China builds IP ecosystem through online novels, micro-dramas, and games
Hangzhou (ANTARA) - China’s online novels, micro-dramas and video games, collectively known as the ‘new cultural trio’ of Chinese cultural exports, have now developed into a fully integrated intellectual property (IP) development ecosystem, according to academics and industry figures at a public dialogue held at the recently concluded 34th China National Book Expo.
“In the past, online literature, online dramas and video games each went their own separate ways,” said Zeng Fanwen, executive director of the cultural industry research institute at Renmin University of China, at the expo held in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China, from Friday (24/7) to Monday (27/7).
Today, the three sectors form a strong synergy, with online novels serving as the source of content, micro-dramas acting as a rapid market-testing mechanism that provides swift market validation, and video games creating long-term, in-depth value, Zeng added.
“This ‘new cultural trio’ is not three separate industries, but a fully integrated intellectual property development ecosystem,” said Shen Shicheng, a publicity official from Zhejiang Province, echoing Zeng’s view.
Chinese online novels have reached nearly 400 million users in more than 200 countries and regions, generating overseas revenue of 5.64 billion yuan (1 yuan = Rp2,672), or approximately 830 million US dollars (1 US dollar = Rp18,088), according to Wang Zhongjie, general manager of overseas business at Yuewen Group, a Chinese cultural company.
A number of online novels have built very large global fan bases, whilst also serving as a rich source of content for adaptation into micro-dramas and video games.
As Chinese video games increasingly venture into overseas markets, the cultural stories woven into them are gaining growing acclaim from international players.
“Genshin Impact” has generated revenue of more than 4 billion US dollars, whilst introducing a wide array of China’s intangible cultural heritage to a global audience. Meanwhile, “Black Myth: Wukong”, inspired by the Chinese classic “Journey to the West”, has won numerous international awards.