Scheme Offers New Access to Online Games Market in Mainland

Hong Kong's online games industry players are urged to participate in the Chinese Culture Online Games Publishing Scheme to make headway into the rapidly growing Mainland market, according to the Scheme's technical organizer in Hong Kong – the China Game Publishers Association (Hong Kong).

Launched in 2004 by the General Administration of Press and Publication, PRC, the Scheme aims to promote Chinese culture and traditional ethics on the online games platform and to advocate innovation and creativity in online games design. This year the Scheme has been extended to include applications from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Industry Support Centre (HKDEISC), managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, has been commissioned by the Association to coordinate these applications.

Mr Sze Yan Ngai, Convenor of the China Game Publishers Association (Hong Kong), said, "The Scheme offers an invaluable opportunity for Hong Kong companies to expand into the booming Mainland online games market which is otherwise open to indigenous products or companies only."

Commenting on the business potential of the Mainland online games market, Mr Sze said, "The online games market has experienced substantial growth recently. According to the 'China Game 2004' report published by the China Game Publishers Association (CGPA) and International Data Corporation (IDC), China, the total population of online game players in the Mainland is expected to grow from 20.3 million in 2004 to 56.8 million by 2009. During the same period, the online games market is projected to grow from RMB 2.47 billion to RMB 10.96 billion."

Introducing the details of the Scheme, Mr Vincent Yeung, Centre Manager of HKDEISC said, "From 2004 to 2008, the Scheme will select and publish 100 online games in the Mainland. To be eligible for the Scheme, the entries have to focus on the theme of Chinese culture and traditional ethics. While original games design is emphasized, the educational element of promoting a healthy lifestyle for young online games players is also a prime concern in the selection process."

"To encourage local companies' participation, HKDEISC and CGPA (HK) will provide specially-designed game engines and technology platforms featuring Chinese elements such as classical story role plays and Chinese painting techniques to support applicants in developing products that comply with the selection criteria," he said.

The closing date for application of the Scheme from Hong Kong is 8 October 2005. For further details, please contact HKDEISC's Mr Vincent Yeung at (852) 3166 3777, email: sny@hkpc.org or visit the website at: www.hkde.org.

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HKPC
21 September 2005