High-performance game monitors become new foothold for Samsung, LG

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 06:03

Tech

High-performance game monitors become new foothold for Samsung, LG

Posted : 2023-04-12 16:52

Updated : 2023-04-12 16:54

Models try out LG Electronics' UltraGear gaming monitor, Jan. 17. Courtesy of LG Electronics

By Baek Byung-yeul

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expecting their game monitors with high-performance features could become a crucial source of income at a time when IT companies are struggling with sluggish demand for their products, according to industry officials and companies, Wednesday.

"As the number of gamers is increasing fast, larger than that of films, demand for monitors that are specialized for playing games will be expanded further," an industry official said on condition of anonymity.

The official also mentioned that the companies expect demand from the Chinese market will also increase as the country is recovering from the pandemic.

Market tracker TrendForce forecast that the shipments of game monitors in 2023 will be at 20.8 million, up 5 percent year-on-year.

"This recovery will mostly be driven by three factors," TrendForce said. "First, a number of brands are replacing their 75Hz models with 100Hz models. Second, the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games is scheduled to take place in the third quarter, and esports is set to be one of its competing categories, which will help drive up demand for gaming products. Lastly, China has finally begun lifting COVID-19 restrictions, which means demand for internet cafes should gradually recover."

Another market research company Omdia estimated that expenditures on game-related products will reach $215 billion in 2027, which will be higher than expenditures on paid TV content and movies. The market tracker also pointed out that the gamers are starting to outnumber movie watchers in all age groups.

A model plays a game on Samsung Electronics' Odyssey Neo G8 gaming monitor that supports a 240Hz refresh rate with 4K resolution, March 22. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Both Samsung and LG are releasing new gaming monitors under their game gadget brands such as Odyssey and UltraGear. Their products support high resolution, fast refresh rates and response speeds that help users enjoy smoother gameplay.

"To meet the demand, companies like Samsung and LG are expanding their lineups for gaming monitors. They especially want to use high-performance features for their monitors such as OLEDs, faster screen refresh rates and changeable size to appeal to more gamers," the official said.

baekby@koreatimes.co.kr