Beijing’s Big Bet: Sweeping New Measures to Supercharge its Gaming and Esports Industry

Beijing is rolling out the red carpet for its gaming and esports industry, signaling a major push for growth and innovation with a fresh set of supportive policies.

On the afternoon of June 19th, 2025, the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee (Zhonggong Beijing Shiwei Xuanchuan Bu 中共北京市委宣传部) alongside other key departments dropped some exciting news: the “Support Measures (Tentative) for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Beijing’s Gaming and Esports Industry” (关于促进北京市游戏电竞行业高质量发展的支持办法（暂行）).

This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a comprehensive plan packed with 11 specific measures designed to turbocharge high-quality development and seriously beef up the core competitiveness of Beijing’s already buzzing gaming and esports scene.

Let’s dive into what this means for developers, publishers, and esports organizations.

Key Highlights: Beijing’s Game Plan for Dominance

Here’s a breakdown of the game-changing initiatives:

1. Streamlined Game Approvals: They’re looking to compress the review cycle for domestically produced online games. This means faster launches and less red tape. Plus, they’re boosting expert review capacity to ensure quality and efficiency stay high.

2. Speedy Copyright Registration: Got artwork, music, or video for your game? The copyright registration process is being slashed from 22 working days to within 10 working days. That’s a huge time-saver!

3. Support for New and Small Players: Relevant districts will be encouraged to cook up reward measures for newly minted gaming and esports companies. There’s a strong focus on attracting key enterprises and providing a leg up for eligible small and medium-sized gaming and esports businesses and innovative startups.

4. AI and AIGC Integration Boost: Beijing is betting big on tech. The city aims to promote deep integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AIGC with gaming and esports. Game companies can get support for improving R&D efficiency through computing power, large model deployment, and data governance. Even better? Rewards of up to ¥30 million RMB ($4.2 million USD) are on the table for eligible project investments in intelligent tech transformation.

5. Major Bucks for Major Events: Hosting a big esports tournament? Beijing wants to help. They’re offering rewards of up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) for international major esports events and ¥3 million RMB ($420,000 USD) for national ones held in the city.

6. More Support Incoming: The plan also includes measures for supporting venue construction and operation, encouraging and backing overseas expansion for local companies, and strengthening talent team building.

• Rewards up to ¥30 million RMB ($4.2 million USD) for AI tech transformation.
• Rewards up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) for hosting international major esports events.
• Rewards up to ¥3 million RMB ($420,000 USD) for hosting national major esports events.
• Rewards up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) for high-quality game projects officially launched.
• Rewards up to ¥500,000 RMB ($70,000 USD) for game works winning international/national awards.
• Rewards up to ¥1 million RMB ($140,000 USD) for hosting key esports events for the first time.
• Rewards up to ¥2 million RMB ($280,000 USD) for hosting game exhibitions/esports + consumption activities.
• Rewards up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) for enterprises with significant overseas performance.

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Positive Policy Vibes Spreading Across China

Beijing isn’t alone in recognizing the massive potential of the gaming sector.

Since the start of 2025, the industry has been basking in a wave of positive policy signals.

Earlier in June, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce and 17 other departments jointly issued “Several Measures Regarding Supporting Games Going Overseas” (关于支持游戏出海的若干措施). This initiative laid out 20 detailed rules aimed at increasing financial support, optimizing cross-border settlement, and facilitating data flow for game companies looking to expand globally.

And back on March 30th, Beijing’s own Shijingshan District (Shijingshan Qu 石景山区) rolled out its “Several Measures (Trial Implementation) for Shijingshan District to Support the High-Quality Development of the Gaming and Esports Industry” (石景山区支持游戏电竞产业高质量发展若干措施（试行）), showing early commitment to the sector’s growth.

A research report by Kaiyuan Securities (Kaiyuan Zhengquan 开源证券) highlighted that these “Measures” from Beijing comprehensively cover key areas such as the gaming overseas industry, platforms, and the broader ecosystem. This all-around policy support is expected to significantly boost the global competitiveness of Chinese game products and fuel the overall development of the gaming industry.

Market Data Screams Growth: The Numbers Don’t Lie

The enthusiasm is backed by some seriously impressive figures.

According to data from China Asset Management Co., Ltd. (ChinaAMC) (Huaxia Jijin 华夏基金), from January to April 2025, the domestic game market in China reached a staggering ¥113 billion RMB ($15.82 billion USD).

