Beautiful Game makes moves to break into China

Beautiful Game Studios is partnering with a Chinese games operator in a new bid to make an impact in the Asian territory.

The Championship Manager studio will explore opportunities with China’s Shanda Games, looking at the best ways to introduce the football management brand into the wildly lucrative Asian market.

“Football is hugely popular in China, especially the European teams, so we are delighted to be partnering with one the biggest entertainment companies in the world to bring the Championship Manager brand to Chinese gamers and football fans,” said Beautiful Game Studios general manager Roy Meredith.

He added that the studio has been “working closely with Eidos Shanghai, our studio in China, we have already commenced on a co-development project with Shanda Games”.

The news makes it all the more likely that a Championship Manager game will not be released this year.

Meredith said the deal was “the perfect match for our ambition and strategic direction for the future of the Championship Manager franchise.”

The deal would mark a new phase for the Square Enix empire as it looks to expand its reach into its fourth continental market.

Alan Tan, CEO of Shanda Games, said: “Beautiful Game Studios has a rich heritage in football simulation game development. The Championship Manager brand’s pedigree has grown impressively from year-to-year since it hooked its first fans in the China market over a decade ago. We believe this newly forged partnership will deliver football game content that will satisfy the most demanding devotees while attracting new ones from the deep pool of football aficionados in China.”