Panasonic

The ex-Riot producer betting mini-games will be China's next big export

The Chinese gaming industry is undergoing a significant shift, characterized by increased confidence and a strategic focus on global expansion.

• The mini-game market is a significant emerging export for China, with global revenue projected to reach $9 billion in 2025, up from $7.6 billion in 2024.
• Major Western platforms including YouTube, Discord, Telegram, and LinkedIn are already integrating mini-game ecosystems, signaling a global shift toward this format.
• Chinese developers are increasingly successful because they integrate monetization strategies—such as hybrid IAP/IAA models and reward structures—early in the product design phase rather than treating them as post-development additions.