From copycat to magical monkey: Understanding the video game development culture in China

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of video game development culture in China, exploring its historical, social and institutional dimensions. Addressing a critical gap in the literature, it centres the perspectives of Chinese developers, key yet understudied actors in the global gaming industry. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural production, the study examines the tension between creativity and commercial imperatives in China’s game development landscape. Findings reveal that both corporate and independent developers prioritise short-term profitability over innovation, a trend driven by fierce market competition, pervasive imitation, unsustainable labour practices, and insufficient skill development. By situating these dynamics within debates on cultural production, the research offers broader insights into Chinese game development in the global gaming industry.