China’s growing game market

By Spencer . April 25, 2006 . 2:13pm

A new study from Niko Partners shows that the Chinese video game market sprouted last year. Currently there are 27 million reported gamers and 7.83 million play more than sixty hours a month. The number of gamers grew about 24 percent in one year, which is attributed to fast adoption of broadband in homes, more casual games and easier access to internet cafes.

The study also points out preferences that gamers in China have. MMORPGs and casual PC games are the most popular genres. Also players like games with soft graphics and bright colors. Plus socializing and competing with friends are one of the reasons why so many gamers are drawn to internet cafes. “Not only is it imperative for a foreign videogame company to understand the preferences and demands of Chinese gamers, they must also strive to develop games that fit the restrictive regulations of the Chinese government,” continued Ms. Hanson. “The Chinese market is different than other global markets, and it will take perseverance as well as innovation in business models for foreign companies to succeed there.”