Chinese Gaming Market 2025

The Chinese gaming market is expected to maintain steady growth in the coming years, according to a recent analysis by Niko Partners. The market reached $49.2 billion in 2024, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. Analysts anticipate the industry will grow to $50.7 billion by the end of 2025 and could reach $54.8 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%.

Chinese Gaming Market 2025

This growth is underpinned by strong demand across mobile and PC platforms, as well as the introduction of new consoles such as the Nintendo Switch 2 and other next-generation systems. By the end of 2024, China had an estimated 722 million players, nearly twice the population of the United States.

This figure is projected to rise to 753.7 million by 2029, growing at a modest rate of 0.9% per year. Average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to increase from $68 in 2024 to $73 in 2029, indicating steady monetization potential in the market. Industry growth is also supported by the rising popularity of premium PC titles and mini-games, which continue to expand their share of gaming revenue.

Chinese Gaming Market 2025

Player Behavior and Engagement Trends

Recent survey data from Niko Partners, based on responses from 1,058 Chinese players, provides insights into consumer behavior. Generative AI has attracted significant attention, with 85.2% of respondents familiar with the technology and 39.4% expressing curiosity about its applications in games. More than 60% of Chinese developers are already integrating generative AI into their projects, signaling its growing role in game development.

Mini-games remain a key driver of engagement, with 84.4% of surveyed players participating. The survey noted gender differences in daily play, with 17.7% of women and 10.3% of men playing mini-games every day. This segment currently generates roughly 10% of total gaming revenue. Players also discover new games through a combination of digital channels, including short video platforms (41%), platform recommendations (38.7%), and social media (33.9%).

Esports engagement is substantial, with nearly half of all players (46.5%) participating in some form, and one in four actively following influencers. Many of the most-streamed games in China are either developed overseas or based on major intellectual properties, demonstrating the influence of international titles on local gaming habits.

Final Thoughts

The Chinese gaming market shows stable and steady growth through 2025, supported by expanding player numbers, increasing ARPU, and rising engagement across mobile, PC, and mini-game segments. Generative AI is becoming a key factor in game development, while esports and digital content platforms continue to shape how players engage with games. Combined, these trends reinforce China’s position as a major hub for gaming innovation and market development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the projected size of the Chinese gaming market in 2025?

Analysts at Niko Partners expect the Chinese gaming market to reach $50.7 billion by the end of 2025.

How many gamers are in China?

China had 722 million players at the end of 2024, with projections reaching 753.7 million by 2029.

Which platforms are driving growth in China?

Growth is primarily driven by mobile and PC platforms, alongside new console releases and the rising popularity of mini-games.

What role does generative AI play in Chinese gaming?

Over 60% of Chinese developers are using generative AI in their projects, and players are increasingly aware and curious about its applications in games.

How popular are mini-games in China?

Mini-games remain highly popular, with 84.4% of players engaging in them. This segment currently contributes about 10% of total gaming revenue.

Where do Chinese players discover new games?

Players primarily discover games through short video platforms, platform recommendations, and social media.