The Direction of Digital Games Industry to Enhance the Country's Capability to Become a World Class Destination

Abstract

This research aimed to explore scenarios and develop a “Futures Re-Framing” framework for Thailand's digital games industry to enhance its capability level to become World Class Destination. Qualitative research and foresight techniques were used. Two critical uncertainties were analyzed: government support policy and production costs. These factors formed four distinct future scenarios: “Minecraft,” “Dark Soul,” “All or Nothings,” and “Stardew Valley.”
The findings revealed that Thailand’s games industry is currently at a critical juncture. Without clear strategic support, the industry risks falling into stagnation or market monopoly. However, Thailand possesses the potential to reach desirable scenarios through strategic adjustments. The study proposes a paradigm shift in policy, moving from regulation to systemic promotion. Key recommendations include integrating the gaming industry into national strategies, establishing funding mechanisms for developers, reforming education to enhance personnel's advanced technological skills, and leveraging games as soft power tools for cultural export. This proposed framework aims to transform the gaming sector into a new economic and social infrastructure, fostering a sustainable creative economy ecosystem that positions Thailand competitively on the global stage.