China Game Market Hits $23 Billion

China’s gaming industry experienced steady growth in the first half of 2025, with total revenue reaching ¥168 billion ($23.4 billion), a year-on-year increase of 14.08%. The figures were presented by the state agency responsible for video game oversight during China Joy 2025, one of the country’s most significant gaming industry events. The data reflects continued expansion across multiple gaming platforms and regions, both within China and internationally.

China Game Market Hits $23 Billion

Mobile Games Drive Domestic Market Growth

Mobile gaming remained the leading source of revenue in China’s domestic market, generating ¥125.3 billion ($17.4 billion) during the first six months of the year. This represents a 16.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games contributed substantially to this segment, with popular titles such as Honor of Kings and League of Legends: Wild Rift accounting for 20.4% of total mobile game revenue. These titles continue to maintain a strong user base, benefiting from established player communities and consistent in-game content updates.

WeChat Mini-Games also contributed significantly to the industry’s performance. Revenue from these mini-program-based games reached ¥23.3 billion ($3.2 billion), reflecting a 40.2% year-on-year increase. Their integration into the WeChat platform, combined with ease of access and social connectivity, continues to support user engagement and monetization.

Console gaming, while still a smaller part of the overall market, experienced noticeable growth. Revenue from console game sales reached ¥1.03 billion ($139 million), marking a 29.78% increase compared to the same period the previous year. This suggests a growing interest in console-based gaming experiences, potentially driven by broader availability and increasing consumer interest in premium content.

China Game Market Hits $23 Billion

Player Expansion and Market Performance

China’s total number of video game players reached 679 million in the first half of 2025, reflecting a modest year-on-year increase of 0.72%. Although the growth in player numbers was limited, the rise in overall spending indicates increased engagement among existing users.

Chinese game developers also expanded their presence in overseas markets. Revenue from international sales reached $9.5 billion in the first half of the year, up 11.07% from the previous year. The United States remained the most significant foreign market, accounting for 31.96% of overseas earnings. Japan followed with 16.2%, while South Korea contributed 7.47%. These figures indicate stable demand for Chinese-developed games in established gaming regions.

China Game Market Hits $23 Billion

Continued Industry Development and Outlook

The mid-year results show a stable upward trend in China’s gaming industry, supported by a combination of domestic growth and international revenue. Mobile platforms continue to dominate the market, while console gaming is showing signs of expansion. The growing interest in digital ecosystems such as WeChat Mini-Games further illustrates the evolving preferences of Chinese gamers.

Industry observers will continue to monitor developments across various sectors, including potential regulatory updates, emerging technologies such as web3 integration, and shifts in global market dynamics. The performance of the gaming sector in the first half of 2025 positions it for further analysis as companies adjust strategies for the remainder of the year.