China’s science fiction (sci-fi) industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023, generating a total revenue of 113.29 billion yuan (approximately $16 billion), according to the 2024 China Science Fiction Industry Report released on Saturday at the 8th China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing.
This revenue represents a significant year-on-year growth of 29.1%, marking the first time the industry’s annual revenue has surpassed the 100-billion-yuan threshold. The robust growth reflects the burgeoning interest and investment in sci-fi across various sectors in China.
Sectors Driving Growth
The sci-fi reading sector contributed 3.17 billion yuan, up 4.3% from the previous year, indicating a steady increase in the readership and publication of sci-fi literature. Meanwhile, sci-fi films and television works generated 11.59 billion yuan, experiencing a substantial yearly increase of 38.8%. The past year witnessed a surge in the production of sci-fi web series, mini-series, and an increase in short and medium-length sci-fi videos, showcasing the diversification of content and formats appealing to a wide audience.
Notably, sci-fi games dominated the industry’s revenue, contributing 65.19 billion yuan, a 15.4% growth compared to the previous year. The gaming sector’s expansion underscores the significant role of interactive entertainment in the sci-fi landscape.
Sci-fi cultural tourism emerged as a standout performer, earning 31.06 billion yuan, soaring by 106.7% year-on-year. This surge reflects the growing popularity of sci-fi themed experiences and destinations, highlighting the integration of sci-fi elements into cultural and tourism activities.
Implications for Investors and Cultural Enthusiasts
The impressive growth of China’s sci-fi industry presents significant opportunities for business professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the expanding market. The diversification across reading materials, visual media, gaming, and cultural tourism indicates a healthy and dynamic industry with multiple avenues for investment and development.
For global readers, academics, and researchers, the industry’s growth signifies a cultural shift and increasing influence of sci-fi in China’s social and economic spheres. It offers rich material for study in fields such as cultural studies, media, and economic development.
Asian diaspora communities and cultural explorers may find the developments particularly engaging, as they reflect contemporary trends in China’s creative industries, offering insights into the region’s cultural evolution.
About the Report
The 2024 China Science Fiction Industry Report was jointly compiled by the China Science Fiction Research Center and the Research Center for Science and Human Imagination at Southern University of Science and Technology. The report provides comprehensive insights into the industry’s performance and trends, serving as a valuable resource for stakeholders across various sectors.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
