RRJ #2

Reference: Reuters. (October 26, 2009). Title Makers of Online Games in China Look Overseas. New York Times. Retrieved 2009, November 2, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/business/global/27iht-game.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=online&st=cse




Summary:

This article talks about how the Chinese online game companies are ready to join the Western markets. It becomes a challenge to the leaders of online games, Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard. One of the companies is in the final testing stage for an online game which is for the U.S. market. But most U.S. game players prefer to online play with consoles, but analysts said there is a shift toward online gaming which can be played at Internet terminals and cell phones. The analysts think online gaming would be different from console side, and Chinese computer game companies have the operational expertise and business model for global rivals. The revenue of online games is growing fast, but Chinese companies still need to spend much more to promote their products.

Reaction:

Online games have become more and more popular these days, especially for teenagers. It is a potential market for Chinese online game companies. Some of them grab the chance to sell the products abroad; it must be a new challenge for Chinese game makers.

I think there are two big problems that they need to consider. The first is culture shock. Chinese game makers like to combine the Chinese traditional elements into games. For Chinese game players it was very attractive, but the players in western countries maybe don’t like it. If they give up the traditional way to make games and use western cultures, they will have big problems competing against the western companies. Another problem is language. The games need to be translated into English. But the different language may cause negative understanding. For example, a sentence in Chinese may very humorous, but in English it not or it is rude. Also the companies need to pay for translating too many sentences. It costs extra time and money.

But I thought everything needs to be step by step; Chinese online games are joining the western market is quite definite. At first they must face so many troubles. Also I hope that the makers can make some games that still have the Chinese elements for western players; it will help the communication between the different countries. Different players from the world can enjoy the same game; I expect the day is coming.