That’s a year-on-year increase of 18.9%, with mobile gaming showing even stronger growth at 22%.

New releases are crushing it too. Titles like “Supernatural Action Team” (超自然行动组) from Giant Network Group Co., Ltd.’s (Juren Wangluo 巨人网络) and “Sword Legend” (杖剑传说) by G-bits Network Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.’s (Jibite 吉比特) have performed exceptionally well. They’ve rocketed into the top 10 on the free chart and top 20 on the bestseller list respectively, proving that quality content is king and a key driver for the industry.

And it’s not just domestic success. Chinese publishers are making serious waves globally.

In May alone, 33 Chinese publishers generated a combined $2.02 billion USD in revenue, accounting for a massive 36.6% of the top 100 global mobile game publisher revenue. This clearly indicates a continuous strengthening of their overseas competitiveness.

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Gaming Sector Bullish Sentiment Warms Up: Investors Are Taking Notice

It’s no surprise that with all this positive momentum, the gaming sector has been on a steady upward trajectory since the beginning of the year.

Data from East Money Information Co., Ltd. (Dongfang Caifù 东方财富) Choice shows that as of June 19th, the overall gain for the gaming sector was an impressive 24.09%.

Recently, the sector has continued its strong performance. Gaming stocks have broadly strengthened, driving bullish sentiment across the media industry.

On June 19th, A-share gaming stocks saw a surge. 37 Interactive Entertainment (Sanqi Huyú 三七互娱) jumped over 8% during the trading session. Other major players like Glacier Network (Bingchuan Wangluo 冰川网络), Giant Network Group Co., Ltd. (Juren Wangluo 巨人网络), and G-bits Network Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. (Jibite 吉比特) also saw positive movement.

Looking at indices, the CSI Animation and Gaming Index has risen by 18.89% year-to-date.

This index features heavy hitters like 37 Interactive Entertainment (Sanqi Huyú 三七互娱), Kingnet Network Co., Ltd. (Kaiying Wangluo 恺英网络), Ultrapower Software Co., Ltd. (Shenzhou Taiyue 神州泰岳), and Giant Network Group Co., Ltd. (Juren Wangluo 巨人网络) – all poised to benefit from AI technology innovation.

It also includes Enlight Media (Guangxian Chuanmei 光线传媒), a leader in the A-share IP gaming industry.

This strong index performance has naturally led to pleasing gains for several passively managed index funds.

Wind data reveals that as of June 19th, the Huatai PineBridge CSI Animation and Gaming ETF has gained 20.68% year-to-date.

Similarly, the Cathay CSI Animation and Gaming ETF and ChinaAMC CSI Animation and Gaming ETF have also seen gains nearing 20%.

Kaiyuan Securities (Kaiyuan Zhengquan 开源证券) analysis suggests that the gaming industry is currently maintaining high growth momentum.

This is driven by a powerful combination of strong user consumption demand and a steady release of game supply.

Given the industry’s upward product cycle, expected performance inflection point, continuous AI empowerment, and robust policy support, Kaiyuan Securities recommends continuing to increase allocation to the gaming sector.

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Full Text: Support Measures (Tentative) for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Beijing’s Gaming and Esports Industry

Issued by: Beijing Municipal Publicity Department of the CPC, Beijing Municipal Talent Work Bureau, Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Science Park Management Committee (on behalf of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission), Beijing Municipal Economy and Information Technology Bureau, Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Beijing Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Committee, Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, Beijing Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Service and Data Management.

Date: June 17, 2025

To accelerate new cultural forms, cultivate new business models, boost Beijing’s gaming/esports competitiveness, benefit enterprises, and build a national cultural center, these measures align with national and municipal guidelines supporting excellent online games and new cultural productive forces.

I. Improve Review Quality and Efficiency

We’re working to compress the review cycle for game approvals.

There will be stronger application guidance for publishing pilot domestically produced online games.

We’ll also increase game expert review capacity.

This aims to effectively enhance review capabilities and improve overall review quality.

Key districts like Chaoyang District (Chaoyang Qu 朝阳区), Haidian District (Haidian Qu 海淀区), Shijingshan District (Shijingshan Qu 石景山区), and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) (Jingkai Qu 经开区) are exploring ways to include review matters for publishing domestically produced online game works into comprehensive service windows.

The Beijing Municipal Press and Publication Bureau will guide industry associations in personnel training.

The Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Service and Data Management (Shi Zhengwu Fuwu he Shuju Guanlijú 市政务服务和数据管理局) will guide relevant district government service departments to cooperate in extending this service.

