- China has approved four batches of imported games, with over 100 expected by the end of the year.
- The country is on pace to surpass the 98 approvals seen in 2023.
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China’s National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) approved and issued ISBNs to 15 imported games on Friday, August 2nd, 2024.
According to a report by Niko Partners, China has already approved 76 imported games this year, matching the total approved in 2021, surpassing the 44 approved in 2022, and is on track to exceed the 98 approvals in 2023.
Games developed or owned by non-China based entities are classified as ‘Import Games,’ and China mandates that all video games must have a license from the NPPA to operate in the country.
Notable imported games approved in August
China granted approval for a Rainbow Six game for mobile and PC, marking a positive development for Ubisoft after previous bans on the franchise. NetEase also received licenses for Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals, continuing its collaboration with Marvel.
Nintendo secured approvals for Mario Golf: Super Rush and Paper Mario: The Origami King for the Chinese market.
Additionally, mobile games based on Final Fantasy XIV and Dynasty Warriors 8 were approved, with Tencent participating in the development of Final Fantasy XIV.
In 2024, China has approved four batches of imported games, with over 100 expected by the end of the year. Mobile games lead with 49 approvals, followed by cross-platform (11), PC (9), and console (7) games.
