China invests in computer game research ( 2003-09-01 16:43) (China Daily) Computer games do not normally fall under the category of
national interest but they are in China. Two projects on computer game research
have been enlisted into China's "863" project. It's the very first time computer
game technology has become the subject of national scientific research.
Five million RMB (US$620,000) have been invested into these two projects.
With the popularity of Internet, computer games have become an industry. Last
year, computer games pulled in earnings of RMB 910 million (US$110 million). And
it also helped contribute RMB 7 billion (US$870 million) to the
telecommunications industry. Li Wuqiang, deputy department chief with the
Ministry of Science and Technology explains.
"The projects will focus on the engine of computer games, which is just like
a car engine. With the engine, we can make more games more quickly," said Li
Wuqiang.
In Japan, South Korea and America, computer games have already created large
profits for the countries. In Japan, computer game profits surpassed that of the
iron and steel industry. In South Korea, it's more profitable than the auto
industry. And in America, it's gone beyond the film industry. It's hoped China's
investment in the computer games industry will help it better serve the users
and earn greater profits.
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