New MOC Rule for Virtual Currencies

The latest regulation to apply to virtual game currencies in video games has been released under the MOC, even though the SAPPRFT released a similar regulation on July 1st. Either way, the rule will be implemented on May 1st, 2017 so operators have six months to adjust.

The ruling states that virtual currency can’t be exchanged for real money, which isn’t a new regulation but it is being stated with greater emphasis this time. It also states that operators must require online game users to provide real-name registration/ID and a visitor/guest mode is no longer allowed.

It also rules that the amount of money gamers can spend per transaction must be limited and all transactions must result in a confirmation/receipt.

Earlier this week, it was also announced that Alipay and WeChat Pay are under ordinance by the People’s Bank of China to limit the daily number of money transfers – users may now only make up to 100 transfers per day.

Singapore’s New Facility for Game Developers

According to Inside Games Asia, the first dedicated facility for game developers and digital content creators was launched on Tuesday by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). Called PIXEL Studios, the facility in one-north provides resources, training and more collaboration opportunities, “to spur the next generation of digital content creators and media professionals to explore innovative ways of content creation and storytelling,” said IMDA.

Cities: Skylines and Stellaris Come to China

Paradox has partnered with Tencent to bring Cities: Skylines (a spiritual successor to the popular SimCity series) and Stellaris to China’s growing online games market.

Tasting & Chewing in Virtual Reality

While this doesn’t pertain directly to the Chinese market yet, there is now research underway at the University of Tokyo that allows VR users to be able to simulate eating virtual foods. They’re mimicking hardiness of food and chewing sensations through jaw stimulation and recreating sweet and bitter tastes with their device. Niko Partners is presenting at VRX today in San Francisco, please contact us if you would like a copy of our presentation on VR in China.

Overwatch Wins Game of the Year

At the 2016 Game Awards, Blizzard’s highly successful FPS game claimed the Game of the Year award. It beat out competitors like Doom, Titanfall 2 and Uncharted 4.

Niko Partners on Twitter

Follow us on Twitter @nikochina to see these comments in real time as we publish them! @ZhugeEx is Niko analyst Daniel Ahmad – his opinions are his own and he has a very informative blog and Twitter feed. You can also find us on WeChat (ID: NikoPartners). Here are a few of our tweets from last week:

  • Overwatch Continues to Dominate eSports Scene https://nikopartners.com/overwatch-continues-dominate-esports-scene/ …
  • The next Asian Games Industry Exhibition, Taipei Game Show 2017, will be held in 2017 on Jan 19-20 http://insidegamesasia.biz/over-150-game-developers-join-taipei-game-show-2017/ … via @iga_biz
  • Google DeepMind could invent the next generation of AI by playing Starcraft 2 http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/11/starcraft-2-google-deepmind-ai/ … via @arstechnica
  • Xiaomi says shrinking smartphone sales won’t hit the company http://venturebeat.com/2016/11/25/xiaomi-says-shrinking-smartphone-sales-wont-hit-the-company/ … via @VentureBeat
  • Niko’s latest Gamasutra post on Steam in China, with special thanks to our analyst @ZhugeEX Daniel Ahmad
  • Disney’s Avatar Theme Park Finally Opens Next Summer (Avatar is huge in China) http://io9.gizmodo.com/disneys-avatar-theme-park-finally-opens-next-summer-1789177143 … via @io9
  • EA wants to ensure that streamers disclose sponsorships http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-11-16-ea-wants-to-ensure-that-streamers-disclose-sponsorships …