Originality urged as online gamers hit 330m

SHANGHAI -- China's online gaming community included 330 million netizens as of June, more than doubling last year's 160 million gamers in just six months, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has said.

In other words, more than 60 percent of the country's 538 million Internet users play online games, contributing 24.84 billion yuan ($3.89 billion) in revenue that the industry reported in the first half, according to figures revealed Wednesday at the 10th China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference.

Meanwhile, Sun Shoushan, head of the General Administration of Press and Publication, vowed to strengthen efforts to bolster more quality domestically-produced online games in an effort to improve the originality-starved industry.

"The GAPP will give priority to publishing more quality China-made online games... providing greater support for outstanding domestic online game companies and the production of good games," Sun said during the event.

Despite the industry's growing popularity, the country's own online game products have been criticized for duplicating subject matters and gaming styles, as well as a lack of technical input.

"While tightening approval standards for online games, the GAPP will continue to create green channels for products with original content, exquisite style and independent technology during their research, development and publishing," Sun added.

The expo, also known as ChinaJoy, is reportedly the largest gaming convention in Asia. It's jointly sponsored by GAPP, Shanghai's municipal government and the ministries of education, science and technology, and industry and information technology.

The five-day event started on Wednesday and is expected to showcase more than 600 gaming products made by 349 companies from over 30 countries and regions, along with themed forums, cosplay and gaming contests.