Two years ago, the Casual Game Association had a look at what Korea was doing with their casual games, micro-transactions and what we could expect to happen in America. Looking at how well the industry is doing there, we can see that China is starting to explode in the casual space.
Tencent QQ, one of the largest sites in China has announced that its gaming areas have received $39.8 million in the fourth quarter according to a JLM Pacific Epoch article. QQ games have both MMORPG games, advanced casual games and casual games ranging from bridge, mahjong and pool.
The article also announced that QQ had over 3.8 million concurrent users in the fourth quarter. This included the three different genres. The company also has over 300 million instant messenger users.
The advanced casual games, QQ Speed (which resembles a less cartoony Nexon Kartracer) and QQ Dance, use micro-transactions that range from clothing, songs and power-ups. The company hopes to add three more advanced casual games by the end of 2008.
The company also hopes to gain more ground in the Korean regions with its fighting game Dungeon and Fighter.
31 March 2008
QQ Games Grows in the Chinese Casual Space
