China's small game makers stung by licensing freeze

With survival on the line, cash-starved developers eye reboot overseas

20220125 Online game china

China has rolled out new rules to cut the amount of time kids and teens spend online  © AFP/Jiji

CISSY ZHOU, Nikkei Asia staff writer

HONG KONG -- Time is running out for Chinese games developer Zero Castle.

The pint-size studio has waited more than six months for China's gaming regulator to green light the launch of new titles that are crucial to keeping it afloat, as a licensing freeze throws thousands of rival developers out of business.

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