Custom analysis research and
strategic consulting
Companies often face unique logistical and operational challenges when entering or expanding in the lucrative but complex video game and esports markets worldwide.

Our in-depth reports, data, and insights are helpful for many of the questions companies have, but when it comes to more specific questions and strategic planning, custom research is needed for game developers and publishers, hardware and peripheral suppliers, or other companies looking to invest in these markets.


But many times, digging deeper is needed to get a more complete picture. One that is customized to a company’s specific needs.
That’s where our 20+ years of in-country analyst experience and extensive knowledge base can help.

Our in-depth reports, data, and insights are helpful for many of the questions companies have, but when it comes to more specific questions and strategic planning, custom research is needed for game developers and publishers, hardware and peripheral suppliers, or other companies looking to invest in these markets.

But many times, digging deeper is needed to get a more complete picture. One that is customized to a company’s specific needs.
That’s where our 20+ years of in-country analyst experience and extensive knowledge base can help.
We offer three types of custom consulting
We offer three types of custom consulting
Featured Case Studies
Iconic Game Developer
Problem
The company needed to understand the perception, revenue, popularity, and gamer behavior of a specific game and copycat games in China.
Solution
Primary data and information collection in China including surveys in tier 1-4 cities, along with deep research into copycat games.
Results
Niko provided a detailed 360º view of the title and landscape in China. We projected the number of active gamers playing legitimate and copycat versions of the game as well as intelligence on brand awareness, perception, gamer behavior, spending, monetization, and much more.
Esports Agency
The agency needed to select game titles for a high profile, multi-sport event where numerous countries were sending
delegations.
Solution
Niko conducted detailed research to deliver a comprehensive view of multiple esports titles
including active users, teams, top players and influencers, sales and downloads, streaming and live viewership, fans, languages, and much more by country and region.
Results
Niko delivered a list of recommended titles that should be included in the competition, along with a report with an executive summary and analysis of each title.
AAA Game Publisher
Problem
The client need to better understand how AAA titles succeed in being awarded an ISBN game license in China.
Solution
Leveraging in-house data derived from existing Niko Partners research, we added insights about the AAA games market in China.
Results
Niko delivered a comprehensive list of all AAA title that have attempted entry to China, including PC, mobile, and console games. The list included critical information the game title, developer, country of origin, genre, announcement dates, and other meaningful dates. We also delivered analysis on the outcome of each decision to grant an ISBN or not for each title.
Content Publisher
Validate a new, sports-oriented short-video streaming platform mobile app in China with Chinese users and aid in recruiting new users.
Solution
Niko Partners conducted design testing and usage analysis with 1,000 mobile gamers in China. User interactions were observed, which was then followed up with a survey and a moderated group discussion. Later, analytics were pulled directly from the downloaded app that gave detailed insight into usage metrics.
Results
The publisher was able to validate the demand for the video app for a specialized group of sports fans. They were also able to determine what users would spend, and their preferences for look, feel, and functionality.
Private Equity Firm
The company needed to understand the China market opportunity for a PC gaming peripherals company in which they were planning a major investment.
Solution
Niko conducted an online survey of 2,000 gamers per designated screening criteria for
the purpose of evaluating purchase and usage behavior of the gaming peripheral in question, as well as other gaming accessories. In addition, we conducted due diligence including research into industry regulations, financial reports, consumer sentiment, market trends, and more.
Results
Niko was able to validate the demand for the gaming peripheral among PC gamers. We delivered a report on relevant industry regulations that would impact the company. We also produced intelligence on trends and new technologies in the market, their impact on the company and its products, competition, risk profile of key executives, financial reports, consumer feedback, and more.
Gaming Peripheral Company
The company needed to evaluate design prototypes with gamers in Asia during the pandemic when travel was not practical.
Solution
Niko conducted focus groups in China where gamers evaluated each physical prototype. Niko surveyed gamers to determine demographic data, gaming skill, peripheral ownership, usage behavior, brand preferences and more.
Results
The client was able to make an informed
decision on which of the prototypes would be most viable in the market.
Featured Case Studies
Problem
The company needed to understand the perception, revenue, popularity, and gamer behavior of a specific game and copycat games in China.
Solution
Primary data and information collection in China including surveys in tier 1-4 cities, along with deep research into copycat games.
Results
Niko provided a detailed 360º view of the title and landscape in China. We projected the number of active gamers playing legitimate and copycat versions of the game as well as intelligence on brand awareness, perception, gamer behavior, spending, monetization, and much more.
The agency needed to select game titles for a high profile, multi-sport event where numerous countries were sending
delegations.
Solution
Niko conducted detailed research to deliver a comprehensive view of multiple esports titles
including active users, teams, top players and influencers, sales and downloads, streaming and live viewership, fans, languages, and much more by country and region.
Results
Niko delivered a list of recommended titles that should be included in the competition, along with a report with an executive summary and analysis of each title.
Featured Case Studies