II. Improve Copyright Service Mechanisms

We’re offering full guidance services for imported game contract registration and filing.

The copyright registration process for artwork, music, and video materials used in games will be compressed from 22 working days to within 10 working days.

Leveraging administrative and judicial collaboration, copyright mediation, and cross-regional dispute resolution, we’ll provide fast and efficient resolution of copyright disputes for enterprises.

This includes support for copyright protection, dispute mediation, and guidance on overseas rights protection, risk prevention, and litigation risk assessment.

In line with the “notice-and-takedown” rule, relevant enterprises will be urged to stop infringing acts, delete infringing content, and fulfill their obligations.

III. Strengthen Support for High-Quality Creation

We are organizing and implementing Beijing’s Excellent Online Game Publishing Project.

A key online game topic database will be established.

This will guide the launch of high-quality Beijing-produced online games that have correct value orientation, reflect Beijing’s unique “four cultures,” and possess strong market competitiveness.

A docking and cooperation mechanism between gaming companies and historical/cultural scenic spots will be established, with full support for filming services.

For high-quality game projects that have obtained a game license (approved by the National Press and Publication Administration) and were officially launched for the first time in the previous year, rewards of up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) will be given to the game development and operation companies after evaluation.

For works that have won international or national awards or honors, rewards of up to ¥500,000 RMB ($70,000 USD) will be given.

For key excellent online game projects, comprehensive services such as talent introduction, policy support, and technology application will be provided on an “one case, one discussion” basis.

IV. Encourage Technological Innovation Application

We’re pushing for the deep integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AIGC with the gaming and esports industry.

This will accelerate the innovative application of tech achievements in all aspects of game R&D and operation.

The number and application proportion of topics related to high and new tech in game R&D within cultural technology projects will be increased.

Support will be provided to gaming and esports enterprises and relevant market entities for laying out areas such as AI, game engines, game development tools, interactive streaming media, and extended reality.

We encourage the establishment of key laboratories and carrying out core technology breakthroughs.

Gaming companies will be supported in improving R&D efficiency through computing power construction, large model deployment, and data governance.

For undertaking intelligent technological transformation, rewards of up to ¥30 million RMB ($4.2 million USD) will be provided based on eligible project investments.

V. Guide Industrial Cluster Development

Relevant districts will be guided to research and formulate reward measures for newly established gaming and esports companies.

Efforts to attract key enterprises will be increased.

Support policies for the development funds for small and medium-sized enterprises will be well utilized to provide support to eligible SMEs and innovative enterprises in gaming and esports.

Parks like Dongjin International Center in Chaoyang District (Chaoyang Qu 朝阳区), Beijing AI Innovation Street Area (Beijing Rengong Zhineng Chuangxin Jiequ 北京人工智能创新街区) in Haidian District (Haidian Qu 海淀区), Shougang Park (Shou’gang Yuan 首钢园) in Shijingshan District (Shijingshan Qu 石景山区), and Beijing Smart Esports Center (Beijing Zhihui Dianjing Zhongxin 北京智慧电竞中心) in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) (Jingkai Qu 经开区) are encouraged to increase their layout and policy support for gaming and esports.

This includes providing “one-stop” settlement services, support for R&D, publishing, and operation of high-quality games, hosting esports events, and establishing clubs.

They will also match publishing resources, offer one-on-one comprehensive services to enterprises entering the park, and be prioritized for selection as municipal-level cultural industry parks.

VI. Support Events and Activities

Key esports events and activities support will be included in municipal-level large-scale sports events and cultural, commercial, tourism, and sports service support mechanisms.

We will promote the hosting of international top-tier events and national high-level events.

Hosting esports events in dual-Olympic venues or key sports venues is encouraged and supported.

Influential local brand events with good development prospects and significant market value will also be supported.

Municipal esports event grading standards will be researched and formulated.

After evaluation:

• For international major esports events held in Beijing: maximum rewards of up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD).
• For national major esports events held in Beijing: maximum rewards of up to ¥3 million RMB ($420,000 USD).
• For key esports events held in Beijing for the first time: a reward of up to ¥1 million RMB ($140,000 USD).
• For hosting influential local events: a reward of up to ¥500,000 RMB ($70,000 USD).
• For hosting game exhibitions, esports + consumption activities: a reward of up to ¥2 million RMB ($280,000 USD).

