Chinese Game Market Part 2 and more

【How to enter the Chinese gaming market？】

There are three ways:

The first method:

Collaborating with Chinese gaming companies; Then, Chinese game companies apply for game license numbers (ISBNs) and output localized content adjustment plans for the game. Overseas game development teams cooperate to adjust game content according to the game adjustment plan, and Chinese game companies release and promote the game.

The second method:

Overseas developers need to register a company in mainland China. Typically, overseas developers first register a Hong Kong company in Hong Kong and then operate at the company level by registering a subsidiary in mainland China through the Hong Kong company. This behavior complies with Chinese laws.

After the establishment of a subsidiary in mainland China, this company is used to apply for an ISBN (game license number) and the necessary platform account for listing and verification.

The third method:

Overseas game developers or game companies can invest in small-scale game distribution teams in mainland China to gain access to the Chinese market. This method requires a relatively small amount of investment and is very easy.

At present, except for local game developers in China, other overseas game companies or game development teams have launched and released games in the Chinese game market through the above three methods, with no other options.

【Distribution of gaming channels in the Chinese market】

Firstly, on the PC side, there are independent gaming platforms such as Steam China, Taptap, WeGame, Indienova, Sonkwo, Xmohe, Cubejoy, and Gog, which can reach a total of 100 million users.

If independent games need to be listed for sale, these platforms are generally chosen for listing.

Secondly, in the mobile gaming segment, there are over ten game distribution channels including App Store, HUAWEI, Xiaomi, VIVO, OPPO, MeiZu, Samsung, 360game, Application of Trend, TAPTAP, bilibili, BaiDuGame, 9geme.com, WeChat Game, QQ, Tiktok, Kwai, among others. These include multiple platforms such as mobile app stores, gaming platforms, and social media game centers, with a total coverage of over one billion users.

In China, domestic mobile game developers usually choose these platforms to list and advertise their mobile games in order to attract more users.

In addition to these, there are also quite a few private gaming platforms, with a total of hundreds of platforms and a user base of over 100 million. Therefore, in China, there are game companies that specialize in the distribution of private gaming channels.

Without any advertising activities or payment of advertising costs, relying solely on these private gaming platforms can generate millions of dollars in monthly game revenue. This is the impact brought by China's huge user base. In the eyes of Chinese game developers, if there is a good game product, almost every game company can achieve it. Unfortunately, good products often mean high investment, which is difficult for some developers.

Overall, due to the large user base in China, this will directly affect the revenue of the game. The degree of impact varies depending on the quality and gameplay of the game product.

【Little Knowledge】

Many overseas developers asked me, if the game is launched in overseas regions (such as Steam), can users in China download the game and pay for it?

This is impossible. Users in China certainly cannot download the game and pay for it.

Whether it is an independent game, App Store, or Android if the game is released in China, it cannot be launched without a game version number (ISBN), otherwise, it will violate Chinese law and no Chinese game distribution platform will approve it.

Steam also has a Chinese version, but the Steam Chinese version platform, (ISBN) is the first factor, including other independent game platforms in China.

The domestic App Store will also comply with (ISBN) related laws.

The domestic Android end is different from overseas regions. Overseas regions are mainly Google and other platforms, while domestic ones are mainly major mobile phone stores, such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, etc.

But no matter what, everyone will comply with relevant laws such as ISBN. This is the law and rules of the Chinese game market.

Also, I will add more to my notion workplace about the Chinese Market?? If you are interested in receiving the 2024 China Game Industry Report please reply and I'll send it in PDF format, also if you have a game for publishing too.

The Chinese publisher is looking for Mobile Games, also I'm also looking for PC Games.? A few points to know, that Notion will get a shutdown, in 2025, because it's expensive to keep it live, without paying a monthly fee.

For sending your business card or game card, at GDC in March 2025 by completing this form I extended the deadline until January 15th for who will win our game awards from AAOG and receive free coverage on their Youtube Channel & website.

Also, one big gift from my side is for a solo developer: my indie campaign.? I'm looking for press releases and sending them on Thursday. 3 Days left, to get -20% off for media outreach and other marketing services? I also added in my Patreon Shop, 5000+ gamer emails for sale? ?

?

Best regards,

Gajda Andreea [ Discord: AndreeaPR#4159 ]