In 2025, the Chinese video‑game market officially crossed the $50 billion threshold for the first time, posting a year‑on‑year increase of 5.4% and reaching a total revenue of $51.8 billion. This landmark achievement reflects the continued vitality of one of the world’s largest gaming ecosystems and sets the stage for further expansion in the coming years. According to a fresh analysis released by market‑research firm Niko Partners, the sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, growing by roughly 4% in 2026 to $53.9 billion.
The forecast does not stop there; the firm projects that by 2030 the market will generate close to $60 billion—specifically $59.8 billion—representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the five‑year span. These figures underscore a steady, if not spectacular, pace of growth that is being driven by a combination of new releases, enduring legacy titles, and evolving consumer habits. Player numbers are set to expand in parallel with revenue.
Niko Partners estimates that China’s total gaming‑active population will climb to 769 million by 2030, up from the current base of roughly 730 million. In addition to sheer headcount, the average amount of time each gamer spends playing each week is projected to rise from 14.1 hours in 2024 to 15.8 hours by the end of the decade.
This increase in engagement translates into more opportunities for monetisation, whether through in‑app purchases, subscriptions, or advertising. The research attributes the strong performance to two main forces. First, newly launched titles have exceeded expectations, capturing significant market share shortly after release. Second, a cohort of evergreen games—titles that have been on the market for several years—continue to generate robust revenue streams, thanks to regular updates, seasonal events, and strong community support.
Together, these dynamics have propelled overall earnings higher than many analysts had anticipated. One particularly noteworthy segment is the rise of mini‑games. These bite‑sized experiences have become a "major growth segment" within the Chinese market, with about 80% of gamers reporting that they regularly play at least one mini‑game. Although they occupy a relatively small portion of the overall game catalogue, mini‑games now account for nearly one‑fifth of all mobile‑gaming spend, highlighting their outsized influence on revenue.
Discovery channels are also shifting. Almost half of Chinese gamers now turn to short‑form video platforms—such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and Bilibili—to learn about new releases, watch gameplay footage, and read community reviews. These platforms have effectively become the modern equivalent of word‑of‑mouth marketing, amplifying the reach of both indie developers and major publishers.
Despite the market’s growth, a significant proportion of players continue to circumvent the country’s internet censorship regime. The report indicates that 66% of respondents employ at least one method to bypass restrictions. Specifically, 30.8% connect to overseas servers, 33.6% use gaming‑accelerator services to reduce latency, and 21.9% rely on virtual private networks (VPNs).
This behaviour underscores both the demand for unrestricted gaming experiences and the challenges regulators face in balancing control with consumer desire. Policy developments have begun to reflect the sector’s importance. Earlier in the year, the Chinese government incorporated video games into its 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030) for national economic and social development. Previously classified merely as "digital cultural products," games are now recognised as a strategic industry with implications for technology, culture, and the broader digital economy.
Niko Partners identifies five key trends that will shape the market over the next five years: 1. **Growth in niche genres** – Titles that cater to specific interests—such as simulation, strategy, and educational games—are expected to gain traction as the player base diversifies. 2.
**Rise of out‑of‑app monetisation** – Developers will explore revenue models that extend beyond the traditional in‑app purchase framework, including subscription services, cross‑platform bundles, and merchandise. 3.
**Regulatory improvements** – Ongoing clarification of content guidelines and licensing processes should reduce uncertainty for publishers and encourage investment. 4. **Higher spending on premium PC and console titles** – As disposable income rises, more gamers are willing to spend on high‑quality, full‑price games for PCs and consoles, moving beyond the free‑to‑play dominance on mobile. 5.
**Integration of generative AI** – Artificial‑intelligence tools are being rapidly adopted across development pipelines, from procedural content generation to AI‑driven testing and localisation, as well as player‑facing features like dynamic storytelling. The report emphasises that Chinese game developers are "rapidly embracing generative AI across development pipelines and player‑facing features," and that a "broader boom" in user‑generated content platforms is fueling creativity and community engagement.
This AI adoption is not only streamlining production but also opening new avenues for personalised gameplay experiences. Beyond software, the hardware ecosystem is feeling the ripple effects.
The surge in AI‑driven applications has amplified demand for high‑performance memory (RAM) and semiconductor components, prompting local chip manufacturers to accelerate capacity expansion. This symbiotic relationship between software innovation and hardware supply chains further reinforces the market’s resilience. In summary, while the Chinese gaming market continues to expand at a measured pace, a confluence of factors—including a growing and more engaged player base, the popularity of mini‑games, evolving discovery channels, regulatory recognition, and the infusion of generative AI—are collectively driving sustained growth. Niko Partners concludes that "ongoing innovation, regulatory clarity, and robust player engagement continue to support long-term market growth" in China, positioning the industry as a pivotal pillar of the nation’s digital future.