China's social, browser games raking in cash this year - study

Newsbrief: Client-based and core-targeted MMOs are dominating China's game market now, but a new report shows that browser-based titles and social games make up the fastest-growing segment in the country. Niko Partners' new "China's Casual and Social Online Games 2012" study has found that games played through browsers -- and that don't require users to download a client -- will make 41 percent more revenue in 2012 compared to last year. The browser-based game category (includes web games, casual online games, and social games) makes up a significant portion of China's $7 billion online games industry, and Niko expects its market share to significantly increase. Niko added that the browser game market is currently fragmented with low barriers to entry, allowing developers ample opportunities to step in and make their mark. It also has fewer infrastructure restrictions than the client-based MMO market.