August 2024 saw a significant development in China’s gaming landscape, with the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) approving 117 video games for release. This represents the largest batch of licensed titles so far this year, signalling a potential resurgence for the industry.
Notable Approvals
The list of approved games includes titles from major players like Tencent, NetEase, Perfect World, Yoozoo Games, and 37Games. Some notable examples include:
- Tencent: Yirenzhixia (action game), Project: The Outcast (3D fighting game)
- NetEase: Jiewai Kuangchao, Fragpunk
- Lingxi Games: Huangyuan Shuguang, Dawn of the Wasteland
- Hypergryph: Arknights: Endfield
- 37 Interactive Entertainment: Battle Through the Heavens: The Legend of Xiao Yan
Domestic Approvals on the Rise
The NPPA has granted licenses to 850 domestic games in the first eight months of 2024. This is a marked increase compared to the 609 licenses issued during the same period in 2023.
Recovery from Regulatory Freeze
This surge in approvals points towards a continued recovery for China’s gaming market, which faced an eight-month regulatory freeze on new game licenses in 2021. Licensing resumed in April 2022, and the NPPA has steadily increased the number of approvals since then.
Foreign Titles Also Approved
In addition to domestic games, the NPPA recently licensed over 100 foreign-developed titles. These include notable console games like Mario Golf: Super Rush and Paper Mario: The Origami King, as well as mobile game adaptations of popular franchises like Final Fantasy XIV and Dynasty Warriors.
