Hangzhou city aims to be next games capital of China

With an average of 20 new online games produced each month, Hangzhou – capital of East China's Zhejiang province – is fast emerging as a major hub for China's gaming industry, local media outlets reported.

In January alone, some 14 Hangzhou-developed games secured publishing licenses, on top of the city's annual total of over 250 titles issued in 2024.

The city is already home to rising stars like Black Myth: Wukong, which was highlighted in Zhejiang's government report and a growing ecosystem of games studios.

Entrepreneurs cite Hangzhou's talent pool, business-friendly environment and dynamic culture as key reasons for relocating.

While traditional gaming giants remain concentrated in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Hangzhou's rapid growth signals its potential as a new industry powerhouse.

The city is focusing on diversification, with policies supporting digital content exports, esports and game-related IP ventures.

With its booming industry and government backing, could Hangzhou become China's next gaming capital? The momentum is certainly building.