The Chinese gaming landscape has witnessed a significant transformation with the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) unveiling its first batch of video game licenses for 2024. This release marks a pivotal moment, introducing a diverse array of titles that cater to both domestic and international audiences. Among these, Honor of Kings: World stands out as a beacon of innovation, promising an immersive open-world experience rooted in one of the world's most successful mobile games.

Discover the Future of Gaming with China's Latest Wave of Approved Titles

The Rise of Domestic Development

The NPPA's recent approval of 123 games from Chinese developers underscores a robust year for the nation's gaming industry. This figure slightly surpasses last December's record of 122 domestic licenses, signaling steady growth. One of the highlights is Honor of Kings: World, an ambitious project by TiMi Studio Group under Tencent. This upcoming action RPG aims to expand the universe of the highest-grossing mobile game globally, inviting players into a richly detailed open world. Post-licensing, Tencent revealed insights into the development process, hinting at further testing phases before the official launch date in China.

International Collaborations Flourish

Beyond domestic achievements, the NPPA also sanctioned 13 foreign titles, bringing the January total to an impressive 136 games. Noteworthy among these is Frostpunk: Beyond the Ice, the mobile adaptation of 11 bit studios' acclaimed strategy game, set to debut in China under the title "The Last Home." NetEase, a key player in this collaboration, will publish and operate the game, leveraging its expertise in the global market. Other notable inclusions are Spiritfarer (mobile), Fortress Saga: AFK RPG, Ultraman Card Game, and JUMP: Assemble—a 5v5 MOBA featuring iconic characters from beloved manga series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Reviving Canceled Projects

Among the approved titles, Star Resonance emerges as a compelling case study. Based on Bandai Namco’s recently canceled MMORPG Blue Protocol, this mobile game represents a second chance for a project that garnered significant interest before its untimely cancellation. The inclusion of such titles reflects the NPPA's willingness to support innovative and previously overlooked projects, providing a platform for them to reach new audiences.

A Year of Record-Breaking Growth

In 2024, the NPPA issued licenses for 1,416 video games, including 110 foreign titles. This represents a 31.7% increase from the previous year's 1,075 and nearly 2.8 times the total of 512 titles licensed in 2022. The surge in approvals signifies a thriving gaming ecosystem, driven by both local talent and international collaborations. This expansion not only enriches the gaming catalog but also positions China as a global leader in digital entertainment, fostering creativity and innovation across the board.