THE ROAD AHEAD
Although the Chinese video game industry was underdeveloped when iconic consoles such as Nintendo 64 and the original PlayStation were released, games such as Black Myth: Wukong and Genshin Impact show it is rapidly catching up.
Yet plenty of challenges remain, the first of which is the Chinese government’s existing and proposed gaming restrictions.
Game Science also faces accusations of sexism, along with other companies in the Chinese tech and gaming industry, and the Western industry.
Beyond this, the increasing cost of living means gamers don’t have the discretionary funds they once had. Investors are pulling back and thousands of industry workers have been laid off.
In these uncertain times, Chinese developers seem to be hurtling forward. From another Chinese company, Everstone Studio’s upcoming release Where Winds Meet is another historical, story-focused game with blockbuster aspirations. More such games aimed at Western players will mean more competition for Western developers.
There’s a famed saying that “China is a sleeping lion” (or giant, or dragon, depending on which version you hear). It’s often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, although experts think he probably never said it.
But China’s leader Xi Jinping did say it, back in 2014, when he described the nation as a “peaceful lion”. It won’t be long before gamers everywhere hear its roar.
Jacqueline Burgess is Lecturer in International Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast. This commentary first appeared on The Conversation.
Source: CNA