Problem
The company needed to understand the perception, revenue, popularity, and gamer behavior of a specific game and copycat games in China.
Solution
Primary data and information collection in China including surveys in tier 1-4 cities, along with deep research into copycat games.
Results
Niko provided a detailed 360º view of the title and landscape in China. We projected the number of active gamers playing legitimate and copycat versions of the game as well as intelligence on brand awareness, perception, gamer behavior, spending, monetization, and much more.
The agency needed to select game titles for a high profile, multi-sport event where numerous countries were sending delegations.
Solution
Niko conducted detailed research to deliver a comprehensive view of multiple esports titles
including active users, teams, top players and influencers, sales and downloads, streaming and live viewership, fans, languages, and much more by country and region.
Results
Niko delivered a list of recommended titles that should be included in the competition, along with a report with an executive summary and analysis of each title.
The company needed to understand the China market opportunity for a PC gaming peripherals company in which they were planning a major investment.
Solution
Niko conducted an online survey of 2,000 gamers per designated screening criteria for
the purpose of evaluating purchase and usage behavior of the gaming peripheral in question, as well as other gaming accessories. In addition, we conducted due diligence including research into industry regulations, financial reports, consumer sentiment, market trends, and more.
Results
Niko was able to validate the demand for the gaming peripheral among PC gamers. We delivered a report on relevant industry regulations that would impact the company. We also produced intelligence on trends and new technologies in the market, their impact on the company and its products, competition, risk profile of key executives, financial reports, consumer feedback, and more.
The client need to better understand how AAA titles succeed in being awarded an ISBN game license in China.
Solution
Leveraging in-house data derived from existing Niko Partners research, we added insights about the AAA games market in China.
Results
Niko delivered a comprehensive list of all AAA title that have attempted entry to China, including PC, mobile, and console games. The list included critical information the game title, developer, country of origin, genre, announcement dates, and other meaningful dates. We also delivered analysis on the outcome of each decision to grant an ISBN or not for each title.
The client need to better understand how AAA titles succeed in being awarded an ISBN game license in China.
Solution
Leveraging in-house data derived from existing Niko Partners research, we added insights about the AAA games market in China.
Results
Niko delivered a comprehensive list of all AAA title that have attempted entry to China, including PC, mobile, and console games. The list included critical information the game title, developer, country of origin, genre, announcement dates, and other meaningful dates. We also delivered analysis on the outcome of each decision to grant an ISBN or not for each title.
The company needed to understand the China market opportunity for a PC gaming peripherals company in which they were planning a major investment.
Solution
Niko conducted an online survey of 2,000 gamers per designated screening criteria for
the purpose of evaluating purchase and usage behavior of the gaming peripheral in question, as well as other gaming accessories. In addition, we conducted due diligence including research into industry regulations, financial reports, consumer sentiment, market trends, and more.
Results
Niko was able to validate the demand for the gaming peripheral among PC gamers. We delivered a report on relevant industry regulations that would impact the company. We also produced intelligence on trends and new technologies in the market, their impact on the company and its products, competition, risk profile of key executives, financial reports, consumer feedback, and more.
The company needed to evaluate design prototypes with gamers in Asia during the pandemic when travel was not practical.
Solution
Niko conducted focus groups in China where gamers evaluated each physical prototype. Niko surveyed gamers to determine demographic data, gaming skill, peripheral ownership, usage behavior, brand preferences and more.
Results
The client was able to make an informed decision on which of the prototypes would be most viable in the market.
Problem
Validate a new, sports-oriented short-video streaming platform mobile app in China with Chinese users and aid in recruiting new users.
Solution
Niko Partners conducted design testing and usage analysis with 1,000 mobile gamers in China. User interactions were observed, which was then followed up with a survey and a moderated group discussion. Later, analytics were pulled directly from the downloaded app that gave detailed insight into usage metrics.
Results
The publisher was able to validate the demand for the video app for a specialized group of sports fans. They were also able to determine what users would spend, and their preferences for look, feel, and functionality.
The company needed to evaluate design prototypes with gamers in Asia during the pandemic when travel was not practical.
Solution
Niko conducted focus groups in China where gamers evaluated each physical prototype. Niko surveyed gamers to determine demographic data, gaming skill, peripheral ownership, usage behavior, brand preferences and more.
Results
The client was able to make an informed decision on which of the prototypes would be most viable in the market.
Problem
Validate a new, sports-oriented short-video streaming platform mobile app in China with Chinese users and aid in recruiting new users.
Solution
Niko Partners conducted design testing and usage analysis with 1,000 mobile gamers in China. User interactions were observed, which was then followed up with a survey and a moderated group discussion. Later, analytics were pulled directly from the downloaded app that gave detailed insight into usage metrics.
Results
The publisher was able to validate the demand for the video app for a specialized group of sports fans. They were also able to determine what users would spend, and their preferences for look, feel, and functionality.





