The highly anticipated 2025 ChinaJoy, recognized as Asia's largest gaming convention, opened its doors in Shanghai, drawing over 700 firms from around the globe. This significant turnout signifies not only a resurgence but also a strong sense of optimism within the gaming industry.

At the forefront of this year's event, executives from numerous entertainment companies expressed their insights to the Global Times, emphasizing their keen observations of the expanding Chinese market. Many are keen to further harness the growth opportunities present in this evolving landscape.

Specifically, Tatsuo Eguchi, president of Sony Interactive Entertainment (Shanghai), highlighted the positive developmental trends within the Chinese gaming market. He noted a pivotal shift from a mobile-dominated sector to a noticeable rise in console gaming, accompanied by a broader variety of choices and themes for players.

To showcase these advancements, SIE Shanghai set up an exhibition area styled in a Chinese national theme. Attendees eagerly lined up to experience upcoming titles such as Phantom Blade Zero, Lost Soul Aside, and Black Myth: Wukong, reflecting the growing interest in diverse gaming experiences.

Eguchi also praised Shanghai’s supportive business environment for foreign companies. He acknowledged the local government's assistance in fostering collaborations between international enterprises and local developers, along with logistical support in event hosting.

Qualcomm China made its mark at the event for the sixth consecutive year by sponsoring the "Snapdragon Theme Pavilion." In collaboration with 75 industry leaders, including game studios and telecom operators, it showcased cutting-edge devices and gaming technologies, reinforcing its crucial role in the gaming ecosystem.

Additionally, Qualcomm highlighted their Snapdragon 8 series chip through various mobile devices and 15 XR devices, leveraging their advanced platform for enhanced visual experiences. The integration of 5G-A 10G networks by China Telecom and ZTE has facilitated ultra-low latency transmission, enhancing the overall gaming experience in the bustling expo environment.

The event registered a total of 743 companies, with 237 being foreign entities from 37 different countries, including notable representatives from the United States, Canada, and Japan. This diversity underscores the global nature of the gaming industry and its expanding footprint in China.

Games remain a central focus at this iteration of ChinaJoy. Major companies like Tencent, NetEase, and Century Huatong displayed a plethora of popular titles, illustrating the competitive landscape of the gaming sector. NetEase showcased interactive games that captivated attendees, while Huawei presented its game centers with notable mobile titles powered by HarmonyOS.

The expo also featured a pavilion for toys and models, highlighting the flourishing toy market driven by gaming and anime culture. Notably, local toy manufacturers are transitioning to creating deeper cultural narratives, signaling the shift from being merely product-focused to developing significant intellectual properties.

Industry observers, such as Damian Jaskowski, have acknowledged the increasing potential of the Chinese gaming market, citing the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. This anticipated growth not only elevates domestic developers but also positions them to gain recognition on the international stage.