In 2025 China’s video‑game industry broke the $50 billion barrier for the first time, posting a year‑on‑year increase of 5.4 percent and reaching a total revenue of $51.8 billion. This milestone was highlighted in a fresh analysis released by market‑research firm Niko Partners, which also laid out a forward‑looking outlook for the sector over the next five years. According to the report, the Chinese market is expected to keep expanding, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
Niko Partners projects a 4 percent growth rate for 2026, which would lift total sales to roughly $53.9 billion. By the end of the decade, the firm anticipates the market will be generating close to $59.8 billion annually, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9 percent between 2025 and 2030.
One of the most striking findings concerns the size of the player base. The research estimates that by 2030 there will be about 769 million active gamers in China, up from the current figures. In addition to sheer numbers, the average amount of time that Chinese gamers spend playing each week is also climbing.
Weekly playtime is projected to rise to 15.8 hours per player, compared with 14.1 hours recorded in the previous year, indicating deeper engagement and longer session lengths across the board. Niko Partners attributes this robust revenue growth and expanding audience to a combination of strong performance from newly launched titles and the continued popularity of long‑standing evergreen games. The firm notes that many of the latest releases have exceeded expectations, while classic franchises remain reliable revenue generators, creating a balanced ecosystem that supports overall market health. A particularly dynamic segment identified in the study is the mini‑game category.
Mini‑games, often short, casual experiences that can be played in brief bursts, are now a "major growth segment" in China. Approximately 80 percent of Chinese gamers report playing mini‑games, and this genre accounts for nearly one‑fifth of all mobile‑gaming expenditure.
The popularity of these bite‑sized experiences reflects broader consumer trends toward convenience, social sharing, and quick entertainment loops. Discovery channels are also evolving. The report finds that almost half of Chinese players turn to short‑video platforms—such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and similar services—to learn about new games and gather information. These platforms have become powerful marketing engines, allowing developers to showcase gameplay, launch teasers, and engage directly with potential players through influencer collaborations and user‑generated content.
Despite the market’s rapid growth, a significant proportion of gamers continue to circumvent the country’s internet censorship mechanisms. The study reveals that 66 percent of respondents employ various methods to bypass restrictions. Among them, 30.8 percent connect to global servers, 33.6 percent use gaming‑accelerator tools to reduce latency, and 21.9 percent rely on virtual‑private networks (VPNs).
This behavior underscores the demand for unrestricted access to international titles and smoother online experiences. Policy developments are also shaping the industry’s trajectory.
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, games were classified merely as digital cultural products, but the new designation signals a recognition of the sector’s economic significance and its potential contribution to technological innovation and employment.
Looking ahead, Niko Partners highlights five key trends that are likely to define China’s gaming landscape through 2030: 1. **Growth in niche genres** – Smaller, specialized game categories are gaining traction as players seek fresh experiences beyond mainstream titles.
2. **Increased out‑of‑app monetisation** – Developers are expanding revenue streams beyond traditional in‑app purchases, exploring subscriptions, cross‑platform sales, and merchandise. 3.
**Regulatory improvements** – Greater clarity and stability in government policies are expected to reduce uncertainty for publishers and investors. 4. **Higher consumer spending on premium PC and console games** – As disposable income rises, more gamers are willing to invest in high‑quality, higher‑price titles on non‑mobile platforms. 5.
**Integration of generative AI** – Artificial‑intelligence tools are being rapidly adopted throughout development pipelines, from procedural content creation to player‑facing features, and are also fueling a boom in user‑generated content platforms. The firm emphasizes that Chinese game developers are "rapidly embracing generative AI across development pipelines and player‑facing features," positioning the industry at the forefront of technological experimentation.
This AI adoption is not limited to content creation; it also includes personalization engines, dynamic difficulty adjustment, and real‑time translation services that can enhance cross‑border play. Beyond software, the surge in AI‑driven development is creating demand for hardware components, particularly RAM and advanced semiconductors, to support the computational load of sophisticated models.
This hardware demand, in turn, stimulates related supply chains and reinforces the broader tech ecosystem. Despite the excitement surrounding AI and other innovations, Niko Partners cautions that sustainable growth will depend on a combination of factors.
Continued innovation in game design, clear and consistent regulatory frameworks, and strong, engaged player communities are all essential to maintaining the upward trajectory. The firm concludes that "ongoing innovation, regulatory clarity, and robust player engagement continue to support long‑term market growth" in China, suggesting a resilient outlook even as the industry navigates evolving consumer preferences and geopolitical considerations. In summary, China’s gaming market has entered a new era of financial scale and strategic importance.
With revenues topping $50 billion, a burgeoning player base projected to near 770 million, and emerging trends such as AI integration and niche‑genre expansion, the sector appears poised for continued expansion through 2030 and beyond.