Shanghai Pledges 50m Yuan Annually to Boost Gaming IPs, Global Esports Ecosystem

Shanghai is set to unveil a comprehensive "10 measure" policy package to drive the high-quality development of its gaming and esports sectors, aiming to build a globally influential industry ecosystem. The initiative includes a dedicated annual support fund of 50 million yuan (US$6.9 million) to fuel growth across the sector.

The strategic measures focus on empowering small and medium-sized gaming enterprises and optimizing intellectual property protection. To bolster global reach, the policy outlines the creation of a full-chain service platform to assist local firms in expanding overseas. It also emphasizes leveraging gaming IPs to revitalize traditional culture and cultivate new economic drivers.

Simultaneously, Shanghai aims to elevate its esports infrastructure to become the premier global destination for top-tier international tournaments.

To foster a world-class industry cluster, the city will establish core functional zones across Xuhui, Yangpu and Jing'an districts. Xuhui, already a gaming powerhouse in the sector, serves as the headquarters for industry leaders such as miHoYo, Lilith Games and Hypergryph.

These city-level hubs are designed to provide robust policy frameworks, integrated support services, and a vibrant environment for startups and consumer-linked activities.

Full details of the initiative will be released on Friday during the 2025 China Game Industry Annual Conference. As the industry's top-level annual summit, the event is being hosted in Shanghai – Xuhui District – for the first time this year, marking a milestone for the city's digital entertainment ambitions.