Vietnam has officially recognized gaming as one of its 12 cultural industries, signaling a transformative step in how the medium is perceived and supported. The announcement was highlighted during the “Vietnamese Games – From Cultural Identity to Global Aspiration” forum, part of the National Exhibition on Achievements.
People’s Artist Xuan Bac, Director of the Department of Performing Arts, emphasized that video games become most compelling when rooted in culture. “In combat games, players learn about weapons and strategy. In entertainment games, designers incorporate scenery, customs, and traditions. Character outfits are meticulously crafted, reflecting deep cultural identity,” he explained. By blending modern gameplay with traditional values, he argued, games can spark curiosity and enrich the user experience, with global successes proving the model effective.
Xuan Bac also noted the growing overlap between gaming and performing arts. He suggested building a creative ecosystem where cosplay and game-inspired costumes appear not only at gaming events but also in live art shows. Beyond entertainment, he stressed games’ potential as educational tools to integrate history, geography, and the arts into curricula. “With a strong gaming ecosystem rooted in culture and education, we can turn games into a dynamic tool for teaching tradition and history,” he said.
Industry leaders echoed this vision. Nguyen Ngoc Bao, CEO of VTC Multimedia, highlighted that games infused with heritage allow players to act as “cultural ambassadors.” Le Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Copyright Office, added that state recognition provides legal protection and motivates originality.The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is now drafting a national strategy through 2045, identifying gaming as a vital sector for cultural and creative growth.
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