In 2025, the Chinese video‑game market crossed the $50 billion threshold for the first time, registering a 5.4 percent increase over the previous year to reach $51.8 billion in revenue. This landmark achievement underscores the resilience and expanding scale of the country’s interactive entertainment ecosystem, even as it navigates regulatory shifts and evolving consumer habits. According to a fresh analysis released by market‑research firm Niko Partners, the upward trajectory is set to continue. The consultancy projects a modest 4 percent growth in 2026, which would lift total sales to roughly $53.9 billion.
More ambitiously, the forecast extends to 2030, when the market is expected to generate $59.8 billion, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9 percent over the five‑year span. These figures suggest a steady, if not spectacular, expansion that reflects both organic user growth and the increasing monetisation sophistication of developers. One of the most striking demographic indicators in the report is the anticipated rise in the player base. By 2030, Niko Partners estimates that China will host about 769 million active gamers.
This surge in numbers is accompanied by a notable increase in engagement: average weekly playtime is projected to climb from 14.1 hours in 2024 to 15.8 hours per week by the end of the decade. In other words, not only are more people picking up a controller or touchscreen, but they are also spending more time within virtual worlds.
The firm attributes this dual expansion of revenue and audience to a "stronger‑than‑expected performance" from two distinct categories of titles. First, newly launched games are delivering robust launch‑day and early‑life earnings, often buoyed by aggressive marketing and high‑budget production values.
Second, legacy or "evergreen" games—titles that have remained popular for years—continue to generate substantial income through updates, seasonal events, and in‑game purchases. The combination of fresh hits and enduring classics creates a balanced revenue stream that mitigates the risk of reliance on a single blockbuster. Among the various segments fueling growth, mini‑games have emerged as a "major growth segment." Roughly 80 percent of Chinese gamers report playing at least one mini‑game, and this genre now accounts for almost one‑fifth of all mobile‑game spending. Mini‑games, typically characterized by short session lengths and simple mechanics, fit well with the increasingly mobile‑first lifestyle of Chinese consumers, who often play during brief breaks or while commuting.
Discovery channels are also evolving. The study finds that nearly half of all players turn to short‑form video platforms—such as Douyin and Kuaishou—to learn about new releases, watch gameplay previews, or seek tips from influencers.
This trend highlights the convergence of social media and gaming, where bite‑sized video content serves as a powerful catalyst for user acquisition. Despite the market’s buoyancy, a sizable portion of the player community continues to circumvent the nation’s internet censorship regime. The report notes that 66 percent of respondents employ at least one method to bypass restrictions. Specifically, 30.8 percent connect to global servers, 33.6 percent use gaming accelerators to reduce latency, and 21.9 percent rely on virtual private networks (VPNs).
These workarounds suggest a persistent demand for content and services that may be unavailable or limited within the domestic ecosystem. Policy developments are also shaping the landscape. Earlier this year, China incorporated video games into its 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑2030) for National Economic and Social Development, upgrading them from the previous classification of "digital cultural products" to a more prominent economic pillar. This official acknowledgment signals a long‑term governmental commitment to fostering the sector, potentially easing some regulatory uncertainties that have hampered developers in the past.
Looking ahead, Niko Partners identifies five key trends that will define the next half‑decade of China’s gaming market: 1. **Growth in niche genres** – Specialized game types, such as simulation, strategy, and indie titles, are gaining traction among discerning players seeking fresh experiences beyond mainstream action‑oriented fare. 2.
**Increased out‑of‑app monetisation** – Developers are exploring revenue models that extend beyond the traditional app store, including web‑based subscriptions, cross‑platform purchases, and blockchain‑enabled assets. 3. **Regulatory improvements** – Ongoing dialogue between industry stakeholders and authorities is expected to produce clearer guidelines, reducing compliance costs and fostering a more predictable business environment. 4.
**Higher consumer spending on premium PC and console titles** – As disposable income rises, a growing segment of gamers is willing to invest in higher‑price, high‑quality experiences on more powerful hardware. 5. **Integration of generative AI** – Chinese studios are rapidly adopting generative artificial intelligence across development pipelines, from procedural content creation to adaptive narrative design, while also leveraging AI‑driven tools for player‑facing features such as dynamic difficulty adjustment and personalized recommendations.
The surge in generative AI infrastructure is already having a ripple effect on related industries, spurring demand for high‑performance RAM and semiconductor components. Nonetheless, Niko Partners emphasizes that the core drivers of market expansion remain solid: continuous innovation, clearer regulatory frameworks, and an engaged, expanding player base. As these forces converge, China’s gaming sector appears well‑positioned to sustain its growth momentum well into the 2030s.