Chinese online game companies are looking to leverage their success at home to expand into the U.S. market, reports Reuters. Successful companies such as Changyou and Shanda Games are preparing to roll out games in the U.S. using their expertise in running micro-transaction driven free-to-play online games. With more than 50 million online gamers in China, the companies have the know-how. They also have the cash. Changyou recently raised $120 million in an IPO on NASDAQ. The company could be the first to enter the U.S. with their multiplayer martial arts game, Dragon Oath. The game is in final testing and expected for release in late 2009 or early 2010.
ThinkEquity analyst Atul Bagga tells Reuters challenges still remain for Chinese game companies. They will need to spend a lot more than they do at home to market their products in the U.S. They also have to overcome negative sentiments in the West about games with heavy Asian themes to build an audience.
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