Monster Hunter: Outlanders, Ananta Among Top Names in Licensing Record for 2024

Game licensing in China has reached new heights in 2024, with December seeing approvals for 122 domestic games and 13 imported titles. This marks the third consecutive month of simultaneous licensing for both domestic and imported games, reflecting a growing momentum in the industry.

Record-Breaking Numbers for 2024

As reported by Moomoo and others, a total of 1,416 new games have been licensed as of December, marking the highest count in the past five years. This includes 1,306 domestic titles and 110 imported ones, significantly surpassing last year’s total of 1,075 games. Domestic game approvals have remained consistent, with December reaching a peak of 122 licenses. Meanwhile, imported game approvals have surged, occurring seven times this year.

Highlights from December Approvals

Domestic Games

Among the domestic licenses, key titles include:

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NetEase’s “Ananta”: An open-world urban RPG from Naked Rain Studio with over 8.43 million pre-registrations globally.
Kingnet Network’s Portfolio: Includes Super Soldier and Gu Long Heroes Record.
CHINA MOBILE’s “Kuroko’s Basketball: Street Showdown”: A mobile title inspired by the popular manga.

Imported Games

The 13 imported titles this month feature standout projects:

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Tencent’s “Monster Hunter: Outlander”: A collaboration with Capcom, bringing the Monster Hunter franchise into an open-world format.
XD INC’s “Ragnarok: Rebirth”: Reviving the beloved Ragnarok Online series.

Industry Trends and Insights

The consistent issuance of game licenses this year has bolstered industry confidence. Insiders note that as consumer tastes evolve, the market increasingly demands high-quality, innovative games over formulaic ones. This year’s record approvals highlight the industry’s shift toward delivering boutique gaming experiences.

Licensing Changes

In addition to the new licenses, updates were made to previously approved games. For example, NetEase’s Legion War (formerly Xutu Zhi Zheng) underwent a name and publisher change, reflecting the industry’s dynamic nature.

With 2024 setting a new benchmark, the stable release of licenses hints at a promising future for both domestic and international gaming markets.