Having been to China and having been inside one of their internet "cafes," where large groups of people sit crunched together playing online videogames non-stop I can tell you that some people in China will put up with anything to get online and play some videogames -- even death. Some of the "cafes" I went into reminded me of holding pens used at county fairs, but dirtier. The Chinese like their free online games, and according to a recent study by Niko Partners released this past week the number of them playing those games is growing at an "incredible rate."
That rate of growth means that they are projecting that there will be 64 million people playing online games in China by the end of the year. That's 1,246.11 times the population of Eddy County, New Mexico (I love you Google). Most of these gamers will spend $56 during the year to play these games and prefer to play free games while spending their money on micro-transactions. Niko has previously said that the Chinese online games market will reach $8.9 billion by the end of the year, with 77 percent of that coming from MMOs.
Anyone know a way I can easily become the owner of a popular MMO in China? I'm thinking there's some money to be made there.
Matthew Razak is Destructoid's Associate editor and co-founder of film site
Flixist. He began as community member "cowzilla" and was since sequestered to write brainy features material. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife.
Likes
Games! Movies! Hats!
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
10 comments | showing # 1 to 10
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
2:00 PM on 08.30.2009
| 
@Neonie and Maverick
It's a bird! It's a plane! No! It's CCCCCAAAAPPTAIN ELITIST!
They play games, they like games so what the hell gives anyone the right to measure how much of a "gamer" they are.
You are dumb.
Insincerely,
Someone who used to play WoW and other games, as well as knows people who still play WoW AND other games.
It's like telling someone they aren't a racer because they only race motorcycles, but not cars, boats, and all other manner of vehicles. It's a game, they play it (and rather hardcore for the most part).
As for the article, I agree, somehow starting an MMO over in China would be a pretty good investment right now...
Also, sorry Mr.Razak, you can't easily become owner of a popular MMO in China. It's market share is effective hold by already wealth and influential people, just like most other really profitable things in China(See? We commies no more, but maybe not in a good way).
I caved in and went for Rift Online though its been a while since I have touched an mmo. Gotta say I am enjoying the systems, reminds me just a teensy bit of the things that made Warhammer good, and WoW good.