The 11th China International Digital Content Expo has opened with great fanfare at the National Agricultural Exhibition Center in Beijing. The country’s Ministry of Culture organized this event to promote the development of online culture and internet-related business.
This is one of the most influential digital content events in China. The expo emphasises the power of the cyber world, with the theme of "Cultural Strength, Creative Future".
Many digital content enterprises participated, with innovative products. Some key exhibitors also received awards for their contribution to the thriving culture of the Internet age.
"We noticed that lots of foreigners are very curious about Chinese culture. But cultural exchanges used to be very limited, only through economic and trade cooperation. But now, online games are playing an increasingly significant role in promoting Chinese culture. As the cultural elements embedded in online games can be seen, heard and felt," said Wang Yuyun, vice president of Beijing Perfect World.
Today, online games have become an essential pillar of the Chinese mainland games market.
The Chinese game overseas exports increased by nearly 20 times over the past ten years. By 2012, overseas export sales had reached 570 million US dollars.
"The trend towards globalisation is irresistible. Through mergers and acquisitions, the online game market has been developing in leaps and bounds. With independent R&D capabilities, our products have been exported to countries in Southeast Asia, Europe and north America," said Chen Fang, vice president of Shanda Games.
But entrepreneurs also say that China’s online game industry is currently reaching a turning point and will be moving towards a new stage of transformation.
"To better promote Chinese culture, the online gaming industry faces many challenges. We need to think about how to compete with more developed rivals from foreign countries, how to make products localized and acceptable, how to make full use of the advanced technology and how to nurture more talented engineers," Wang said.
China’s online gaming companies are becoming more competitive in overseas markets, pushing exports to record highs. And as the industry goes global, Chinese companies must continue to strengthen their innovation and cooperation to create products of higher quality and richer content.