Observed Signal · Jul 28, 2026 · Conference · Source: PocketGamer.biz · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
CIGDC Opens; China Urged to Prioritize Game Innovation
The China International Game Developers Conference (CIGDC) opened a week of industry events in China, with Tang Jiajun — deputy secretary general of CADPA and secretary general of the Game Publishing Committee (GPC) — urging developers to prioritise cultural innovation, personal experience and persistence rather than following algorithmic trends or chasing short-term market fads. The article highlights the strength and scale of China’s games market: the Mini-Games segment generated approximately $7.65 billion in 2025 (up 34.39% year-over-year) and is forecast to reach about $9.72 billion in 2026, while Niko Partners projects China will see $59.8 billion in consumer spending with 769 million players. The piece names leading Chinese game companies and points readers to further regional reporting.
Industry conference coverage highlighting strategic direction for Chinese game development and market figures for Mini-Games and overall consumer spending; relevant to gaming and in-game monetisation trends but not a platform policy or major technical release.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The China International Game Developers Conference (CIGDC) kicked off a week of events in China that includes PGC Summit Shanghai and ChinaJoy.
- Tang Jiajun, deputy secretary general of CADPA and secretary general of the Game Publishing Committee (GPC), urged developers to focus on innovation, personal experience and culture rather than chasing algorithmic trends.
- The Mini-Games market generated approximately $7.65 billion in revenue in 2025, up 34.39% year-over-year, and is forecast to grow to around $9.72 billion in 2026.
- Niko Partners projects the Chinese games market will generate $59.8 billion from consumer spending with 769 million people playing games.
- Notable companies mentioned in China’s games market include Tencent, Game Science, Microfun, Century Games, First Fun, NetEase, miHoYo and Kuro Games.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“China is known for its mega blockbusters like Tencent’s Honor of Kings and international hits like Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong, Microf...”
“China is known for its mega blockbusters like Tencent’s Honor of Kings and international hits like Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong, Microf...”
“Other top games companies in the highly competitve market include the likes of NetEase, miHoYo, Kuro Games and many others....”
“Other top games companies in the highly competitve market include the likes of NetEase, miHoYo, Kuro Games and many others....”
“You can read more about China’s games market in our China region report, featuring commentary from local experts, interviews with Chinese st...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
China Builds Global Games Powerhouse
China remains a dominant and growing force in the global games industry, accounting for roughly 27% of global consumer game spending in 2025 and hosting about 720 million players. Market research firms Niko Partners and Newzoo report Chinese market revenues above $50 billion in 2025, with modest growth forecast for 2026 and further expansion to 2030. Major domestic publishers (Tencent, NetEase, Perfect World, Hoyoverse) and a range of mobile developers are driving cross‑platform successes and international expansion. Mini‑games/mini‑program platforms and monetisation changes (in‑app purchases, ads) are notable growth areas, while generative AI and user‑generated content are highlighted as potential disruptors that could lower production costs and enable new personalised experiences. The market is mature and concentrated, creating barriers for new studios despite opportunities for innovators and AI‑native entrants.
Ex‑Riot Producer: Mini‑Games Could Be China's Next Export
Bo Mei, founder of cross-border advisory firm GoodDay Solution and former Riot Games producer, argues that Chinese mini-games are poised to expand internationally. He cites strong recent growth—mini-games grew roughly twentyfold over five years and generated $7.6 billion in 2025, tracking toward $9 billion in 2026—and distribution through platforms such as WeChat and TikTok. Mei attributes momentum to policy support (China's five-year plan) and growing cultural legitimacy for games (game design became a standalone undergraduate major in 2025). He warns that cross-border launches fail when local insight and monetisation design are added too late, and recommends early local testing and integrated monetisation, acquisition and progression strategies. Mei discussed these views while speaking on ad monetisation at PGC Summit Shanghai.
China's games market tops $50bn for first time in 2025
China's video game market generated $51.8 billion in 2025, up 5.4% year-over-year, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time, according to a Niko Partners report. The market is forecast to grow 4% in 2026 to $53.9 billion and reach $59.8 billion by 2030, with the player base projected to hit 769 million. Annual ARPU exceeded $70 in 2025 and is expected to reach $77.68 by 2030. Short video apps have become the leading game discovery channel, with 41% of players using them. Mini games account for nearly 20% of mobile game spending. Esports engagement increased to 51.3% of players. Generative AI is expected to play a larger role in development, and live-service games are evolving into user-generated content platforms. Niko Partners' outlook is more positive than its November 2025 forecast.
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