China’s 14-year old ban on gaming consoles ended last year when Sony and Microsoft were given the permission to launch their latest consoles. During those 14 years no sales of gaming consoles were allowed in the country, at least legitimate sales, and last year’s relaxation offered a window into a large untapped market. According to a new report China is likely to further ease restrictions on gaming consoles this year, giving companies more incentive to bring their products to the country.
Last year’s relaxation on the ban allowed console sales in the Shanghai free trade zone. Microsoft beat Sony to the punch and launched the Xbox One there last year.
With just 10 titles on sale, they have to be approved by the government, there were multiple reports in October 2014 that Microsoft had sold 100,000 Xbox One units on the first day only.
Sony had a confirmed release date for PS4 as well but recently it announced that the release had to be postponed because the government asked for some changes to its launch plans.
According to Bloomberg the country’s government has directed the local governments to submit draft rules to China’s Ministry of Commerce later this week, rules that govern countrywide sales of consoles, though this doesn’t mean China’s Culture Ministry will stop screening games before they’re launched. That part of the process is staying put.
There is no denying the fact that China is a huge market and there is endless potential for consoles once they’re allowed to be sold legally throughout the country. Microsoft and Sony will certainly like the open access to this market.