Shanghai issues document supporting the development of the gaming and e-sports industry

For stock trading, rely on the Jin Qilin analyst research reports—authoritative, professional, timely, comprehensive—helping you uncover high-potential themes and opportunities!

Reporter Li Haoyue

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government officially released the “Several Measures of Shanghai Municipality to Support the Development of the Game and eSports Industry” (hereinafter referred to as the “Game Ten Articles of Shanghai”). This move accelerates the development of the “Global eSports Capital.” The “Game Ten Articles of Shanghai” focuses on ten key areas, including industrial clustering, “going global” services, technology empowerment, and financial support, forming a full-cycle support system covering R&D, operations, competitions, and talent.

The China Audio-Visual and Digital Publishing Association released the “2025 China eSports Industry Report” (hereinafter referred to as the “Report”), showing that in 2025, China’s eSports industry total revenue reached RMB 29.331 billion, up 6.40% year over year. The growth rate hit the highest level in nearly three years, and the market scale returned to its historical peak. Of that, the number of eSports users reached 495 million.

Zhang Yi, CEO of Guangzhou Aimei Shuju Information Consulting Co., Ltd., told reporters from Securities Daily that the international boundaries of eSports events are continuously expanding. They have already begun to enter large international event systems such as the Olympics, becoming an important cultural symbol. At the same time, eSports not only can deeply integrate with industries such as culture and tourism, film and television, education, and cultural and creative industries, but will also continue to drive capital to flow into technology fields—helping accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies such as 6G, AI, and virtual reality.

“China’s eSports industry development is still not mature, and there are still many problems that urgently need to be addressed.” A researcher in the eSports industry told reporters from Securities Daily that the industry’s commercialization pathway is still not complete or transparent. There are relatively few companies whose main business is eSports. Many large institutions view eSports as a brand promotion-type business rather than a core profit-making project. The eSports industry still needs broader “breaking out of the niche” and sustained financial support.

Judging from the policy issued by Shanghai this time, at the financial level, Shanghai has set up a game industry investment fund, with the first phase of fundraising totaling RMB 500 million, providing targeted support to micro and small teams. It also provides loan interest subsidies through the “cultural and creative characteristic branch.” In terms of talent, it supports universities in opening relevant majors, provides more than 1,000 internship positions every year, establishes an eSports talent pool, and ensures that high-end talent can relocate to Shanghai.

“The introduction of the policy provides new momentum for stimulating consumption, enriching digital culture, running professional competitions well, and helping the eSports industry attract more investment. It also offers important references for other cities and regions to develop the eSports industry,” Zhang Yi said.

		Sina Statement: This news is reposted from Sina’s partner media. Sina.com publishes this article for the purpose of transmitting more information, and does not mean that Sina agrees with its viewpoints or verifies the descriptions. The article content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors act at their own risk.

A massive amount of information and precise insights—right on the Sina Finance APP

Editor: Gao Jia