VII. Support Venue Construction and Operation

Subject to meeting territorial spatial planning requirements, we will support and provide services for esports venue construction project approval, land planning, venue renovation, and other related work.

For the renovation of old factories into esports venues, support in funding and land will be provided by referencing relevant policies, such as those from the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission on utilizing vacated industrial space and the Beijing Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Committee on land use in urban renewal.

Support will be given for establishing coordinating mechanisms by the venues’ resident jurisdictions based on actual conditions to ensure smooth venue operation.

VIII. Encourage and Support Overseas Expansion

We will fully utilize support policies, like those for new cultural productive forces and innovative service trade development.

Beijing-based gaming and esports enterprises are encouraged to explore international markets.

Support will be given for products to play a role in cultural promotion overseas, increase operational revenue, and promote event transformation.

For enterprises with significant overseas performance, rewards of up to ¥5 million RMB ($700,000 USD) will be given after evaluation.

IX. Strengthen Talent Team Building

Outstanding talents from gaming and esports enterprises will be supported in applying for national and municipal key talent projects and included within talent funding.

Support for the introduction of gaming and esports talents and handling of work and residence permits will be increased.

For main creative personnel whose works are selected for national projects like the “Excellent Online Game Publishing Project” or “China Game Ten Strong” and have achieved outstanding results, or individuals selected for national talent projects, the requirements for applying for senior professional titles in animation and gaming can be relaxed.

X. Strengthen Positive Value Guidance

Guided by socialist core values, correct content orientation and value orientation will be integrated into the entire process of gaming and esports industry development.

Various management requirements will be strictly implemented, and the content orientation of gaming and esports will be managed.

Enterprises will be guided to consciously fulfill their social responsibilities, strengthen industry self-discipline, and strictly implement requirements for preventing minors from becoming addicted to online games.

A healthy gaming and esports ecosystem will be cultivated, with strengthened positive publicity for excellent works and players, guiding the public to an objective and comprehensive understanding of the industry.

XI. Strengthen Policy Organization and Implementation

A joint working mechanism will be established to promptly research and resolve major issues in the industry’s development, strengthen work linkage, and form synergy.

Policy integration will be promoted, information channels unblocked, and a standardized mechanism for interpreting enterprise-benefiting policies established.

Relevant departments at municipal and district levels, industry associations, other social organizations, and professional institutions will be encouraged to strengthen targeted and integrated policy publicity.

All districts are encouraged to formulate relevant promotion measures in line with their regional positioning, forming a new development pattern of overall planning, collaborative promotion, and comprehensive improvement for Beijing’s gaming and esports ecosystem.

Responsible Units:

• Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee (Zhonggong Beijing Shiwei Xuanchuan Bu 中共北京市委宣传部)
• Beijing Municipal Talent Work Bureau (Beijing Shi Rencai Gongzuojú 北京市人才工作局)
• Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission (Beijing Shi Fazhan he Gaige Weiyuanhui 北京市发展和改革委员会)
• Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Zhongguancun Science Park Management Committee (Beijing Shi Kexue Jishu Weiyuanhui, Zhongguancun Keji Yuanqu Guanli Weiyuanhui 北京市科学技术委员会、中关村科技园区管理委员会)
• Beijing Municipal Economy and Information Technology Bureau (Beijing Shi Jingji he Xinxihua Jú 北京市经济和信息化局)
• Beijing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau (Beijing Shi Renli Ziyuan he Shehui Baozhang Jú 北京市人力资源和社 会保障局)
• Beijing Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Committee (Beijing Shi Guihua he Ziran Ziyuan Weiyuanhui 北京市规划和自然资源委员会)
• Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau (Beijing Shi Shangwú Jú 北京市商务局)
• Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau (Beijing Shi Wenhua he Lüyou Jú 北京市文化和旅游局)
• Beijing Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (Beijing Shi Renmin Zhengfu Guoyou Zichan Jiandu Guanli Weiyuanhui 北京市人民政府国有资产监督管理委员会)
• Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau (Beijing Shi Tiyù Jú 北京市体育局)
• Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Service and Data Management (Beijing Shi Zhengwu Fuwu he Shuju Guanlijú 市政务服务和数据管理局)

References

• Boiling! Just now, the Good News Arrived – China Fund News
• Zhejiang’s 17 Departments Jointly Issue Several Measures to Support Games Going Overseas – East Money
• Shijingshan District Releases Several Measures to Support High-Quality Development of Gaming and Esports Industry – The Beijing News