Qian Zhan Wang·2025-09-26 06:07Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of China's gaming industry policies, highlighting the government's support and regulatory measures aimed at fostering growth and addressing challenges within the sector [2][3][4]. Policy Evolution - The gaming industry in China has transitioned from "cultural market management" to "digital content industry cultivation" and finally to "cultural industry pillarization and digital strategy" as outlined in national economic plans from the "Eighth Five-Year Plan" to the "Fourteenth Five-Year Plan" [2][3][4]. - The "Eleventh Five-Year Plan" (2006-2010) encouraged the development of digital content industries, including gaming, and emphasized cultural innovation and quality improvement [3]. - The "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" (2011-2015) aimed to make the cultural industry a pillar of the national economy, enhancing its overall strength and competitiveness [3]. - The "Thirteenth Five-Year Plan" (2016-2020) introduced the term "gaming" and focused on accelerating the development of emerging industries such as online audio-visual, mobile multimedia, and digital publishing [3]. - The "Fourteenth Five-Year Plan" (2021-2025) emphasizes expanding the supply of quality cultural products and implementing a digital strategy for the cultural industry [4]. National Policy Summary - Since 2000, various government bodies have issued policies to support and regulate the gaming industry, covering aspects such as technological development, industry standards, and minor user regulations [7][8]. - Key policies include the "Network Game Management Measures" aimed at ensuring the healthy development of the gaming industry and the "Technical Requirements for Minor User Monitoring Systems" which impose restrictions on gaming time and spending for minors [9][10]. Provincial Policies - Coastal provinces like Guangdong, Beijing, and Zhejiang have introduced supportive policies for the gaming industry, focusing on high-quality development, technological innovation, and overseas expansion [23][24]. - Specific measures include optimizing game approval processes, encouraging the development of 3A games, and supporting collaborations with historical IPs [24][25]. Market Outlook - As of mid-2025, China's gaming industry is projected to have an overseas market size of $9.501 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 11.07% [20]. - The government aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the gaming industry by promoting the entire value chain from IP creation to overseas operations [20].