According to the China Internet Network Information Center, the country's online population surpassed 123 million users through the end of June -- 63% of whom use broadband access. There are over 20 million Chinese online gamers and Internet shopping is also up 50% from last year. In a country where game consoles have had a limited impact, these statistical trends could eventually mean good news for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, as each company is banking on downloadable content and online marketplaces in their next-gen systems. However, there's still the issue of perceived educational value of consoles in the Chinese market. So until Brain Age-style games take off in the living room, parents of Chinese gamers will still be saying, "bu yao!"
See also:
- More chaperones in China's Internet Cafes
- BestBuy to open Shanghai store
- China, Intel, and the WiMAX agenda
