Así es la industria GAMING EN CHINA

Summary

The video discusses China's recent regulatory draft impacting the gaming industry, causing a significant market drop for companies like NetEase and Tencent, with over $80 billion in losses. It delves into China's gaming culture, the dominance of mobile games, and the government's strict control over content, including censorship and restrictions on minors' gaming time. The video also touches on Tencent's influence and the challenges faced by the industry due to new regulations, such as limitations on loot boxes and PVP, which have led to uncertainty in the market.

Takeaways

• 📉 The recent draft for regulating the video game industry in China has caused a significant market crash, affecting companies like NetEase and Tencent, with a total loss of over 80 billion dollars in market value.
• 🎮 The Chinese gaming market is dominated by mobile games, with Chinese companies leading the industry, such as Tencent, which owns major gaming studios and platforms worldwide.
• 🇨🇳 China has the largest gaming industry in the world, with an estimated 668 million gamers, which is nearly half of the country's population actively playing video games.
• 💰 Chinese gamers spend an average of over 60 dollars per person annually, totaling 320 billion dollars spent on gaming, highlighting the significant economic impact of the industry.
• 🚫 The Chinese government has a history of strict control over gaming, including a 15-year ban on video game consoles and ongoing censorship of content that does not align with state values.
• 📱 The rise of smartphones in China has greatly influenced the gaming industry, with mobile gaming becoming increasingly popular and a primary source of revenue for companies like Tencent.
• 🚀 Tencent's success is largely due to mobile games, with 'Honor of Kings' being one of the highest-grossing games globally, generating an impressive 820 million dollars in just 8 months.
• 🛑 In 2018, the Chinese government halted the approval of new video game releases for nine months, demonstrating the extent of its control over the industry and its willingness to regulate it.
• 🏆 The government's recent draft includes measures to limit loot boxes and microtransactions, as well as restrictions on game content that could be seen as promoting non-traditional Chinese values.
• 🔒 There are strict regulations on game content in China, including the requirement for special licenses and adherence to cultural and political guidelines, which has led to censorship and self-censorship by game developers.
• 👶 The Chinese government has also implemented restrictions on the gaming time for minors, with the latest rules allowing only three hours of gaming per week for those under 18, managed by companies like Tencent.

Q & A

What was the main reason for the recent significant drop in the stock market value of gaming companies like Neis or Tenent?

The main reason was the draft for new regulations in China aimed at controlling the video game industry, which led to a massive market reaction and a drop of over 80 billion dollars in market value.

How does the Chinese government view the video game industry and its impact on society?

The Chinese government has a complex view of the video game industry, seeing it as a potential source of social problems such as increased myopia and low birth rates among citizens. They have also historically referred to video games as 'the devil' and have imposed strict regulations and censorship on the industry.

What is Tencent's role in the global gaming industry?

Tencent is the world's largest video game company, owning or having stakes in numerous gaming studios and franchises, including Riot Games, Supercell, Funcom, and Epic Games. It has a significant influence on the industry, especially in the mobile gaming sector.

What are 'loot boxes' and why have they been a point of contention in China?

Loot boxes are a monetization method in video games where players can purchase randomized in-game items. They have been a point of contention in China due to concerns about gambling-like mechanics and the potential for addiction, leading to regulatory actions to limit their use.

How has the Chinese government attempted to control the gaming habits of minors?

The Chinese government has implemented strict time limitations for minors, allowing them to play only a certain number of hours per week, and has put the onus on companies like Tencent to enforce these restrictions.

What is the significance of the 'credit score' system in China and how does it relate to gaming?

The credit score system in China is used to monitor and control the behavior of citizens, including their online activities. It can affect a person's ability to access certain services or benefits if their score is too low, and the government has used this system to discourage certain behaviors, such as excessive gaming.

What was the impact of the 2023 draft regulations on the Chinese video game industry?

The 2023 draft regulations led to a significant drop in the stock market value of major gaming companies and caused a reevaluation of business practices within the industry, as they included strict limitations on monetization methods and content restrictions.

What are the challenges faced by international gaming companies when trying to enter the Chinese market?

International gaming companies face challenges such as obtaining special licenses from the Chinese administration, adhering to strict censorship rules, and navigating the complex regulatory environment that can change rapidly and have significant financial impacts.

How has the popularity of mobile gaming in China contributed to the growth of the gaming industry there?

The widespread adoption of smartphones in China has led to a boom in mobile gaming, with free-to-play games and innovative monetization strategies like loot boxes becoming dominant, significantly contributing to the industry's growth.

What is the cultural significance of gaming in China, and how does it relate to the competitive nature of Chinese society?

Gaming in China is deeply ingrained in the culture, with a high level of competitiveness that starts from a young age. It serves as a form of freedom and escape from the highly competitive academic and social environment, which can lead to a high level of engagement and potential addiction.

How do Chinese gamers bypass internet restrictions to access international gaming platforms?

Chinese gamers often use VPNs to bypass internet restrictions and access international gaming platforms that are blocked in China. The use of VPNs is widespread, especially among the gaming community.