The UK government needs to do more to attract videogame investment from China
The UK government needs to do more to attract videogame sector investment from China, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg.
Winnie Cao, a partner at the firm, said: “China is a gaming powerhouse. Seven out of the top fifteen mobile games are Chinese owned titles, and Chinese games earned $20.5bn in overseas markets in 2025. The UK government needs to take advantage of this and encourage Chinese investment in the British gaming sector.”
She added: “The UK does not lack creative talents and energy. However, the current tax incentive schemes (Video Games Expenditure Credit) are complex and not as accessible as they could be. Simplifying and enhancing the framework will not only attract inward investment from emerging giants such as China, but also nurture local talents to ensure that the UK remains internationally competitive as a leading force in gaming industry.”
Winnie said: “The London Games Festival held last week showcases video games produced internationally. Notably, while Mr Li Ma from Tencent, one of the largest Chinese video game publishers, acted as one of the advisory board members, Chinese companies have only participated online, not physically as exhibitors. The British Academy Games Awards, announced Friday last week (17 April) also contained no Chinese titles this year.”
She added: “However, in 2024 a game by the Chinese studio Game Science, ‘Black Myth: Wukong’, an action roleplaying game was shortlisted for the Award for Best Game – but this is the only Chinese game listed for the award since its inception in 2002.”
Winnie said: “The UK government should look at ways to help Chinese games companies, especially smaller studios, be better represented at such events if there are economic or logistical barriers to participation. This approach could also be used for other countries who are underrepresented in the British gaming world.”
She added: “Chinese companies clearly recognise the value of the British game industry. Two Chinese game companies, NetEase, and SkyMoon have previously brought British studios. Lightspeed Studios under Tencent also acquired the UK studio Lucid Games. Making investment and tax reliefs easier, and increasing Chinese gaming companies’ participation in major UK gaming events will encourage more mergers and acquisitions.”