Chinese video games earn $20.45 bn abroad in 2025

Chinese video-game developers generated $20.45 billion in overseas sales in 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year that exports topped $14 billion. The growth is attributed to a mature ecosystem, advanced technology and culturally resonant narratives, according to the China Audio‑Video and Digital Publishing Association.

Industry giants such as Tencent, NetEase, miHoYo, Lilith Games, Game Science and iDreamSky are expanding globally, with Chinese publishers leading fast‑growing mobile genres like merge and 4X strategy games. Analysts at Newzoo cite sophisticated live‑service operations and strong user‑acquisition spending as key factors.

Monika Michalak of Polish recruiting firm 8Bit highlighted China’s rising role in the worldwide talent and business network, while former PlayStation Studios head Shuhei Yoshida praised Chinese studios for speed and scale. Newzoo forecasts that China will outpace the global average in PC‑game growth during the next forecasting period.