We updated our website! Want to try it? If you prefer, you can still keep using this version.
Try It Now!

July 2020 Recap: RPG games in China

Posted by: APPTUTTi
Category: Blog,News

Abstract

RPG is the No.1 popular genre in Chinese mobile game market. High quality features and interesting game plot are the most significant elements in RPGs.

“Onmyoji” is a role-playing online game developed by Chinese game manufacturer NetEase Games based on the Japanese Onmyoji culture.”

China is a $33 billion market with over 691 million hungry mobile gamers, which translates to huge potential for all developers. Many foreign developers and publishers want to break into and succeed in the Chinese game market but aren’t exactly sure which genres attract Chinese gamers the most.

According to TapTap, one of the most popular interactive communities for Android gamers in China, role-playing games (RPGs) take the lead, while action, ACGN (animation comic game novel), simulation and strategy games round out the top 5 genres in TapTap’s list of hottest mobile game downloads.

RPGs are big in China, but not many realize just how big it is.

Role-playing Games: 

No.1 Genre in Chinese Mobile Game Market

When it comes to games that generate the highest revenues, RPGs dominate the charts. Thanks to a level of depth and complexity that keeps fans engaged over long periods, RPGs attract hugely loyal fanbases. According to data from YiGuan Analysys, turn-based RPG games have the highest ‘stickiness’ of any game genre.

While “King of Glory” maintains its #1 spot in game download lists as the most popular action (MOBA) game, RPGs made up almost half of the top 20 games by revenue in July 2020.

Out of the 9 RPGs, “Tears of Themis”, the #3 most downloaded Android game, is an otome (a story-based video game that is targeted towards women) and many players commented that they downloaded the game as they were greatly attracted to its beautiful features.

TapTap 2020 July Most Played Ranking (RPGs):

#3 —  Tears of Themis

#5 —  Sky: Children of the Light

#7 —  X2

#8 —  The Marvelous Snail

#10 — Onmyoji

#11 — The World

#13 — Princess Connect! Re:Dive

#15 — A Dream of Jianghu

#17 — Punishing: Gray Raven

High quality features and interesting game plots are the most significant elements in RPGs. Most Chinese RPG players are homebodies. This community is deeply influenced by Japanese anime cultures which place high regard on appearances. Thus, a good-looking character will instantly trigger a download. The game plot is another element to keep these players around and hooked.

In addition to RPGs, simulation games are developing well in China as well. For example, “Jiangnan”, ranked #2, is a Chinese ancient style simulator which recently became the hottest game topic in the Chinese Twitter, Weibo.

China Mobile Games Monitor

A particularly exciting phenomenon among Chinese gamers is that they tend to focus on the exquisiteness of the game. At the same time, western gamers tend to focus more heavily on the excitement of the gameplay itself. While it’s not true that gameplay doesn’t matter in China, players will often make decisions to try games that are more visually captivating.

The most important thing is to show the unique and fresh part of the game to your target audience. Whether it’s unique gameplay or art design, make sure your game has something to separate itself from the pack. Due to the vast population of the Chinese mobile game market, even if a small group of gamers is interested in the game, the game could still make a substantial profit.

The Chinese mobile game market is fiercely competitive. A good quality game must take into account many aspects, such as adequate research and planning. Beyond that, local promotional activities are also a particularly important element. Only launching an excellent and unique game doesn’t mean it will be prosperous.

Sources:

https://www.taptap.com/top/played

https://www.mintegral.com/en/blog/what-are-the-hottest-mobile-game-genres-in-china-right-now/

Author: APPTUTTi