Chinese video games, together with online literature and film, have become the three most popular Chinese online cultural products, generating new waves of followers worldwide thanks to the powerful support of digital and AI technologies.
This global appeal was on full display at the 2025 King Pro League (KPL) Grand Final event, China’s premier "Honor of Kings" tournament, which was held in Beijing on Nov 8 and attracted more than 60,000 spectators -- making it the most-watched esports event in history.
Many passionate fans from overseas traveled to Beijing specifically for the large-scale tournament.
"I came here by flight. Yesterday I've been here. Last year I saw in the screen, the live, the Grand Final. I [was] feeling so good. So this year I decided that I want to enjoy this moment. [It's] so crazy. I love it so much," said a spectator from Malaysia.
"It's my first time in Chengdu and first time in Beijing. And this is my very first time to see an esports tournament as big as this one -- filling up this stadium, and having the same level of audience just like sports. It's like an NBA and baseball put together," said a fan from the Philippines.
Industry insiders believe that Chinese online cultural products captivate global audiences because they were developed specifically for online audiences, are quality-driven, and are attuned to youth culture.
"Chinese online literature, film, and video games have become popular around the world first because they are highly connected to internet culture and its underlying DNA. Second, our cultural products are crafted with great precision. Third, we are able to engage with a global perspective, especially with the new and cutting-edge ideas and aesthetics of young people. Taken together, these three factors give us a broader global outlook and even access to a worldwide cultural market -- creating a certain pull and appeal," said Lyv Fan, associate researcher at Beijing University.
Overseas fans flock to Beijing as Chinese online cultural products draw new waves of global followers
