New survey reveals playing habits of Chinese gamers
The majority of Chinese gamers play online games in communal areas such as internet cafes, a new study has found.
The study, commissioned by polling group Research and Market, found that gamers were more likely to play online games in public areas like internet cafes. The study questioned gamers from 507 internet cafes nationwide.
The research found that, while many gamers in large cities - like Beijing or Shanghai - often had home computers with internet access, many players preferred to game in communal areas like internet cafes. The majority of gamers said that socialising was their main motivation for gaming in public areas.
The report found that, in rural areas and smaller cities, many gamers relied on these cafes for their internet access. It was discovered that many online gamers in these areas did not have internet connections at home.
The report states that in 2008, internet cafe gamers generated 40 per cent of the $2.5 billion global industry. There are an estimated 21.9 million PCs in internet cafes across China and approximately 185,000 internet cafes nationwide. It is thought that 71,000 of these are unlicensed by the Chinese regulatory authorities.
Lisa Hanson, managing partner of Niko Partners, said that the research was vital information for companies hoping for success in the Chinese market.
"As video game publishers look to break into and successfully compete in the burgeoning Chinese market, it is critical that they understand underlying consumer behaviours and how internet cafes are a critical component of China's online game market."