After a short break for Spring Festival (or as we in the West like to call it, Chinese New Year), China’s gaming sector is back at work. And as we try to do every Friday, we’re back with another ‘This Week in China’ round-up courtesy of our friends at Beijing’s Laohu.com.
This week you’ll see a little bit of IPO rumor, a little bit of copycat fighting, and a (not so) little bit of layoffs. If you’re looking to stay on top of Chinese gaming news in a more daily manner (and love the power of Google Translate), be sure to add Laohu.com to your bookmarks.
After a short break for Spring Festival (or as we in the West like to call it, Chinese New Year), China’s gaming sector is back at work. And as we try to do every Friday, we’re back with another ‘This Week in China’ round-up courtesy of our friends at Beijing’s Laohu.com.
This week you’ll see a little bit of IPO rumor, a little bit of copycat fighting, and a (not so) little bit of layoffs. If you’re looking to stay on top of Chinese gaming news in a more daily manner (and love the power of Google Translate), be sure to add Laohu.com to your bookmarks.
Chinese mobile game developer and operator Chukong Inc. plans for US listing in May 2014, according to sources. The developer behind Fishing Joy (????), Chukong turned its eye to mobile game publishing in 2013 and has since obtained over $80 million in financing. Linekong and Locojoy also plan for Hong Kong listing this year. (Laohu.com)
Japan’s Toei Animation has launched an investigation and demanded removal of copycat products due to alleged infringements by Chinese developers. Toei’s actions are directed at Com4loves’ (????) and Gold Saint (?????), according to latest news. In a letter of authorization, Toei commissions the China branch of DeNA and Perfect World to investigate alleged infringements, send legal letters and lawyer’s letters and take legal action. (Laohu.com)
Netease CEO William Ding reveals on the company’s Q4 results conference call that a further 10 products will be added to its existing mobile game portfolio, two of which are run overseas. The 10 new additions include card games and tower defense games. Netease is the sole publisher of World of Warcraft in China. (Laohu.com)
According to reliable sources, personnel changes and lay-offs related to project cancellations will be taking place after the Lunar New Year in 2014 at 4399, a casual game platform in China. Job cuts may be close to 1,000. Middle and senior management staff who have left or are set to leave 4399 have become the target of industry headhunters. (Laohu.com)
