Video game research agency, Niko, released a report last month showing that the number of youth gamers in China will have decreased sharply in 2022. The research found that 122 million Chinese youths aged 6 to 17 played games in 2020, covering 60% of the demographic. But in 2022, the number is predicted to drop to 83 million and 40%.
The statistics related to Chinese youth gamers, made by Niko
Niko attributes that to the gaming regulations introduced in 2021. The rules allow people under 18 to play games for one hour a day between 8 pm and 9 pm, only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays.
However, not all people approve of the anti-addiction regulations. The research finds that 29% of the youth gamers play games for more than 3 hours a week, which is not allowed. Normally in China, gamers must submit their ID information when creating a game account. The regulations aim to prevent youths from playing games too long. However, according to Niko, 82% of parents allow kids to use their adult IDs to play games.
Considering the loopholes in the regulations, the huge gaming industry in China and other factors, Niko forecasts that the number of Chinese youth gamers will return to a near peak of 115 million by 2026, with the percentage climbing to 56%.
Source: Niko