China's Video Game Industry Regulatory Landscape 2008

SAN JOSE, Calif - July 8, 2008 Niko Partners, the leading market intelligence firm for China’s video game industry, today announced the release of its latest report, which will save companies time, money, and political headaches as they enter and operate interactive entertainment companies in China. China’s Video Game Industry Regulatory Landscape 2008 provides the latest information on the state of China’s internal approval processes, policies, standards for publishing as well as a picture of the political landscape with organizational charts of key ministries and checklists for submitting games for license to launch in China.

“The goal of the report is to provide companies in the video game industry with important information on China that could save hundreds of thousands of dollars , months of time, and the headaches that come from not having the proper information to successfully navigate a new market,” said Lisa Cosmas Hanson, managing partner of Niko Partners. “Business development executives need to know the policies and processes in China before negotiating a license agreement or launching a game directly, in order to set realistic expectations for their management teams and save lots of time and money for their companies.”

China’s Video Game Industry Regulatory Landscape 2008 covers the policies for the importation of games as well as online publishing. It also covers policies governing Internet cafés, safeguarding China’s youth gamers, game content, permits for online game operators, and a host of other key topics. Unlike Niko’s other reports, this regulatory landscape report also includes information on regulations for the mobile game segment. The report also expands upon some key facts:

• At least 10 ministries and agencies in China regulate and create policy to govern the video game industry

• In April 2008 a revision to a regulation about electronic publishing created tougher rules for companies to become online game operators, which is key for foreign companies looking to license online games in China

• In January 2008, new regulations were released regarding foreign online game companies that wish to launch a game in China

• In July 2007 China imposed a new law dubbed the “Anti-Fatigue Policy”

The new report is available for purchase directly from Niko Partners for $5,000.00, or as part of an annual subscription to Niko’s research services.

About Niko Partners

Since 2003, Niko Partners has specialized in market intelligence for China’s video game industry. We conduct syndicated and custom research studies on Chinese gamers, online games, offline games, consoles, handhelds, regulatory issues, piracy, development, online operators, distribution, and retail. We offer consulting services including focus groups, partnership selection, market opportunity analysis, custom surveys in cities throughout China and customized data analysis. The goal of the research and strategic advisory services is to help video game industry clients understand the market, strategically enter or expand market share, and continue to profitably grow within China. The company is based in Silicon Valley and Shanghai and its clients include worldwide leaders in the video game industry such as Blizzard Entertainment, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Nintendo, Nvidia, Disney Interactive Entertainment, Macrovision, Tetris, Sony Online Entertainment, Lucas Arts, Xfire, as well as many other corporations, investment companies, and consulting firms.

Lisa Cosmas Hanson, Managing Partner, Niko Partners

+1-408-354-0888

lisa@nikopartners.com

Sean Kauppinen, Vice President, TriplePoint

+1-415-955-8500

sean@triplepointpr.com