The Current Composition and Characteristics of Chinese Digital Game Players

The current composition and characteristics of Chinese digital game players exhibit a multi-layered complexity, with mobile games, PC games, and console games each displaying unique cultural and social traits among their respective player communities. By tracing the evolution of Chinese digital game players from the early arcade era, through the subsequent internet café era, to the current mobile-dominated environment, it becomes clear that player demographics have diversified in tandem with technological advancements and market shifts. Mobile game players, who constitute a vast majority and possess strong virtual social needs, have emerged as the primary driving force in the digital game market. PC game players continue to prioritize high-quality gaming experiences, with electronic sports occupying a prominent position. Meanwhile, console game players tend to engage in physical collections and offline social activities, maintaining interest in exclusive games on console platforms. Although significant differences exist among these player groups in terms of consumption habits, cultural affiliations, and social patterns, the phenomenon of overlapping identities is also widespread. Through an analysis of the composition and characteristics of various player groups, as well as an outline of the landscape of China’s digital game user market, this study aims to provide a foundation for future research into market trends.