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6 Things you must know before Advertising your game in China

08/11/2023 Written by The Game Marketer

Are you a video game developer looking to market your game in China? Well, you’re in luck! With an ever-increasing population of gamers numbering over 685 million and millions worth of potential revenue at stake, the Chinese gaming space is proving to be a lucrative one for game developers. However, before committing any resources to advertising your game in this vast country you must understand the cultural nuances involved – what kind of content works best with Chinese gamers, how to localise the experience successfully and most importantly gaining acceptance from regulators. Here we have compiled 6 essential things you need to know before embarking on marketing your amazing new video game title in China.

1. Understand the Chinese gaming market - research the current trends and regulations in China

2. Identify your target audience - determine who is most likely to be interested in your game

3. Choose an appropriate marketing channel - consider both online and offline methods

4. Account for App Store Optimisation (ASO) - optimising your game's visibility and discoverability within the app stores

5. Prepare a localised version of the game - adjust the language, graphics, and gameplay to fit Chinese users

6. Consider partnering with local influencers (KOLs) – identify popular personalities who can promote your game

Understand the Chinese gaming market - research the current trends and regulations in China

1. Understand the Chinese gaming market - research the current trends and regulations in China

China has strict regulations for game content and advertising. Familiarise yourself with the rules set by regulatory bodies such as the State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Ensure your game and advertising materials comply with these regulations to avoid potential penalties or bans.

As the world's largest gaming market, China has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. The country's gaming industry has seen tremendous growth due to the rise of mobile gaming, esports, and cloud gaming. However, understanding the Chinese gaming market can be a daunting task, especially due to its unique regulations and cultural differences. Conducting thorough research on current trends and regulations in China is crucial for any game developer or publisher looking to enter the market. With China's gaming market projected to continue its growth in the coming years, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and adapt accordingly.

2. Identify your target audience - determine who is most likely to be interested in your game

Identify your target audience - determine who is most likely to be interested in your game

Before you can start promoting your game, it's important to identify your target audience. Who are the people that your game was designed for? What are their interests, hobbies, and preferences? Not only does understanding your audience make it easier to create promotional materials that will appeal to them, but it also helps you focus your marketing efforts on the people who are most likely to be interested in your game. In a market where competition is fierce, choosing your audience wisely could be the key to the success of your game. So take the time to research and analyse your target audience, and tailor your promotional efforts accordingly.

Choose an appropriate marketing channel - consider both online and offline methods

3. Choose an appropriate marketing channel - consider both online and offline methods

When advertising your game in China, it is crucial to consider both online and offline marketing channels. Online, focus on popular social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin, engage with gaming communities and forums, utilise game streaming platforms, and leverage app stores and in-game advertising. Offline, participate in gaming events and conferences, explore traditional media outlets, utilise outdoor advertising, and consider merchandising and collaborations. By combining these channels and adapting your strategies to the preferences of the Chinese gaming market, you can effectively promote your game and reach a broader audience.

As a business owner, deciding on the appropriate marketing channel to reach your target audience can be a daunting task. With the rise of technology, online marketing channels have become increasingly popular, but that doesn't mean they are the best fit for every business. It's essential to consider both online and offline methods when choosing your marketing channels, as some audiences may respond better to traditional advertising methods. This is especially important when it comes to advertising in China, where cultural differences and language barriers can make online marketing less effective. By carefully weighing your options and analysing your target audience, you can choose the marketing channels that will help you connect with your customers and achieve your business goals.

Account for App Store Optimisation (ASO)

4. Account for App Store Optimisation (ASO) - optimising your game's visibility and discoverability within the app stores

To optimise your mobile game's visibility and discoverability in China's competitive app stores, effective App Store Optimisation (ASO) is vital. To optimise your game's visibility, focus on keyword optimisation by researching and incorporating relevant keywords used by Chinese gamers. Localise your app store listing, translating all text elements into Mandarin Chinese and adapting the content to align with Chinese cultural preferences. Use visually appealing screenshots and videos that highlight key features and resonate with the target audience. Encourage positive ratings and reviews from Chinese players to enhance credibility. Familiarise yourself with app store guidelines and comply with regulations to avoid rejection or removal. Consider running targeted promotional campaigns within the app stores to increase visibility, and explore opportunities for featuring your game as a recommended or top-ranking app. By implementing these ASO strategies, you can enhance discoverability, attract organic traffic, and increase user engagement in China's gaming market.

Prepare a localised version of the game - adjust the language, graphics, and gameplay to fit Chinese users

5. Prepare a localised version of the game - adjust the language, graphics, and gameplay to fit Chinese users

To prepare a localised version of your game for Chinese users in China, it is crucial to adjust the language, graphics, and gameplay. This involves translating all in-game text into Mandarin Chinese, incorporating Chinese cultural elements into the visuals, adapting difficulty levels and gameplay mechanics to suit Chinese players' preferences, and conducting thorough localisation testing. By making these adjustments, you can create a tailored experience that resonates with Chinese users, ensuring cultural relevance, immersion, and a higher chance of success in the Chinese gaming market.

Localisation goes beyond translation. Adapt your game's content to resonate with Chinese players, including culturally relevant events, festivals, and themes. Incorporate Chinese elements, characters, and storytelling to create a more immersive experience for the local audience. Additionally, pay attention to color symbolism and avoid any symbols or references that may be considered offensive.

As globalisation continues to drive the gaming industry forward, companies are realising the importance of game localisation in China. To cater to the rapidly growing Chinese gaming market, it's essential to adapt your game's language, graphics, and gameplay to suit the local audience. In addition to the language barrier, cultural differences and preferences need to be considered as well. When advertising your game in China, try using local social media platforms to gain more traction. Successful game localisation in China can increase player engagement and retention, ultimately leading to a boost in revenue for your company. So, if you're looking to expand your game's audience, game localisation in China is the way to go.


Consider partnering with local influencers (KOLs) – identify popular personalities who can promote your game

6. Consider partnering with local influencers (KOLs) – identify popular personalities who can promote your game

Influencer marketing (KOL Marketing) has become a popular strategy in China for promoting products and services. Incorporating this approach into your game promotion can help create buzz and attract attention from potential players. One effective way to do this is by partnering with local influencers - individuals who have established a strong following and are highly respected in their respective fields. These influencers can help spread the word about your game to their audience and generate interest in your offering. With the right influencer partnerships, you can build a strong presence in the gaming community and bring your game to the forefront of the market.

Entering the Chinese gaming market can seem daunting at first, but knowing what steps to take and how best to market your game can make it an attainable endeavor. After understanding of the marketplace, identifying your target audience, selecting marketing channels, crafting a creative ad campaign, localising your game, and partnering with influencers, you are sure to have devised an effective strategy for reaching Chinese gamers. Utilising these detailed steps is key in order to successfully engage with the vast population of Chinese players.


If you're seeking to expand your gaming business in China, we extend a warm invitation to you. Our objective is to offer comprehensive assistance at every step of your venture into the dynamic gaming landscape of China. Through our dedicated support, we are confident that you can successfully establish your foothold in this competitive, yet highly rewarding market. To learn more about how we can assist you, please checkout our China video game marketing services.