Research firm Niko Partners has predicted that the Chinese games industry will make a massive $47.76 billion in 2023.

That's a 5.2 per cent increase year-on-year, particularly impressive given that 2022 saw a 2.5 per cent decrease on 2021. In total, the country's games audience will grow to 710.3 million, a 1.63 per cent increase.

Niko says that growth is being driven by more regular approvals and more games coming out in general. That's on top of higher spending on older games.

“China’s recovering video game market is good news amid the underwhelming post-COVID economy.” Niko CEO and president Lisa Hanson said.

“The rebound brings more optimism to 2024 outlook. As we see more games launches and approvals, esports boom, as well as Chinese game companies’ continued expansion, China will continue to play a vital role in the global games industry.”

Niko also predicts that the Chinese games industry will be making $56.7 billion by 2027.