CHINA: 230m online gamers by 2012

Online gaming is expected to have an audience of 230 million gamers in China by 2012.

That’s according to the latest report from Beijing-based research firm Analysis International, which also predicts the sector will generate revenues of YUAN 73.1 billion (10.7 million) in the next three years. The country currently boasts 69 million online gamers.

Industry revenues are expected to reach YUAN 26 billion ($3.8 billion) this year, with nation’s internet penetration predicted to grow by 41.2 percent over the next three years. The latest government data shows current internet penetration is just 27 per cent, according to Reuters.