The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), the regulatory authority overseeing video game approvals in mainland China, issued ISBNs for 184 games on November 26, 2025. This batch consists of 178 domestic titles and 6 import games, marking the largest single-month approval since September 2020. The eleventh batch of the year brings the total number of approvals for 2025 to 1,625, including 1,532 domestic games and 93 import titles, reflecting a 27% increase compared to the same period last year.
Industry analysts expect the final tally for 2025 to reach around 1,800 games, with approximately 100 of those being imports. The approvals highlight ongoing trends in the Chinese gaming market, which continues to see strong growth in domestic titles alongside selective foreign game entries.
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Key Publishers and Notable Approvals
New releases from major domestic publishers such as Bilibili, Perfect World, Seasun, Leiting Games, 4399, Friendtimes, and Kingnet were included in this batch. Interestingly, no major titles from Tencent or NetEase were approved this month. In addition to new games, the NPPA updated ISBN entries for seven existing titles, allowing publishers to make changes such as renaming the game, changing the publisher, or adding new platforms. A notable update includes Tencent’s Peacekeeper Elite, which has officially expanded from mobile to PC with this approval.
These approvals provide insight into the current gaming landscape in China, showing a mix of new domestic releases, platform expansions for existing games, and a steady yet cautious approach to imported titles. The regulatory process remains an important indicator for developers and investors tracking the growth of the Chinese video game market.
The Role of NPPA in China’s Gaming Industry
The NPPA’s approval system regulates the legal distribution of video games in mainland China. Each game must receive an ISBN before it can be published, and updates to existing games often reflect platform expansions or brand adjustments. Monitoring these approvals gives a clear view of market trends, particularly for domestic developers and the selective importation of foreign games. The steady increase in approved titles also suggests continued growth in both traditional gaming and emerging areas such as mobile, PC, and web3-related content.
Source: Niko Partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NPPA?
The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) is China’s regulatory body responsible for approving video games, books, and other media before they can be legally distributed in the country.
How many games were approved in November 2025?
A total of 184 games were approved in November 2025, including 178 domestic titles and 6 import games.
Which publishers had games approved in this batch?
New approvals came from Bilibili, Perfect World, Seasun, Leiting Games, 4399, Friendtimes, and Kingnet. No major titles from Tencent or NetEase were included.
Are imported games common in China’s approvals?
Imported games make up a smaller portion of approvals. For 2025, approximately 100 of the projected 1,800 total titles are expected to be imports.
Can existing games receive updates through the NPPA?
Yes, existing games can have updates such as name changes, publisher changes, or new platform releases. For example, Tencent’s Peacekeeper Elite added a PC version this November.
How does NPPA approval affect the gaming industry?
NPPA approvals are a key indicator of market trends in China, showing which domestic and imported games are legally available and reflecting shifts in platform popularity and game genres, including mobile, PC, and web3-related games.
