Chinese gaming firms shine for overseas growth at Shenzhen fair

The 21st China International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, has become a showcase for China's gaming industry to highlight its cultural integration capabilities and accelerate global ambitions. Leading domestic game IPs and their international strategies took center stage at the event, underscoring the sector's growing influence in overseas markets.  

Tencent's international games brand, Level Infinite, featured its hit title Arena of Valor in a dedicated exhibition zone. Launched overseas in 2024, the game amassed over 50 million downloads in its first month and now operates in more than 220 countries and regions with 14 language versions.  

Tencent's financial reports reveal robust growth in its international gaming business: full-year 2024 revenue reached 58 billion yuan ($8 billion), up 9 percent year on year, while Q1 2025 revenue surged 23 percent to 16.6 billion yuan. This momentum is attributed to localized operations, market insights and cutting-edge technologies deployed in global game distribution.

Guangdong: Powerhouse of China's gaming industry

In 2024, China's self-developed games generated $18.56 billion in overseas revenue, with Guangdong Province accounting for 80 percent of the nation's gaming industry output.

At the ICIF, which lasts from May 22 to 26, Guangdong unveiled a comprehensive "policy package" to further boost high-quality cultural industry development. The 13 gaming-specific policies focus on fostering original content, pushing technological innovation, training talent, and optimizing business environments. Industry leaders hailed the measures as a catalyst for expanding digital content exports.

Guangzhou, the provincial capital, hosts over 6,000 gaming companies, including 350 large-scale enterprises. Nine Guangzhou-based gaming firms were listed among China's key enterprises of cultural export last year, collectively generating over 19 billion yuan in overseas sales.

Many games exhibited at the ICIF integrated traditional Chinese cultural elements, resonating strongly with global audiences. From mythological narratives to artistic aesthetics, these titles exemplify how cultural depth enhances game play experiences while bridging cross-border appeal.