China had 265 million online game registered accounts as of 2009, up 41.5% year-on-year, according to China’s Social Sciences Academic Press (SSAP). The SSAP is a publishing institution under the leadership of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a top government think tank.
A blue paper published by the SSAP said more Chinese are living a lifestyle in which the internet has become a preferred channel for them to purchase goods, seek entertainment and acquire information.
The number of online shoppers topped 108 million in 2009, rising 45.9% from the previous year.
China has the world’s biggest online population, which stood at 420 million by the end of June, up 36 million from December last year.
China.org.cn quoted a report issued by the China Internet Network Information Center in July which said the increase was boosted by the rising use of cell phone connections.