Apart from the growing game download business, the biggest opportunities in China reside in online multiplayer and casual mobile gaming, notes Luis Portela, author of the report; however, mobile gaming market development has so far been hindered by handset capabilities and data access costs.
"Pyramid Research believes that to meet demand and live up to its potential, mobile gaming in China needs more affordable data access, wider 3G coverage, and better handset gaming capabilities," said Portela.
"3G is expected to contribute significantly to lowering mobile data access costs in a mix of increased competition and a government policy to boost adoption," Portela added.
"The licensing of 3G, however, did not occur until 2008, and network rollouts are still underway," he explained. "The arrival of 3G has raised the profile of mobile online games and mobile operators, as well as Internet and gaming players are eager to expand their Internet footprints through mobile access. We expect increased 3G adoption to boost sales of devices with stronger gaming capabilities, including smartphones. "