Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-08-13 01:10Core Insights - The client-side gaming industry in China is experiencing robust growth, with the market size projected to reach 67.981 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.56% [1][12]. - The successful implementation of the "cross-end integration" strategy has driven user growth and payment willingness, particularly through products like "Delta Action" [1][12]. - The industry is witnessing a recovery in game approvals, with 946 game licenses issued from January to July 2025, including 67 client-side games [1][17]. Industry Overview - Client-side games require users to download and install dedicated client software, enabling multiplayer interaction through network connections [2]. - Compared to web and mobile games, client-side games leverage local hardware for superior graphics and complex mechanics, offering a deeper gaming experience [3][4]. Market Dynamics - The client-side gaming market is expected to grow to 29.537 billion yuan in the first five months of 2025, marking a 4.96% increase year-on-year [1][12]. - The industry is characterized by a dual-structure competition, with Tencent and NetEase holding over 60% market share, while mid-tier companies like Century Huatong and emerging players like Mihayou are also making significant strides [21]. Policy Support - National and local governments are implementing supportive policies to foster the development of the client-side gaming industry, creating a robust policy framework for high-quality growth [5][7]. Technological Advancements - The industry is leveraging technological innovations such as AI and cloud gaming to enhance user experience and expand market reach [23][24]. - The integration of AI technologies is significantly reducing production costs and time, while cloud gaming is enabling cross-platform play [23]. User Demographics - The gaming user base in China is projected to reach 674 million in 2024, with a slight growth rate of 0.94% [10]. - The client-side gaming ecosystem is evolving to cater to diverse user demographics, including younger and older generations [10][25]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is marked by a mix of established giants, mid-tier companies, and innovative small enterprises, each focusing on different market segments and strategies [21]. - The industry is moving towards a model that emphasizes content innovation and social responsibility, with a focus on IP development and user protection [25]. Future Trends - The client-side gaming industry is expected to continue its trajectory of growth driven by technological integration, global expansion, and a focus on niche markets [23][24]. - There is a growing emphasis on creating engaging content and ensuring user safety, particularly for younger audiences [25].