Old Market Simulator, developed by Turkish friends, became a hit in China after struggling initially, emphasizing the gaming community’s preference for building and simulation. This trend reflects a broader pattern where Chinese players transform various games by prioritizing infrastructure over core narratives, a trend noted across multiple titles, indicating the vast impact of the Chinese gaming market.
In China, gaming focuses heavily on building and simulation, as illustrated by the success of the indie game Old Market Simulator. Developed by Turkish high school friends, the game initially saw poor sales but surged to over 201,000 copies sold after its release on Steam, with half of those coming from Chinese players. This unexpected popularity is rooted in the game’s farming and economic mechanics, appealing to a community known for its construction-driven gameplay.
Chinese gamers often turn open-ended games into massive infrastructure projects, prioritizing construction over narratives. For example, in Death Stranding, players diversely engaged by not just surviving but building elaborate transport networks. Similarly, Euro Truck Simulator 2 was transformed by players recreating real Chinese cities, showcasing their creativity and devotion to detail.
Even in horror games like The Forest, the focus shifts from storyline quests to constructing intricate environments like roller coasters and urban settlements. The trend extends to Minecraft, where players have replicated entire cityscapes, exemplified by a viral video of reconstructing the Great Wall of China, demonstrating their ambition and skills.
Statistics show the vast influence of Chinese players, who make up nearly 46 percent of all Steam users, contributing to 55 million active players monthly. This extensive gaming community can transform niche titles into successful ventures almost instantly, catching the attention of indie developers. Many studios are now utilizing platforms like Xiaohongshu to reach this lucrative market, recognizing the unique engagement of Chinese gamers.
Old Market Simulator’s rise highlights how engaging with China’s distinct gaming culture can redefine a game’s success. When Chinese players adopt a title, they often innovate, reshape experiences, and build extensively, leading to transformative gameplay across various genres.
The phenomenon of Chinese gamers reshaping the gaming landscape underscores their preference for construction and simulation elements. Titles like Old Market Simulator benefit significantly from this culture, achieving immense success due to localized engagement. As developers adapt to this trend, the synergy between gaming preferences in China and indie titles will likely catalyze further innovation and successes in the gaming industry.
Original Source: www.shine.cn
