In 2025, China's video‑game market broke through the $50 billion barrier for the first time, posting a year‑on‑year increase of 5.4% to reach $51.8 billion in revenue. The latest analysis from market‑research firm Niko Partners projects that this upward trajectory will continue, with the sector expected to expand by roughly 4% in 2026, reaching $53.9 billion, and to climb to $59.8 billion by the close of 2030.
This translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.9% over the five‑year span. Player penetration is also set to deepen. Niko Partners estimates that the total number of gamers in China will grow to 769 million by 2030, up from the current base, while average weekly playtime is projected to rise to 15.8 hours per user, compared with 14.1 hours recorded last year.
The firm attributes these gains to a combination of strong launches of new titles and the sustained popularity of legacy evergreen games that continue to generate steady income. One of the most dynamic segments within the market is the mini‑game category. Roughly 80% of Chinese gamers engage with mini‑games, and this genre now accounts for almost one‑fifth of all mobile‑gaming spend. The popularity of bite‑sized, quick‑play experiences is fueling both developer interest and advertiser dollars, making mini‑games a key driver of overall market growth.
Discovery channels are evolving as well. Nearly half of Chinese players report that they first learn about new titles or gather game‑related information through short‑video platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou. These apps have become powerful ecosystems where influencers showcase gameplay, offer reviews, and even run live‑streamed promotions, blurring the line between entertainment and marketing. Despite the market’s rapid expansion, a significant portion of the player base still navigates around the country's internet censorship mechanisms.
According to the survey, 66% of respondents employ at least one method to bypass restrictions. Specifically, 30.8% connect to overseas servers, 33.6% rely on gaming accelerators that route traffic through less‑restricted pathways, and 21.9% use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access content that would otherwise be blocked.
Policy developments are also shaping the landscape. Earlier this year, the Chinese government incorporated video games into its 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030) for National Economic and Social Development, elevating them from a peripheral digital‑cultural classification to a recognized pillar of the digital economy. This formal acknowledgment is expected to bring greater regulatory clarity, potentially easing licensing procedures and encouraging investment. Niko Partners outlines five major trends that will define the Chinese gaming market over the next half‑decade: 1.
**Rise of niche genres** – As the market matures, players are seeking more specialized experiences, prompting developers to explore genres such as simulation, strategy, and educational games. 2. **Growth of out‑of‑app monetisation** – Publishers are increasingly turning to cross‑platform revenue streams, including merchandise, subscription services, and blockchain‑based assets, to supplement traditional in‑app purchases. 3.
**Regulatory improvements** – The inclusion of games in the Five‑Year Plan signals a move toward more transparent and consistent oversight, which could reduce uncertainty for both domestic and foreign stakeholders. 4. **Higher spending on premium PC and console titles** – With rising disposable incomes, Chinese gamers are allocating a larger share of their budgets to high‑quality, premium experiences on PCs and consoles, a segment historically dominated by mobile.
5. **Integration of generative AI** – Developers are rapidly adopting generative‑AI tools across the creation pipeline, from procedural content generation to dynamic narrative design, while players benefit from AI‑enhanced features such as real‑time translation and personalized matchmaking. The firm notes that Chinese game studios are "rapidly embracing generative AI across development pipelines and player‑facing features," a trend that dovetails with a broader boom in user‑generated content platforms.
These platforms enable creators to produce and share custom levels, skins, and mods, fostering vibrant community ecosystems that keep players engaged for longer periods. The surge in AI‑driven development is also stimulating demand for high‑performance hardware. The need for larger memory capacities and faster processing power is driving up consumption of RAM and semiconductor components, benefitting China’s broader technology supply chain. Despite the rapid pace of change, Niko Partners remains confident that the Chinese gaming market will sustain its long‑term growth.
The firm highlights three pillars that underpin this optimism: continuous innovation in game design and technology, clearer regulatory frameworks that reduce operational risk, and a deeply engaged player community that consistently drives revenue. As the sector moves toward 2030, these factors are expected to reinforce each other, ensuring that China remains one of the world’s most influential and lucrative gaming markets.