智通财经网·2025-12-17 00:03Core Viewpoint - The gaming industry is expected to experience robust growth driven by strong supply and demand dynamics, with profitability likely to continue rising in 2025 due to an increase in game approvals and innovative new titles from major companies like Tencent and NetEase [1][3]. Supply Side - The number of game approvals has significantly increased, with a 24% year-on-year growth in the total number of licenses issued from January to October this year, reaching 1,441, including 1,354 domestic licenses, which is a 26% increase [3][6]. - The approval process for game licenses has become more efficient, with the fastest approvals now taking less than three months, allowing companies to better plan their game launches [3][6]. - Policy support for the gaming industry has been strengthening, with national and local governments implementing measures to promote cultural exports and simplify approval processes [7][8]. Demand Side - The gaming sector is adept at capturing user time across various formats, from quick mobile games to immersive PC and console experiences, catering to diverse entertainment needs [9][10]. - The share of time allocated to gaming is expected to increase, with a projected rise in gaming hours in the first half of the year, driven by both established and new titles performing well [11][14]. Industry Trends - The gaming industry is witnessing a trend of increasing profitability, with revenue growth rates for major gaming companies reaching new highs, and net profit growth significantly outpacing revenue growth [18][20]. - Companies are focusing on high-quality projects and have established clearer competitive advantages, leading to higher project success rates [20]. - The integration of AI in game development and operations is enhancing efficiency, with AI being used for generating art assets and optimizing various processes [32]. Marketing and Distribution - Traditional user acquisition methods are declining, with a shift towards content-driven marketing strategies through social media and community platforms, which are proving to be more effective [23][25]. - The legal landscape is evolving, allowing developers to bypass traditional distribution channels, which could significantly enhance profit margins by reducing revenue sharing with platforms [30][31].