Online gaming revenues soared in China to RMB6.18 billion ($906 million) in the second quarter of 2009 according to Analysys International, a research firm which states China’s online game revenues for Q2 2009 were up 39.5% over last year.
Among the top three earners (trailing behind Tencent Holdings and Shanda Games) was NetEase, the company which is presently the licensed operator of World of Warcraft in China. It had revenues of RMB780 million ($114 million) in the second quarter of this year.
The Chinese media’s coverage of internet and gaming addiction has intensified, and there is now increased government scrutiny of the virtual economies these games have given rise to.
It’s not just a China issue, as foreign companies are either operating online games in the country or have been eyeing this lucrative market.
Mamo states the issue of regulating foreign game operation in China may be coming to a head with the current struggle between the General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP) and the Ministry of Culture.
Whatever agreement is reached between these government agencies will determine the future of foreign online game operations in the country.