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TechPolicy

Tech hub Hangzhou pledges millions in annual subsidy for video gaming, esports amid signs of a thaw in China’s crackdown

  • Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province, has pledged 100 million yuan in annual funding to support video gaming and esports
  • The new programme reflects the city’s extensive preparations ahead of hosting next year’s Asian Games, where esports will be a medal event

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Hangzhou’s new funding programme for video gaming, esports and related industries reflects the city’s extensive preparations ahead of hosting the Asian Games in 2023. Illustration: Shutterstock
Ann Caoin Shanghai
Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province and one of China’s hubs for technology start-ups, has pledged 100 million yuan (US$14 million) in annual funding to support video gaming and esports, as recent signs point toward a thaw in the central government’s crackdown on these industries.
The plan was announced by Hangzhou’s municipal government in the same week the country’s semi-official gaming industry association declared that the video game addiction problem of minors was “basically solved”.

“[We should] dig deep into the comprehensive value of games, culture, technology and innovation, and further create a good ecosystem for the gaming industry,” said a Hangzhou official quoted by local media on Thursday.

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As part of the plan, a number of major academic institutions in the city – including Zhejiang University, China Academy of Art and Zhejiang Media Institute – will establish degrees for students to major in video game animation and esports, helping train new artists and developers.

A bird’s-eye view of the skyline of Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province. Photo: Shutterstock
A bird’s-eye view of the skyline of Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province. Photo: Shutterstock
The Hangzhou government said it will also “strengthen the regulation and positive guidance” on the video gaming industry, echoing the central government’s stance on keeping a tight grip on online content and restricting playing time of gamers aged under 18.
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The new annual funding programme for video game animation, esports and related industries reflects the city’s extensive preparations ahead of hosting the 2022 Asian Games, which will take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023.
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