lessons of individual studios and the universal principles of cultural respect – provide an invaluable roadmap for any game developer daring to play on the world stage. The message was clear: in the $188 billion global game, understanding and adapting to the local rules is not just best practice; it's the only way to win.