Industry Dynamics - In August 2025, China's gaming market revenue reached 29.263 billion yuan, showing a month-on-month increase of 0.61% but a year-on-year decline of 13.01% [3] - The actual sales revenue of domestically developed games in overseas markets was 1.68 billion USD, reflecting a month-on-month decrease of 0.79% and a year-on-year decrease of 10.66% [3] - The year-on-year decline in revenue is attributed to the high revenue base from the previous year due to the success of the game "Black Myth: Wukong," and the lack of similarly impactful new releases during the current period [3] Game Licensing - On September 24, the National Press and Publication Administration issued licenses for 156 games, including 145 domestic and 11 imported titles [4] - Notable titles include Tencent's "Return Ring," NetEase's "Star Drawing Friends," and miHoYo's "Honkai: Inheritance Spirit" [4] Domestic Company News - NetEase announced the shutdown of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," effective November 24, due to the expiration of its IP cooperation with Minghe Publishing and adjustments in operational strategy [5] - Tencent's UK studio Splash Damage has been sold to overseas private equity investors; the studio was previously acquired by Tencent in 2022 [6] - Tom Cat's former chairman Wang Jian reduced his holdings by 31.58 million shares, exiting the major shareholder position, with his remaining stake now below 5% [7] - Wang Jian's history of share reductions includes 71 transactions from 2019 to 2020, totaling over 700 million yuan, raising concerns about the company's fundamentals [8] - Kingsoft's subsidiary, Kingsoft Game, has formed a strategic partnership with Sega and Rovio to reintroduce the popular IP "Angry Birds" to the Chinese market [9] Regulatory Compliance - The Mexican Ministry of Finance proposed an 8% special tax on games containing "violent" content as part of its 2026 budget plan, applicable to both domestic and foreign companies [10] Major Transactions - Electronic Arts (EA) is reportedly negotiating a privatization deal valued at approximately 50 billion USD (about 356.74 billion yuan), which could become the largest leveraged buyout in history [11] eSports Events - The qualification matches for the 2025 League of Legends World Championship concluded, with teams BLG, AL, TES, and iG representing the LPL region [12]

Core Viewpoint - The gaming industry is expected to perform well in the third quarter due to the release of quality content, with a positive long-term outlook for the sector [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The media index increased by 0.63%, ranking 5th among 31 industries, underperforming compared to the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 index (up 1.07%) and the ChiNext index (up 1.96%) [2]. - The total number of domestic game licenses issued this year has reached 1,195, significantly surpassing the 959 licenses issued during the same period last year [2]. Group 2: Game License Distribution - In September, 145 domestic game licenses were issued, including titles from major companies such as Tencent, NetEase, and miHoYo [2]. - Additionally, 11 imported game licenses were granted, featuring notable titles like "Super Hole" and "MapleStory: New Chapter" [2]. Group 3: Market Size and Trends - In August, the domestic gaming market size was 29.263 billion yuan, showing a month-on-month growth of 0.61% but a year-on-year decline of 13.01% due to high base effects from the previous year [3]. - Mobile game revenue was 21.521 billion yuan, with a month-on-month increase of 0.85% and a year-on-year decrease of 4.25%, while client game revenue was 6.563 billion yuan, showing a month-on-month decline of 1.11% but a year-on-year increase of 17.59% [3].

Core Insights - The article highlights the stable approval process for domestic game licenses in China, with a significant increase in the number of licenses issued in 2025 compared to the previous year [1][3] - The gaming market in August 2025 showed stable performance, with notable revenue contributions from high-quality products, indicating a positive outlook for game development companies [2][3] Group 1: License Approval and Supply - On September 24, 2025, the National Press and Publication Administration approved 145 domestic games and 11 imported games, indicating a robust supply of game licenses [1] - The total number of domestic game licenses issued in 2025 has reached 1,195, significantly higher than the 959 licenses issued in the same period last year, with an average monthly issuance of 132.8 licenses [1] Group 2: Market Performance - In August 2025, the domestic gaming market generated revenue of 29.263 billion yuan, reflecting a month-on-month growth of 0.61% but a year-on-year decline of 13.01% due to a high base from the previous year [2] - Mobile game revenue was 21.521 billion yuan, with a month-on-month increase of 0.85% and a year-on-year decrease of 4.25%, while client game revenue was 6.563 billion yuan, showing a month-on-month decline of 1.11% but a year-on-year increase of 17.59% [2] Group 3: Investment Outlook - The stable approval rhythm for game licenses and the rich supply of game products lead to a favorable investment outlook for companies with strong content reserves and solid fundamentals [3]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Increase" rating for the gaming industry, indicating a positive outlook compared to the CSI 300 index, with expected growth exceeding 15% [13]. Core Insights - In September, a total of 145 domestic games received approval, contributing to a total of 1,195 domestic game licenses issued this year, significantly higher than the 959 licenses issued in the same period last year [6][8]. - The gaming market in August showed stability, with a total revenue of 29.263 billion yuan, reflecting a month-on-month growth of 0.61% but a year-on-year decline of 13.01% [6][8]. - The report highlights the strong performance of leading products, such as Tencent's "Delta Action," which reached 30 million daily active users in September, and the anticipated revenue of over 300 million yuan for the new game "Valorant: Energy Action" in its first month [6][8]. Summary by Sections Game License Approvals - In September, 145 domestic games and 11 imported games received approval, with notable titles from Tencent, NetEase, and others included in the list [6][8]. - The approval rate for domestic game licenses has increased, with an average monthly issuance of 132.8 licenses in 2023, up from 88.8 in 2021 and 108.8 in 2022 [6][8]. Market Performance - The gaming market's revenue for August was 29.263 billion yuan, with mobile games generating 21.521 billion yuan and client games 6.563 billion yuan [6][8]. - The report notes that client games are experiencing growth due to cross-platform products, which enhances their profitability compared to mobile games [6][8]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends companies with strong content reserves and solid fundamentals, including Kain Network, 37 Interactive Entertainment, Giant Network, Perfect World, and others [6][8]. - Specific stock recommendations include Kain Network (28.94 yuan), 37 Interactive Entertainment (22.49 yuan), and Giant Network (44.87 yuan), all rated for "Increase" [7][8].