China has emerged as a major player in the global video game industry. The game 'The Defiant' (مقاوم) tells the story of the resistance of Chinese forces against the Japanese army in the 1930s and 1940s, and is an example of this influence. This game is currently being developed by Hoothanes Technology studio in Hangzhou.
Unique Features of Chinese Games
Ken Zhu, the developer of this game, states that the weapons featured in the game are unique and have only been used in Asia. He says, "The story of this game is also unfamiliar to many Western players and has not been told in any video game before." For this reason, 'The Defiant' aims to attract international audiences.
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In recent years, despite strict regulations, censorship, and previous bans on gaming consoles, China has become a key player in the global video game market. Over 700 million people in China regularly play video games, and many consider gaming an important part of their lives.
Restrictions and Challenges
Players in China primarily play on computers and smartphones, while consoles are less common. This dates back to a history where consoles were officially not sold in China from 2000 to 2014. The Chinese government imposed these restrictions to protect children and teenagers from video game addiction.
Currently, teenagers in China are only allowed to play online games for a maximum of three hours a week. Adults have no restrictions in this regard, but games are subject to strict oversight. Anyone who wants to play must register with their real name and personal identification number. This allows the government to track who plays, when, and with whom they interact.
Despite these restrictions, China has increasingly embraced video games and recognized the immense economic potential of this industry. Initially, games released for Chinese players often seemed like copies of Western titles, but at the same time, Chinese tech companies like Tencent and NetEase invested in many Western gaming companies.
Licensing System and Its Impact
One prominent feature of the Chinese market is its licensing system. George A. Osborn, a journalist and gaming consultant, states, "China has a heavily regulated and licensed video game market." He emphasizes that no game can be sold without a license. This system pressures developers to navigate multiple approval processes from various government ministries in China.
Games cannot contain content that threatens China's unity, sovereignty, or territorial integrity. Additionally, pornographic and gambling content is prohibited. For this reason, developers must pay careful attention to the content of their games to avoid rejection by the government.
Despite these challenges, the game 'Black Myth: Wukong' became an unexpected global success in 2024. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West,' this game shows that Chinese developers can operate beyond the domestic market and create successful games for global audiences.
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