In 2025, China’s video‑game market broke the $50 billion barrier for the first time, posting a year‑over‑year increase of 5.4% and reaching a total revenue of $51.8 billion. The milestone reflects a maturing ecosystem that is now supporting a massive base of players and a diversified portfolio of titles.
According to a fresh analysis released by market‑research firm Niko Partners, the upward trajectory is set to continue. The firm projects a modest 4% growth in 2026, which would lift total revenues to roughly $53.9 billion.
By the end of the current Five‑Year Plan period (2026‑2030), the Chinese market is expected to generate $59.8 billion, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.9% over the next five years. One of the most striking figures in the report is the projected expansion of the player base.
Niko Partners estimates that by 2030 there will be 769 million active gamers in China, up from the current pool of roughly 700 million. In addition to sheer numbers, the average time spent playing each week is also set to climb, from 14.1 hours in 2024 to 15.8 hours per week by 2030. This increase in engagement suggests that Chinese gamers are not only growing in quantity but also deepening their relationship with interactive entertainment. The research attributes the revenue surge and user growth to two main forces.
First, newly launched titles have performed better than analysts originally anticipated, delivering strong launch‑day sales and rapid user acquisition. Second, legacy evergreen games—those long‑standing franchises that continue to receive updates and retain loyal communities—have remained resilient, contributing a steady stream of income. A particularly dynamic segment highlighted in the study is the mini‑game market.
Roughly 80% of Chinese gamers report playing mini‑games, which now account for almost one‑fifth of all mobile‑gaming expenditure. These bite‑sized experiences, often embedded within larger platforms or social apps, have become a major growth engine because they are easy to access, require low time commitment, and frequently employ innovative monetisation models such as micro‑transactions and ad‑based rewards. Discovery channels are also evolving.
The report finds that nearly half of all players turn to short‑video platforms—such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and Bilibili—to learn about new releases, watch gameplay clips, and follow influencer recommendations. This trend underscores the blurring line between entertainment and social media, where short‑form video content serves as a primary gateway to the gaming ecosystem. Despite the market’s rapid expansion, Chinese gamers continue to navigate the country’s internet restrictions.
Niko Partners notes that 66% of respondents employ at least one method to circumvent censorship. Among these, 30.8% connect to overseas servers, 33.6% make use of gaming accelerators that optimise routing, and 21.9% rely on virtual private networks (VPNs).
These workarounds enable players to access global titles, compete in international esports, and enjoy content that might otherwise be unavailable domestically. Policy developments have also played a role in shaping the landscape. Earlier this year, the Chinese government incorporated video games into its 15th Five‑Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026‑2030). Previously classified merely as digital cultural products, games are now recognised as a strategic component of the nation’s digital economy, signalling greater institutional support and potentially more favourable regulatory conditions.
Looking ahead, Niko Partners identifies five key trends that will define China’s gaming market over the next half‑decade: 1. **Growth in niche genres** – Smaller, specialised game categories such as simulation, strategy, and indie titles are expected to capture a larger share of spend as players seek fresh experiences beyond mainstream action‑oriented releases. 2.
**Rise of out‑of‑app monetisation** – Developers will increasingly generate revenue through channels that exist outside the traditional app‑store environment, including web‑based storefronts, blockchain‑enabled economies, and cross‑platform subscriptions. 3. **Regulatory improvements** – Ongoing clarification of content guidelines and licensing procedures should reduce uncertainty for publishers, encouraging investment and faster time‑to‑market.
4. **Higher consumer spending on premium PC and console games** – As household incomes rise and hardware becomes more affordable, a growing segment of gamers is willing to pay premium prices for high‑quality, narrative‑driven experiences on PCs and next‑generation consoles. 5. **Integration of generative AI** – Chinese developers are rapidly adopting generative artificial intelligence across the entire production pipeline, from procedural content creation and automated testing to AI‑driven NPC dialogue and player‑facing features.
This technological infusion is also sparking a broader boom in user‑generated content platforms, where creators can leverage AI tools to craft assets, levels, and even whole game concepts. The AI surge is having ripple effects beyond creative workflows.
The heightened demand for computational power is driving up the need for advanced RAM and semiconductor components, positioning China’s hardware supply chain as a critical enabler of the industry’s future growth. In summary, despite the challenges posed by censorship and a competitive global market, China’s gaming sector appears poised for sustained expansion.
Continuous innovation, clearer regulatory frameworks, and deepening player engagement are expected to keep the market on an upward trajectory, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s largest and most influential gaming ecosystems.