Singapore/Beijing, China – According to a 16 January, 2025 report by global strategic insights practice Canvas8, China’s mobile gaming scene is thriving like never before, with millions of players embracing everything from fantasy RPGs to casual minigames. In a country where digital connections are fast becoming a lifeline for the socially disconnected, gaming is increasingly seen as a vital tool for forging relationships, offering brief escapes from the stresses of modern life, and serving as a space for self-expression.
The report, How mobile games help Chinese gamers build connections, was authored by Nicole Cord-Cruz and features expert comment from James Deighan, founder of Mega Cat Studios, a retro-inspired game development company, and Yaroslav Melnyk, a digital media expert specialising in gaming, streaming, and interactive design and the co-founder of kudos.tv.
The Canvas8 experts found that, even as China’s gaming industry booms, concerns over addiction and the psychological impact of prolonged gaming have prompted developers to rethink the way their games promote healthy, mindful play.
The Unstoppable Rise of Mobile Gaming in China
Mobile gaming in China has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. With 730 million players, the country represents over 31.7% of the global mobile gaming revenue. By 2027, this market is projected to hit $57 billion. The industry’s explosive growth can be attributed to a combination of cutting-edge technology, affordable smartphones, and highly engaging games that rival console experiences. According to Yaroslav Melnyk, CEO of kudos.tv, “Chinese developers have become masters at delivering top-tier ‘AAA’ quality mobile games based on well-known Western IPs. Games like Call of Duty Mobile, Marvel Super War, and Dead by Daylight Mobile are prime examples. These games stand out because of their exceptional production quality, rivalling console and PC titles, yet they’re completely free to play. When you offer something of such high quality tied to globally popular franchises for free, it’s inevitable that these games will dominate the market.”
The industry’s success is also attributed to the rise of platforms like WeChat, where minigames have exploded in popularity. These bite-sized games, which require only five to ten minutes to complete, fit seamlessly into the hectic schedules of Chinese players, many of whom experience burnout from long working hours.
The Growing Social Role of Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming has evolved from a pastime into a social phenomenon. For many players, games now offer a critical space for connection, community, and shared experiences. A growing trend among young people is the rise of “dazi” — a term used to describe a gaming partner or companion. For 72.6% of Chinese youth aged 18-35, dazi relationships are essential to their social lives, according to recent research by China Youth Daily and wenjuan.com. As one respondent put it, “In the gaming world, many players actively seek their own dazi, coordinating schedules to play together and strengthen their bonds.”
These connections are seen as less complicated and more comfortable than traditional friendships. “Unlike traditional friendships, dazi connections are free from age, location, or social obligations. These relationships prioritize freedom, comfort, and mutual enjoyment,” the report explains. The appeal of gaming lies in its accessibility—especially for young professionals or those without large social circles. It provides a low-barrier means of making meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
In parallel with the rise of dazi, services like pei wan — online gaming companions — are also gaining traction. These companions help alleviate the social pressure of group gaming, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. For some players, these interactions are a necessary escape from the loneliness of urban life.
Escapism and Mental Health: A Double-Edged Sword
While gaming offers valuable connections and socialisation, it also raises concerns about over-reliance on digital interactions. The Chinese government has enacted strict regulations aimed at curbing addiction, limiting playtime for younger gamers and pushing platforms to integrate more robust addiction-prevention features. Despite these efforts, many young players continue to spend long hours gaming, with some logging up to four hours daily, even in the face of strict limits.
James Deighan, CEO of Mega Cat Studios, explains that games can serve as a powerful form of escapism, helping players cope with stress and anxiety. “Gaming as a form of escapism sets genres with open-world or romance-focused gameplay at the top of the list. Audiences can come back more often, stay for longer gameplay sessions, and continue getting ‘lost’ in each game’s universe while they escape from real life,” he says. This makes mobile gaming a double-edged sword, offering both relief and potential dependency.
Minigames: Instant Gratification in a Fast-Paced Society
Alongside the rise of immersive RPGs, low-stakes minigames are seeing explosive growth. These simple, quick-to-play games have captured the attention of two-thirds of Chinese mobile gamers. According to Melnyk, “One reason for this shift could be the increasing integration of minigames into Chinese ‘super-apps’ like WeChat. These games are designed to be quick and easy, requiring only five to ten minutes to complete a gameplay loop. This makes them ideal for urban lifestyles, where people may only have brief moments of downtime during commutes or work breaks.”
The growing demand for minigames is not just about accessibility — it’s also big business. In 2023, the Chinese minigame market generated a staggering ¥20 billion, accounting for a substantial portion of the country’s overall gaming revenue. Developers are capitalising on this demand, with reskinned versions of popular games often going viral, delivering both profitability and accessibility to millions.
The Future of Chinese Gaming: Balancing Growth and Responsibility
As China continues to lead the global gaming industry, developers and players alike face the challenge of balancing growth with responsible gaming. Deighan suggests that developers can incorporate features that encourage mindful play, such as time limits or in-game reminders to take breaks. “Setting time blocks and limits for total gameplay sessions is a common tool that allows players to set boundaries that prompt them to sleep, exercise, and return to their non-digital lives more often,” he says.
In response to the increasing demand for immersive experiences, developers are focusing on creating more authentic and engaging game worlds. “Players want brands to elevate a game by adding authenticity of some level of reward without interrupting the power fantasy of the game or disrupting the game’s universe with a logo that’s slapped on without thoughtful planning,” says Deighan. Games like Genshin Impact and the recently released Black Myth: Wukong blend rich storytelling, immersive environments, and cultural authenticity to create experiences that keep players coming back for more.
Conclusion: A Global Gaming Powerhouse with an Eye on the Future
Mobile gaming in China is evolving rapidly, reshaping the way players connect with each other, offering new forms of escapism, and driving the industry to new heights. As developers continue to push boundaries, the focus on balance, mindfulness, and inclusivity will likely be crucial for the long-term success of the industry. The future of Chinese mobile gaming is not just about entertainment; it’s about forging meaningful connections that transcend physical borders and societal barriers.
How mobile games help Chinese gamers build connections may be requested from Danny Chaplin on info@chaplinpr.com
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