Chinese game developers are accelerating investment in research and development, particularly in artificial intelligence, to strengthen competitiveness in global markets.
AI adoption in gaming
According to an editorial by China Daily, rising AI adoption across gaming, e-commerce and social media has enabled studios to refine game design, personalise user experiences and speed up content creation.
Developers are using AI tools to analyse player behaviour, optimise in-game mechanics and generate creative assets more efficiently, contributing to more immersive and adaptive gameplay.
Advancing industry growth
The push toward AI-driven innovation comes as China positions itself as the world’s largest gaming market.
The Chinese gaming industry experienced domestic sales exceeding 325 billion yuan ($46.8 billion) in 2024, with approximately 679 million users by mid-2025.
Overseas sales of self-developed games exceeded $9.5 billion, up 11.07% year-on-year.
Beyond AI, other areas contributing to the industry growth include higher marketing and advertising budgets and culturally rooted storytelling. Broader economic objectives also underpin industry expansion, including digital trade and job creation, supported by policies that prioritise cultural industries and technological advancement.
