When many of us think about MMOs, we think about companies who rake more money than we could dream about. Enough money to put together a scale model of Paris made out of 20 dollar bills.
Yet the truth is that many of these companies are operating in loss, as a recent article published in the Beijing Times has shown. Over 70% of Chinese online game companies are spending more than they are earning, while only a few notable names, like The9, the operators of World of Warcraft in China, stand to even make a profit.
Many games spend more in development and marketing costs than they stand to make in monthly subscriptions, leading to these problems occurring in many companies in the market. Analysts say that for every 10 online games made, only one stands to be a profitable venture.
For the full report on this, check out the article over at TradingMarkets.com.
Reader Comments (4)
Posted: Mar 13th 2009 9:09PM (Unverified) said
Interesting to note, and not surprising.
Though this seems to conflict with Massively's earlier post that had The9 saying they'd go bankrupt if they didn't get Wrath released in China. So whose figures are right?
Though this seems to conflict with Massively's earlier post that had The9 saying they'd go bankrupt if they didn't get Wrath released in China. So whose figures are right?
Posted: Mar 14th 2009 2:07AM (Unverified) said
I don't think the two stories conflict at all. This one makes a valid point that it is much more expensive to create and operate an MMO in China than it is profitable. The other said that The9 already paid for the rights and entered a contract with Blizzard with the thinking that they could recoup the money paid after Lich King launches, which the Chinese government is currently blocking and would ultimately lead to bankruptcy for The9.
Posted: Mar 13th 2009 11:11PM (Unverified) said
A mis-translatation again! The online game here means the browser-based games 90% of which can not stand to make a profit. However to other MMOrpg, operators like Sheng Da, Tencent, The 9, Perfect Wolrd, just name some famous ones, are making a profit.
words to Quinnae: The 9 will not go bankrupt without WoW, cuz they are also operating other games like FIFA and will operate WAR. The sure thing is, losing WoW must be a big hit to them
words to Quinnae: The 9 will not go bankrupt without WoW, cuz they are also operating other games like FIFA and will operate WAR. The sure thing is, losing WoW must be a big hit to them
Posted: Mar 14th 2009 2:07AM (Unverified) said
Knowing this, I'm wondering if steps will be taken next WoW expansion specifically to prevent this sort of thing. Devs suggesting more undead content will probably be shot down pretty fast.







