In 2025 China’s video‑game market officially crossed the $50 billion mark for the first time, reaching $51.8 billion and posting a 5.4 percent increase over the previous year. The new data, compiled by market‑research firm Niko Partners, paints a picture of steady expansion that is expected to continue over the next several years. According to the firm’s projections, the sector will grow another 4 percent in 2026, climbing to roughly $53.9 billion, and will ultimately arrive at $59.8 billion by 2030.
This trajectory translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.9 percent across the five‑year window. One of the most striking findings of the report is the anticipated rise in the size of the player base.
Niko Partners estimates that by 2030 there will be 769 million gamers in China, up from the current figure of around 720 million. Not only will more people be playing, but the average amount of time they spend each week is also set to increase. Weekly playtime is projected to reach 15.8 hours per user, compared with 14.1 hours recorded in the previous year.
This deepening engagement is being driven by a combination of fresh releases that capture public imagination and a suite of long‑standing titles that continue to generate strong revenue streams. The research highlights the importance of mini‑games, a segment that has become a major growth engine within the broader market. Roughly 80 percent of Chinese gamers report playing mini‑games, and this category now accounts for almost one‑fifth of all mobile‑gaming spend.
The popularity of bite‑sized, quick‑play experiences is fueling higher overall consumption, especially among younger users who favor short, frequent sessions. Discovery channels are also evolving.
Nearly half of the surveyed players say they first learn about new titles through short‑form video platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou. These apps have become powerful marketing tools, allowing developers to showcase gameplay clips, livestreams, and user‑generated content that can quickly go viral. The report notes that this trend blurs the line between entertainment and promotion, as gamers increasingly rely on social video to inform their purchasing decisions. Despite the market’s rapid growth, China’s strict internet regulations continue to shape player behavior.
The study found that 66 percent of respondents employ some method to circumvent the country’s online censorship. Of those, 30.8 percent connect to international servers, 33.6 percent use gaming‑accelerator services to reduce latency, and 21.9 percent rely on virtual‑private networks (VPNs). These work‑arounds indicate a strong demand for unrestricted access to global game ecosystems, even as the domestic market expands.
Policy shifts are also noteworthy. Earlier this year, the Chinese government incorporated video games into its 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030), elevating them from the previous classification as merely “digital cultural products.” This formal recognition signals a willingness to support the industry’s contribution to economic and social development, potentially paving the way for more favorable regulatory conditions.
Looking ahead, Niko Partners identified five key trends that will shape China’s gaming landscape through 2030: 1. **Growth of niche genres** – Specialized game types, such as simulation, strategy, and indie titles, are expected to capture a larger share of the market as players seek fresh experiences beyond mainstream shooters and battle‑royales.
2. **Expansion of out‑of‑app monetisation** – Developers are increasingly turning to cross‑platform revenue models, including merchandise, subscriptions, and blockchain‑based assets, to diversify income streams. 3. **Regulatory improvements** – The firm anticipates clearer guidelines and a more predictable approval process, which could reduce launch delays and encourage investment.
4. **Higher spending on premium PC and console games** – As disposable income rises, Chinese gamers are more willing to purchase high‑quality titles on powerful hardware, narrowing the historical gap between mobile‑dominant and console/PC markets. 5.
**Integration of generative AI** – AI tools are being adopted across the development pipeline, from procedural content creation to player‑facing features such as dynamic dialogue and personalized difficulty adjustments. The report underscores that Chinese game studios are rapidly embracing generative AI, leveraging it to accelerate production, enhance visual fidelity, and generate user‑generated content at scale. This technological push is accompanied by a broader boom in platforms that enable creators to share mods, custom maps, and other community‑driven assets, further enriching the ecosystem. Beyond software, the surge in AI‑driven development is stimulating demand for hardware components, particularly high‑capacity RAM and advanced semiconductor chips.
While this creates opportunities for manufacturers, it also highlights the interdependence between the gaming sector and the broader tech supply chain. In summary, Niko Partners paints an optimistic yet nuanced picture of China’s gaming future. Strong player engagement, diversification of genres, evolving monetisation strategies, and the infusion of cutting‑edge AI technology are all converging to sustain growth. At the same time, regulatory clarity and continued consumer appetite for premium experiences will be critical to maintaining momentum.
As the industry moves toward the $60 billion milestone by 2030, these dynamics suggest a vibrant, increasingly sophisticated market that will remain a pivotal component of China’s digital economy.