SportsHero Expands Indonesian Reach with XL Axiata Partnership

Indonesia’s gaming industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, driven by a tech-savvy, youthful population and increasing government support for esports. With over 8.3 million dedicated PC gamers, the market presents a significant opportunity for digital entertainment providers. SportsHero Limited (ASX: SHO) has now secured a key position in this expanding sector through a two-year partnership with XL Axiata (XL), Indonesia’s third-largest telecommunications provider.

A Strategic Partnership for Digital Entertainment
SportsHero has teamed up with XL to market the iGV Family Game Pass, which provides access to a premium collection of over 200 gaming titles. The partnership will leverage XL’s extensive customer base of approximately 57.5 million users, offering seamless access to digital gaming through Direct Carrier Billing (DCB).

“We are proud to be partnering with XL Axiata,” said SportsHero CEO Tom Lapping. “This collaboration brings together our innovative gaming solutions and their expansive network infrastructure, enabling us to deliver a unique, engaging, and affordable experience.”

With this agreement, SportsHero has now partnered with both the second and third-largest telcos in Indonesia, securing access to a significant portion of the nation’s gaming community.

Seamless Subscription Model to Boost Adoption
XL’s Direct Carrier Billing will allow customers to subscribe to the iGV Family Game Room effortlessly, charging payments directly to their mobile accounts. This frictionless transaction model is expected to drive higher adoption rates compared to traditional payment methods.

“Thanks to this integration, our gaming subscription service will be more accessible than ever,” added Lapping. “It simplifies the payment process for users, making it easy to enjoy a world-class gaming experience without needing credit cards or external payment platforms.”

The iGV Family Game Pass is priced at IDR 65,000 per month (approximately A$6.30), positioning it as an affordable gaming solution for PC users and their families.

Significant Revenue Opportunity for SportsHero
Under the agreement, SportsHero is set to earn a margin of at least 38% on the gross subscription value, after deducting XL and iGV partner costs. While the agreement does not include a minimum subscription guarantee, the potential customer base and simplified payment method provide a promising revenue stream.

“We believe this partnership sets the stage for significant revenue growth,” Lapping stated. “With XL’s vast reach and our compelling gaming content, we anticipate strong uptake among Indonesian gamers.”

Indonesia’s PC Gaming Market on the Rise
Indonesia’s PC gaming market is expected to surge in 2025, supported by high-speed internet expansion, government-backed esports initiatives, and increasing disposable income. The Indonesian government’s recent Presidential Regulation 19/2024 is further accelerating industry growth by promoting local game development, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding funding opportunities.

With a strong cultural affinity for gaming and a rapidly expanding esports ecosystem, Indonesia is positioning itself as a global contender.

Expanding the iGV Gaming Experience
The iGV Family Game Pass offers a diverse gaming library, featuring top titles such as Call of Duty, Among Us, Counter-Strike 2, Elden Ring, PUBG, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Rust. SportsHero previously secured exclusive rights to distribute IGV.com products in Indonesia and Thailand for three years, further solidifying its presence in the Southeast Asian gaming market.

With the XL Axiata partnership now in place, SportsHero is well-positioned to capitalise on Indonesia’s digital gaming boom, delivering immersive experiences to millions of potential customers.