Niko News is a filter of the most important news items and bits of information concerning the games markets of China and Southeast Asia uncovered by Niko each week. Our multilingual analysts review dozens of news sources from several countries, and as a team Niko reduces the long list of articles to 3-4 "must read" items for you. We then provide our Niko analysis to these items, making them relevant and highlighting the importance for the market. This service is one of the many ways we help distill the confusing, conflicting information about the games markets of Asia for our clients and readers. 

Lisa Hanson will speak at the World Wireless Entertainment Conference (WWECON) at China Joy on July 28th, on the topic of Chinese Mobile Gamers. The conference is held at the Pudong Kerry Centre Hotel. If you plan to attend China Joy and would like a meeting with Lisa, please contact lisa@nikopartners.com.  

As we discussed in a recent newsletter, it is looking more and more promising to see a future of TV-based game platforms in China as they leapfrog console systems all together. Console video game systems are illegal in China, except for a few domestic devices that have not succeeded in terms of mass market appeal. The9 is looking forward and launching a cable DTV gaming platform with Beijing-based cable and broadband operator Gehua. They will be launching an interactive service platform called "Youxi Shijie" or "Game World" for high-end TV users. This is the third such competitive service we've noted in recent months.   

Apple's new iPad launched in China without any reports of customers storming stores this time or rioting in the streets. Apple implemented a reservation lottery system to help deal with the masses this time. Interestingly enough, however, the new iPad launched without much of a hitch but also without much attention. As we reported in our last update on the mobile gamers of China, mobile users in China are beginning to turn a lot more of their focus onto Android devices and domestic devices in particular for their phone and tablet needs. 

Changyou is going after the latest title of a popular franchise of single-player PC games, Taiwanese developer Softstar Entertainment's Xuanyuan Sword VI, the same developer responsible for Chinese Paladin (also known as The Legend of Sword and Fairy), a very famous single-player PC game. Changyou has licensed the game for mainland China and has launched the official mainland China site and forums already. This franchise has been the highest selling single-player game in China in past years, and it has succeeded in a world rife with piracy by launching in mainland China at the same time as in Taiwan, and by adding online features that make the game much more fun for gamers. Gamers therefore are eager to obtain the legitimate version of the game when it comes out. Perhaps this latest title will have even more interactive functionality.