China’s new plans to develop the national esports scene

China is well-known for its ambitious national projects. But recently it has reversed its sceptical outlook on competitive gaming to put into action a grand plan to make the most of the esports trend. From the construction of brand new esports arenas to the training of young gaming professionals, it’s a remarkable turnaround for the Chinese government who recently banned many classic esports titles.

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One of the most visible examples of this change in attitude can be seen in the Xia Cheng district on the outskirts of Hangzhou. Previously known as being a fairly rundown district, Xia Cheng was targeted by the central bank who have invested 3.5 trillion yuan into such areas since 2015 in order to encourage the growth of new businesses.

Alongside massive Chinese brands like Alibaba, Xia Cheng is now the future home of LGD Gaming. This esports organisation have been one of the most celebrated teams in the League of Legends domain since they started operations in 2012, and they have been receiving the help of the Chinese government to establish a new esports park.

This is just one of over 1,000 start-up companies that will be based in the new Xia Cheng development area. Officials from the Chinese government have been providing a remarkable amount of assistance in removing old buildings in order to help the new esports stadium be constructed in time for its May 2020 deadline.

But it’s not just in Xia Cheng where big things are happening. From the $150 million development fund that’s transforming the entertainment island of Hainan, to Shanghai’s thriving Yangpu small business district, China is starting to encourage many unlikely business initiatives.

Money is probably the biggest cause for this newfound enthusiasm for activities such as esports. The new competitive gaming stadium in Xia Cheng is expected to bring in well over $150 million in revenues, whilst the esports industry is hoped to provide jobs for more than two million Chinese citizens over the following five years.

With a record-breaking eight million college graduates this year alone, the Chinese government has been having to recognise new areas of growth, and esports is one of the most likely candidates. Globally, the esports industry is widely expected to hit the £1 billion mark in 2019, and pro gamers can make as much as triple the standard Chinese salary.

As a result, Chinese officials have been keen to establish new programs that provide well over £1 million in subsidies for international gaming tournaments that take place in China. In addition to this, there have also been projects implemented that serve up cash handouts for many local gaming clubs to ensure that China’s esports scene is on-par with the international competition.

Already, China’s pro gamers are well-respected on the global stage. The likes of Pan Jie and her team, LGD Gaming, are famous way beyond the confines of their new Hangzhou home. Plus with the support of the Chinese government, it won’t be too long before the China gaming revolution becomes a world-beater.