Chinese game which simulates what it’s like to be a parent tops Steam charts, beating Grand Theft Auto

The Chinese-only indie game allow players to guide their kids from a toddler all the way up to gaokao, the notorious college entrance exam

In “Chinese Parents”, players can improve their kid's stats by gifting them everything from test papers to movie tickets to video games. Photo: Handout

Chinese parenting has gained a reputation over the years for being particularly authoritarian – holding sway over almost every aspect of a child’s life, from learning a musical instrument to eventually finding a life partner.

Now you can experience for yourself what it’s like to be a Chinese parent in a new video game that’s proving so popular it’s outdoing Grand Theft Auto V, which simulates what it’s like to be a gangster.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.