IGDX 2025: Indonesia Positions Itself as Southeast Asia’s Game Powerhouse

A Milestone Gathering in Bali

Held from October 9–11, 2025, the Indonesia Game Developer eXchange (IGDX) Business & Conference 2025 transformed Bali into Southeast Asia’s epicentre for gaming innovation and collaboration. Organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) and the Indonesian Game Association (AGI), this year’s edition carried the theme Accelerating Southeast Asia’s Creative Power.

Over 4,000 attendees packed The Stones Hotel, Kuta, for three days of keynotes, showcases, and B2B networking. Delegates represented every corner of the global games industry — from France, Singapore, Japan, and Poland to Brazil, Canada, and Saudi Arabia — a reflection of how Indonesia’s gaming ecosystem is evolving from a fast-growing market to a global player in creative production.

“Not Just a Market — A Home of Innovation”

In her opening remarks, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid highlighted Indonesia’s growing creative influence:

“Indonesia is not merely a market, but a place for innovation. From young talents to original stories and creative technology, we are ready to bring new colours to the industry.”

@savepgaming
And #IGDX is done for the year! A huge shout out to @thelazyshorts for connecting us with the bustling game dev scene and have the opportunity to speak to amazing studios and publishers! No doubt, our favorites include @explodingsoes’ RAD, @rollinggloryjam’s Grim Trials, @busybeaverstudio’s Andalas, but everything else were all impressive too! Here’s to the next iteration! #gamedev #gaming #indonesia #fyp
♬ BORN FOR THIS – Foxxi

Data back that ambition. According to the Indonesian Game Industry Ecosystem Map 2024, the nation now has 154 million gamers — the fourth largest audience in the world, accounting for 40% of all gamers in Southeast Asia. The sector contributes roughly IDR 71 trillion (US$4.4 billion) to national GDP, supported by more than 2,100 active developers and publishers.

The Launch of IGRS: A National Standard for Game Ratings

The centrepiece of IGDX 2025 was the official debut of the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS). This long-awaited classification framework provides clear age-based ratings (3+, 7+, 13+, 15+, 18+) and aligns with Indonesia’s cultural values and national digital safety goals.

Developed under Ministerial Regulation No. 2/2024 and supported by Presidential Decree No. 19/2024, the IGRS sets out a structured process for game testing, classification, consultation, and public awareness. It is designed not just as a regulation, but as an industry enabler — providing legal clarity and strengthening trust among developers, publishers, and global partners.

Through official channels such as IGRS.id and @gameratingid, the initiative will serve as both a consumer protection measure and a collaboration bridge for international studios releasing games in Indonesia.

Global Collaboration and Local Talent

Beyond policy, IGDX 2025 celebrated Indonesia’s growing creative output through its Indie Showcase Booth and Partner Pavilion, featuring names like Garena, Toge Productions, Tencent, GV Pay-QRIS, Institut Français Indonésie, PlayStation, and The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH).

The conference hosted 26 speakers across 13 sessions, covering global market strategies, publishing challenges, and the future of Southeast Asian IP. Side events with Google Play, Roblox, Xsolla, BytePlus, and Tencent underlined the region’s expanding industry footprint.

The event concluded with the Indonesia Game Awards, recognising local studios that have made significant creative and commercial impact — a signal that Indonesia’s homegrown developers are now competing on a global stage.

Beyond 2025: Nurturing Long-Term Growth

Kemkomdigi reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable creative economy through initiatives like the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub, which connects government, startups, and academic partners to foster cross-sector collaboration from Sabang to Merauke.

Looking ahead, IGDX 2026 will return in full format — including Bootcamp, Academy, Career, Business, and Conference — to further strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global game ecosystem.

As Southeast Asia’s gaming economy accelerates, IGDX’s dual approach of nurturing creativity while establishing strong digital governance could serve as a blueprint for other emerging markets.