Most video game developers dream of making it big in China. With a population of over 1.4 billion and almost 50% of which identify as gamers, China represents the world’s largest video game market. According to reports from the government, the country’s video game revenue amounted to $43 billion in 2020 alone.
Though, despite these tempting numbers, game developer Epic Games has chosen to halt its presence in the Chinese market. After announcing in early November that their beta testing for Fortnite China had concluded, Epic Games has allegedly ceased all China-related activities and projects.
China’s aggressive video game crackdown
Although there has yet to be an official statement from Epic Games, many believe that this has to do with the Chinese government’s aggressive campaign against video games. From 2000 until 2014, China banned the sale of all video game consoles following gaming addiction concerns. Though this ban didn’t eliminate consoles completely, it did make them more difficult to import and sell. This year, a notice from the National Press and Publication Administration announced the implementation of a law that limits online gaming time. Reportedly aimed at addressing the younger population’s worsening eye conditions and the proliferation of “problematic celebrity culture”, which includes partying, drinking, and other similar behavior, the law limits gaming time to three hours a week, and between 8 pm-9 pm on weekends.
Aside from this, China has also been known to demand specific versions of games that are more aligned with their strict code of censorship. In Fortnite’s case, this led Epic Games to temporarily release a version that was free from the violence expected from a battle-royale title. Other popular games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile have similarly had to tame down their violence. Their China-based developer Tencent has instead released sterilized versions called Game for Peace and Homeland Dream, respectively.
What’s in store for Fortnite and the Chinese gaming scene?
Luckily for Epic Games, despite the loss of its massive Chinese player base, it won’t be left wanting. Since Fortnite’s initial release in 2017, it has become a global phenomenon with the largest number of active users — 350 million — in its category. On top of this, Fortnite’s immersive environment and detailed graphics have spawned viral dance challenges, TV shows, and even musicals. The success of the game has also expanded to the publishing industry, with Fortnite game guides providing hacks and unlockables for the game’s ever-developing maps and achievements. Despite losing its Chinese market, Fornite fans are looking forward to the release of Chapter 2 Season 9 this December.
Of course, very soon, other game developers may be joining Epic Games in stopping their China-based initiatives altogether. Unlike other games that were just required to present more sanitized versions, developers like Nintendo and EA Dice have been subject to outright bans for some of their most lucrative titles. After presenting a storyline where China was working with the Russians, any sales or mentions of EA and Dice’s Battlefield 4 — part of the franchise that includes the hyped-up Battlefield 2042 — were prohibited on a national scale. On the other hand, despite Animal Crossing: New Horizons being regarded as one of the most peaceful games ever made, spawning tv shows and Animal Crossing companion books, it is considered subversive by the Chinese government. Due to Hong Kong activists using their in-game avatars to hold up protest banners, mainland distribution of Animal Crossing has been banned.
China’s new laws against gaming and Epic Games’ retreat spell more challenges for the local gamers than for the two global giants. While Chinese gamers have had to get crafty to play their favorite titles, only the future will tell just how vibrant or limited their video game industry will be.
Talha Ali is your tech generalist, covering a wide spectrum of topics within the ever-evolving world of technology. With a curiosity for the latest innovations, industry trends, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s hardware, software, emerging technologies, or the intersection of tech with daily life, Talha’s articles provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the dynamic landscape of the tech industry.