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New Shanghai policy may accelerate foreign game approvals in China
Shanghai's new policy may speed up foreign game approvals by allowing foreign-developed games to be treated as domestic titles, potentially shortening the process and positioning Shanghai as a gaming hub. This could enable companies like Ubisoft and Blizzard to bypass lengthy import approvals, reflecting a significant shift in China's game licensing landscape.
Key points
- Shanghai government released a policy promoting the software and information services industry.
- Pilot program allows foreign-developed games in Shanghai to be treated as domestic titles.
- This measure aims to shorten foreign game approval timelines significantly.
- The policy is designed to position Shanghai as an international gaming innovation hub.
- International companies like Ubisoft and Blizzard may benefit from reduced regulatory burdens.
- China's game licensing is controlled by NPPA, which approved 1,416 games in 2024 (1,306 domestic, 110 foreign).
Why it matters
- Historically, China's strict gaming regulations have slowed market entry for foreign developers.
- By 2025, the trend towards digital globalization could enhance connections between international and Chinese gaming ecosystems.
- This policy reflects a broader shift in China's approach to attract foreign investment and innovation in key industries.
The new Shanghai policy represents a potentially transformative change in China's gaming industry, encouraging foreign investment and innovation while streamlining approval processes for international games.