Chongqing - X-Change Software, a high-tech enterprise specializing in IP operation and mobile games in Southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, has made remarkable achievements in the global game market. 

With its games ranking in the top three on the App Store in countries like Korea, Canada, and Malaysia from 2019 to 2022 and attracting over 230 million overseas users, the company has generated approximately 10 million U.S. dollars in overseas revenue. This success highlights Chongqing’s emerging strength in the global gaming industry.

The office of X-Change Software is located in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/X-Change Software)

The China Game Industry Report reveals that the Chinese game industry revenue from January to June 2018 exceeded 10 million yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. 

Meanwhile, game exports experienced a higher year-on-year growth of 16%. As smartphones gain popularity worldwide, there is a rising demand for mobile games in overseas markets. To support enterprises in going global, China is actively encouraging game exports. 

X-Change Software has taken advantage of these opportunities, exporting their games by implementing delicate operations, localizing strategies, and rapid iterations, to cater to the fast-growing industry with higher cost, rapid rhythm, and longer-period return.

Li Wenjie, the CEO of X-Change Software, attributes their success to meticulous operations and producing high-quality products. The company shifted focus from 2D to 3D games when exporting them overseas. 

“By incorporating localization and selecting products with universal value and global appeal, we have launched games that resonate with foreign markets while maintaining our unique style,” said Li.

X-Change Software has adopted a phased development approach with explicit targets, ensuring rapid iterations and attracting more users through efficient market strategies.

Through their efforts, X-Change Software has created popular games such as Tales Rush and City Takeover, generating about 8.5 million U.S. dollars on platforms like the App Store and Google Play and accumulating a user base of over 23 million overseas players.

These games serve as a means of cultural export, actively showcasing elements of Chinese culture.

For instance, Tales Rush incorporates Chinese musical instruments like the bamboo flute in its music, and the character design draws inspiration from Nezha, a figure from traditional Chinese legends. Similarly, Jump Hunter integrates Chinese cultural elements.

“Game is a kind of cultural product. By incorporating local cultural elements in the games, we can promote cultural exchange and understanding, establish cultural brands, and enhance international competitiveness,” said Li. 

Li thinks it’s necessary to make more people know where they are from while exporting games, enabling the significance of game export.

Compared to the major game providers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, Chongqing possesses a vacant position in the market with the potential for a single game to generate annual revenue of 1 billion yuan (about 138 million U.S. dollars). Li is confident that Chongqing will likely achieve this milestone within the next two to three years, marking significant progress for the city’s game industry.