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TechTech Trends

Chinese video games, including global hit Genshin Impact, shine in Google Play’s list of top apps

  • The hit title Genshin Impact, developed by Shanghai-based miHoYo, won for Best Ongoing game, beating out Candy Crush Saga, Pokémon GO and Roblox
  • Chinese game developers have been doubling down on the overseas market as growth prospects at home have dimmed

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In this photo illustration taken March 26, 2021, a Genshin Impact logo is seen displayed on a smartphone. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Coco Fengin BeijingandAnn Caoin Shanghai

Three out of nine video games recognised by Google Play in its annual list of top apps were developed by studios in China, an indication of the popularity of Chinese games in the global market, as Google’s app store is not available in the country.

The phenomenally popular title Genshin Impact, developed by Shanghai-based miHoYo, won the Best Ongoing game, beating other nominees such as Candy Crush Saga, Pokémon GO and Roblox. The role-playing game Dislyte from Shanghai-based Lilith Games was awarded Best Multiplayer game, while Tower of Fantasy, developed by Shenzhen-listed Perfect World, won in the Best for Tablets category, according to Google Play.

The wins highlight the popularity of Chinese video games in international markets at a time when developers at home are facing an increasingly hostile market environment. The Chinese gaming business is also difficult for overseas studios to navigate. Blizzard Entertainment is set to end its distribution partnership with China’s NetEase, and the US firm may be forced to pull out of China market if it cannot find another local partner.

Chinese game developers have been doubling down on the overseas market as growth prospects at home have dimmed amid economic headwinds, weak consumer sentiment and strict regulatory oversight. The National Press and Publication Administration, China’s top watchdog for video gaming, introduced a rule in August last year that limits gaming time for players under 18 to between 8pm and 9pm, and only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.

Google Play, Google’s official app store and one of the most popular app stores for Android phones, is not available in China due to Beijing’s Great Firewall. Google services, including its search engine, are also blocked by China. The US tech giant pulled its search engine out of mainland China in 2010 after refusing to comply with Beijing’s request to censor Chinese search results.

In addition to gaming, a Chinese app called Plant Parent, which helps users manage gardening activities, identify flowers and contact botanic experts, won the Best Everyday Essentials award. The app was developed by Glority, an artificial intelligence start-up based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. The company was founded in 2009 by Carnegie Mellon University graduate Luo Huan.

The exterior of Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
The exterior of Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

Apps from Asian start-ups were also mentioned in Google Play’s annual list. BandLab, a music creation app developed by Singapore’s BandLab Technologies, was named Best for Chromebooks, while adventure game Deemo II, from Taiwan-based Rayark International, received an honourable mention in the Best Story category.

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