Tag: china mobile gaming market

Mobile games market in China to reach new heights by end of year

| September 16, 2013

China mobile games market to see strong growth

A new report from Niko Partners, a market research and analysis firm, shows that the Chinese mobile games market is slated to see strong growth this year. The report highlights the growing popularity of mobile games and makes use of data collected by more than 4,000 Chinese consumers and over 370 million smartphones. Many consumers have been showing strong interest in mobile games because of the convenient entertainment they offer and the fact that these games can be played anywhere and at any time.

Market to reach $1.3 billion by end of 2013

According to the report, China’s mobile games market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by the end of 2013, representing a compound annual growth rate of 46% from 2012 to 2017. The report notes that mobile games began growing in popularity among consumers in China during the latter months of 2012. This resulted in a decline in social online games on popular social media sites as well as games for PC platforms.

China Mobile Games GrowthAvailability of smartphones helps promote mobile games

Another factor contributing to the growing popularity of mobile games is the proliferation of smartphones. The report expects that more than 500 million smartphones will be active in the country by the end of 2013, up from the 100 million recorded in early 2012. Furthermore, China’s telecommunications companies are working to bolster the nation’s 3G connectivity network, providing consumers with faster and more reliable mobile Internet access. This allows them to take advantage of the features offered in social mobile games more effectively.

Market consolidation could lead to higher quality games

The report shows that there are more than 80,000 development studios in China that are currently working on mobile games. Approximately 100 mobile games are released in the country on a daily basis. While there are many different studios currently working on active titles, large studios are working to consolidate the market. In the coming years, many smaller studios are expected to be absorbed into their larger counterparts. This may mean fewer mobile games developed within the country, but it could also mean a higher level of quality for games produced by larger studios.

Mobile gaming thrives in China amidst ban on consoles

| January 30, 2013

Mobile Gaming ChinaConsole ban may soon be lifted due to performance of mobile gaming

For over a decade, China has been a very poor market for the game industry. Ten years ago, the Central Government issues a ban on the manufacture, sale, and import of game consoles. While this has not stopped gaming from being an influential force in China, the market has been relatively stagnate since the ban was introduced. This ban may soon be abolished, however, due in no small part to the influence China has had on the mobile gaming space.

Mobile gaming unabashed by console ban

While consoles have been banned in China for several years, mobile gaming is not restricted to traditional systems. Instead, mobile games are entirely based on devices like smart phones and tablets. Because these devices cannot be considered gaming consoles, they are not susceptible to the ban instituted by the Central Government. The clout that the country holds in the mobile gaming market has become massive, accounting for some $6.38 billion during the fourth quarter of 2012. Apple held the majority of the Chinese market in thrall during this period.

China may become a very promising market for game industry

If China decides to rescind its ban on consoles, the game industry may be in for a major shift. Game developers and publishers have been itching for an opportunity to enter into the market, which is considered an untapped field of massive promise. The world’s largest console makers, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, are eager to enter into the market for t he same reasons. While lifting the ban could be good news for the game industry, it may also open the way for a new force to emerge therein.

Lifting the ban could allow Chinese companies to reshape the industry

If the Central Government does lift the ban, Chinese companies will be able to develop and produce their own consoles. Given the fact that two of China’s largest smart phone developers have produced devices that rivaled the iPhone and Android devices in the fourth quarter of 2012, such companies may be able to introduce a console that could dethrone the industry’s traditional heavyweights. A more accommodating atmosphere for gaming could also attribute a major amount of momentum to the country’s mobile gaming market.