The 21st China International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) in Shenzhen, in the southern Chinese mainland province of Guangdong, has become a global stage for the gaming industry on the Chinese mainland to showcase cultural integration and accelerate overseas ambitions.
Leading the charge, Tencent's international gaming brand Level Infinite spotlighted its hit title Arena of Valor in a dedicated zone. Launched overseas in 2024, the game racked up over 50 million downloads in its first month and now operates in more than 220 countries and regions with 14 language versions.
Financial results back the momentum: in 2024, Tencent's international gaming business generated 58 billion yuan ($8 billion), marking a 9% year-on-year rise. The first quarter of 2025 continued the surge with revenue jumping 23% to 16.6 billion yuan, driven by localized operations, deep market insights and cutting-edge distribution technologies.
As emerging markets embrace culturally rich gaming experiences, firms on the Chinese mainland are rewriting the playbook for global entertainment. By blending local flavor with advanced tech, these digital pioneers are set to define the next era of interactive storytelling across borders.
Reference(s):
Chinese gaming firms shine for overseas growth at Shenzhen fair
cgtn.com
