State Council's New Policy Boosts Game Globalization, Unleashing Major Industry Opportunities​

The General Office of the State Council recently issued the Work Plan for Accelerating the Comprehensive Pilot Program for Expanding Opening-Up in the Service Sector (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan"), introducing multiple measures directly benefiting game globalization initiatives and delivering significant policy dividends to game developers and publishers.

​Game Globalization Elevated to National Strategy​

The Plan explicitly includes "developing game globalization business" in national policy for the first time, proposing to "build an international development ecosystem for the game industry." This marks another major state-level endorsement following the normalization of game license approvals.

Three Key Policy Benefits for Game Companies​

​Tax Incentives in Pilot Cities​

Nine new pilot cities (including Shenzhen and Suzhou) allow eligible game companies to enjoy:

15% corporate income tax rate (Hainan Free Trade Port)
120% super-deduction for R&D expenses
Individual income tax benefits for high-end talent

​Technology R&D Support​

Special subsidies for cloud gaming and AI-generated content R&D
"Digital Content Innovation Fund" for core technologies like game engines
Streamlined license approvals with expedited channels for cloud gaming projects

​Cultural Export Incentives​

"National Key Cultural Export Enterprise" certification with up to ¥3M rewards
Special funds for games featuring Chinese intangible cultural heritage elements
50% subsidy for international exhibition participation

​Action Plan for Developers​

​Leverage Pilot Cities​
Establish branches in Shenzhen/Suzhou to access tax and talent policies.
​Prioritize Tech R&D​
Focus on AI-generated content, cloud gaming, and cross-platform engine optimization.
​Deepen Cultural Globalization​
Integrate traditional Chinese elements, collaborate with museums/heritage institutions, and localize for target markets.

​Policy Implementation Timeline​

​2025 Q3-Q4: Pilot cities release detailed rules
​2026 H1: Cultural export enterprise applications open
​2025-2027: Ongoing tech R&D subsidies

​Risk Advisory​

Compliance risks (data security/content review in target markets)
Rising overseas operational costs requiring capital planning
Localization challenges from cultural differences

This Plan signifies game globalization’s elevation to a national strategy, offering unprecedented opportunities. Industry players should closely monitor policy implementation and adjust strategies proactively.