In a move aimed at revitalizing China’s gaming sector and reassuring investors, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) of China has approved a new wave of imported video games. Among the 32 approved titles is the highly anticipated Dungeon & Fighter (DnF) Mobile, which will be operated in China by Tencent Holdings, a significant player in the global gaming industry.
The approval comes as a surprise following the recent scrapping of a contentious gaming regulation, signaling a shift in regulatory stance towards the gaming industry. This move has been met with positive market reception, evident in the 2.9% increase in Tencent’s stock price in Hong Kong.
Dungeon & Fighter Mobile, developed by Nexon and slated for release in China since 2020, faced obstacles due to stringent licensing and content regulations. However, with the latest approval, Tencent is poised to introduce the popular title to the Chinese market, a move eagerly awaited by gaming enthusiasts.
In addition to Dungeon & Fighter Mobile, the approved batch includes titles from other major tech firms such as NetEase and ByteDance, underscoring the breadth of the gaming industry’s involvement. Notable mentions among the approved titles include Kirby Star Allies and Taiko no Tatsujin for the Nintendo Switch, as well as Bleach: Soul Resonance and Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent for mobile platforms.
The regulatory nod is seen as an effort to restore confidence in the gaming industry after the market turmoil triggered by draft regulations targeting excessive gaming and spending. The subsequent withdrawal of the proposed rules and personnel changes within regulatory bodies indicate a recalibration of regulatory priorities towards fostering a healthy gaming ecosystem.
The approval of these imported titles coincides with a robust growth trajectory in China’s gaming market, with sales reaching a record US$42.7 billion in 2023. However, despite the domestic success, Chinese gaming firms have faced challenges in international expansion, with overseas sales of China-developed titles witnessing a decline.
Overall, the approval of Dungeon & Fighter Mobile and other imported titles represents a positive step towards revitalizing the gaming industry in China. It not only boosts the market confidence but also underscores the potential for continued growth and innovation in the sector.