Dundee researchers have published a framework to pave the way for more collaboration between the UK and Chinese video gaming industries.
Abertay University academics have analysed the sectors to see where the economic links could be best nurtured.
The InGAME International Pathway to Collaboration is thought to be the first comprehensive qualitative study to investigate the intersection between the Chinese and UK gaming ecosystems and provides insights into market dynamics and trends.
Produced by InGAME International, the report serves as a resource for games industry professionals and researchers seeking to initiate new collaborations between the two nations. It offers actionable recommendations and strategic guidance for navigating the complexities of cross-border collaboration within the gaming sector.
Some of the recommendations include reviewing and understanding the publishing differences in China and connecting with relevant government agencies and other forms of support for British business in China, including the British Embassy in Beijing and the Department for Business and Trade.
The report also provides insights into emerging market trends, highlighting the prominence of family-friendly and educational games in China. This trend is particularly notable due to the rigorous enforcement of censorship aimed at safeguarding minors.
Robin Sloan, professor of game design and culture based in Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics, said: “Our Pathway to Collaboration fills a crucial gap in our understanding of the intricacies of the UK and Chinese gaming landscapes.
“Throughout the project, we engaged with a diverse network of games organisations, sector agencies and academics spanning both nations, providing invaluable insights into the barriers that hinder cooperation, such as disparities in market profiles, consumption patterns, technologies, regulation, and business cultures, all of which have posed challenges for UK developers seeking to engage with the Chinese market.
“Building upon this firsthand knowledge as the cornerstone of the report, our objective is to provide a platform for professionals and researchers to forge collaborations that spark innovation and drive creativity within the games industry.”