Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and complexities faced by game publishers in dealing with copyright infringement and the increasing prevalence of unauthorized use of game licenses, particularly in the mini-game sector. Group 1: Complaints and Infringement Issues - A player reported issues with accessing a game after spending over 20,000 yuan, suspecting foul play by the game company [1] - The publisher confirmed that the game in question was not theirs, indicating a case of license theft [2][3] - Complaints about unauthorized use of game licenses have become more common, especially with the rise of mini-games that also require licenses [4] Group 2: Complaint Handling Process - Publishers have established processes for handling complaints, which include gathering evidence and submitting it to the relevant platforms [4][9] - Platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou have specific requirements for processing infringement complaints, with varying response times [7] - Publishers must retain documentation for at least five years to support their claims [8] Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Market Dynamics - The regulatory environment for game licenses is strict, with significant penalties for unauthorized use, but finding infringers can be challenging [15][16] - The mini-game market has seen rapid growth, with revenues exceeding 200 billion yuan in 2023 and projected to reach nearly 400 billion yuan in 2024 [16] - Major platforms like WeChat, Douyin, and Kuaishou are increasingly involved in the mini-game sector, creating a competitive landscape [17] Group 4: Developer Experiences and Monetization - Developers face high costs and lengthy processes to obtain game licenses, with some abandoning the process due to complexity [36][47] - The monetization strategies in mini-games are evolving, with a shift towards in-app purchases (IAP) over ad-based revenue models [35][36] - Developers are adapting their games to fit the mini-game format, often prioritizing quick engagement and monetization [34] Group 5: Future Outlook and Industry Support - Recent government policies are expected to facilitate the licensing process and support the growth of the gaming industry [49] - The industry is at a crossroads, with opportunities for growth but also significant challenges related to regulation and competition [48]