The emerging gaming regulations in China could place smaller developers in a bind, potentially leading to a decline in overall online advertising revenue.
The rules are up for review until Jan. 24. Kenneth Fong, head of China internet research at UBS, indicated that these proposed regulations would impact smaller developers more than larger ones due to their reliance on revenue-generating practices.
Fong suggested that big game developers, with their strong R&D capabilities and strategies to enhance gamer engagement, might fare better. He also pointed out the potential impact on the advertising industry, as online games contribute around 20% of the industry’s revenue.
Even with Beijing’s recent efforts to restrict gameplay, particularly among minors, companies continue to develop and publish games in China. The National Press and Publication Administration, the authority overseeing the publication of new games, recently approved over 100 new domestic games.
In a surprising turn of events, China's NPPA approved 105 online games, offering a "positive signal" for the industry’s growth despite the substantial financial losses faced by major game companies due to the regulatory changes.
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