However, regulators have warned about potential demand decline. The reason cited is growing anti-American sentiment among Chinese gamers, angered by the escalation of the trade conflict.

In a statement from the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), it was emphasized:

The reckless sanction measures by the US administration have deeply offended Chinese citizens. This will inevitably reduce market interest in US products and affect local companies' publishing decisions.

At the same time, the authority clarified that they do not plan to impose formal restrictions, respecting the market choice of players and publishers. The regulator expressed hope that Washington would reconsider its position and "resume mutually beneficial cooperation".

Last year, the Chinese regulator issued 1,416 game publishing licenses, yet only 110 of them went to studios not affiliated with China.

Black Myth: WukongImage: reddit.com

In a conversation with The Game Business, Lisa Hanson, head of analytics firm Niko Partners, confirmed that calls to boycott American goods, including video games, are increasingly appearing on Chinese internet platforms. In her opinion, such sentiment could spread to other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Moreover, Hanson believes that if the situation worsens, Chinese authorities might not only stop issuing licenses but also block the global version of Steam, which is not officially available in the country but remains accessible through certain workarounds.

These measures stem from the ongoing trade confrontation between the two powers: the US increased tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, while Beijing, in response, raised duties on American products to 125%.

Main image: x.com

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