China’s board and card game industry has seen explosive growth in recent years, rapidly gaining momentum through integration with the booming esports model. With this shift, the sector has broken through developmental bottlenecks and reached new heights. As Melbet Affiliates continue monitoring trends in digital entertainment, the fusion of mobile games and esports has become a hotbed of opportunity.
A major turning point came when China’s General Administration of Sport officially classified “competitive Dou Dizhu” (a popular three-player card game) as a recognized sport, signaling the state’s support for intellectual competitions. This policy backing provided the green light for board and card games to evolve beyond their casual reputation and embrace structured, skill-based formats. The rise of streaming platforms has further fueled this momentum, working in tandem with card game platforms to create new gaming experiences that appeal to a broader audience.
What’s especially notable is the way these games have transitioned into branded, high-quality digital products. Developers are focusing on refined gameplay, professional presentation, and community-based features to enhance long-term engagement. These moves align with a healthier and more sustainable network environment. As the segment becomes more segmented, games are being tailored to specific user groups, further driving product quality and brand differentiation. Melbet Affiliates, always seeking scalable digital models, have increasingly turned their attention to these niche sectors within the mobile gaming boom.
The card game industry is now experiencing what many call a red ocean phase—saturated but still thriving. Despite fierce competition, the industry shows no signs of slowing down, provided product quality remains a priority. Media coverage of the sector has surged, reflecting its continued rise. With the emergence of room-card based card games and more interactive models, the industry is entering a new era of innovation and consumer interest.
The broader esports ecosystem in China has matured rapidly. Once a niche pursuit, it has evolved into a dynamic industry that mirrors national trends in technology, youth culture, and mobile connectivity. Card games, with their built-in competitive mechanics, naturally align with the values and structures of esports. This inherent synergy has thrust the industry into the social spotlight, opening doors to a new demographic of players and investors. The market for board and card games is now estimated to reach the trillion-yuan mark, becoming a cornerstone of the domestic gaming landscape.
Profit potential is also soaring. Revenue from card-based games is projected to break the 800 million RMB threshold. The aggressive entry of capital reflects the strong momentum of esports development. Data also shows that China’s mobile esports market is set to surpass the traditional PC-based segment in size and influence, signaling a major shift in user habits. For Melbet Affiliates, this is a golden opportunity to align with a rapidly expanding vertical that blends competition, technology, and community all in one. As the mobile esports era takes shape, staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever.