Asia

Can Sony Finally Crack China With The PlayStation 5?

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2020

Can Sony Finally Crack China With The PlayStation 5?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

With the launch of the PlayStation 5 just around the corner and the pre-recorded video of the new console ready to be played to millions of gamers in a number of days, is this the beginning of Sony finally cracking China? The hype around the new console has continued to grow since the announcement of the PlayStation 5 across the world, including China. As China’s market has started to become more console-friendly, is the PlayStation 5 going to crack it or are there still barriers in its way? Similarly to consoles being banned in China, online gambling in China is also difficult for Chinese citizens to access and for them to find a suitable site to use. So, if Sony were to crack China with the PlayStation 5, this could be the beginning of online gaming and gambling becoming more accessible for citizens in China.

Gaming In China
Historically, Chinese players have preferred to play games on smartphones and PCs, which is partly due to consoles being banned in the country until as recently as 2015. However, of course the consoles weren’t completely unavailable, but were more expensive through grey market imports. Due to the lower prices of smartphones and PCs compared to other devices, it allowed these to thrive in the country. This lead to smartphones being a key opportunity for Chinese gaming companies to make a name for themselves, including names such as NetEase and Tencent. Despite their success, these companies are now looking towards console games, with both soring deals with big names in gaming development, such as PlatinumGames and Marvelous.

Sony has been trying to crack China’s growing console development talent, launching the China Hero Project, which was an initiative to promote and invest in PlayStation 4 games that were made by Chinese developers.

The country has strict controls on what is and isn’t approved for sale, so some games are forced to make changes to get by the censors. Now, Chinese gamers are used to creating ways to get around the restrictions, relying on the international version of Steam to play games that would normally be blocked. The Chinese gamers that get to play the PlayStation 5 first will probably do so through the grey market. However, if Sony are to have better success in the country they will need local games or a way for Chinese gamers to access their games and consoles overseas.

PlayStation 5
The new, sleek design of the PlayStation 5 is just one of the exciting features added to the console. With stunning games with graphics that you won’t have seen before, as well as lightning speed loading, you can discover a deeper gaming with the new console. The adaptive triggers and 3D audio technology are all part of innovative features of the PlayStation 5, and the DualSense PS5 controller that was revealed earlier this year by Sony, includes a built-in mic for impressive play.

The different look and colour scheme of both the controller and gaming console signifies a significant departure from its competitors. The space-age black and white theme provides a seamless finish to the PlayStation 5 and DualSense PS5 controller. With the reveal of the surprise PS5 Digital Edition too, which is an all-digital console without a disc drive, gamers are sure to be excited about this new generation of gaming. New glimpses at the console are being revealed in the lead up to the release date later in 2020, so will Sony finally crack China with the PlayStation 5?

Gamers in China are currently divided on their thoughts towards the look of the PlayStaion 5, with social media being flooded with memes and opinions about the new gaming console by Sony. Some say it looks futuristic and high-tech, whereas others say that it resembles other home appliances. However, despite this divide, it’s unlikely that this will impact them wanting to purchase the console. Chinese gamers are instead more worried whether the regulations in China will allow them to have access to a wide selection of games.

As previously mentioned, China allowed companies such as Microsoft and Sony to sell consoles around 5 years ago, but kept a restriction on the games available to gamers. Despite Chinese gamers previously having a trick to access foreign stores on the Chinese PS4, this has been recently disabled. This has led to many questions as to how the PS5 will be accessible to everyone. Therefore, many are looking to Sony to see their ability to balance the demands of gamers and strict regulations by the Chinese authorities, as this will have an impact on the popularity and success of the new gaming console in the country.

So, with the release of the PlayStation 5 getting nearer, everyone is not only excited to play the new console, but also see is Sony is able to crack China with the PS5.

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Asia

Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Onlyplay has entered into a strategic partnership with online casino and betting company Ritchie Rabbit within the Asia region.

Ritchie Rabbit is said to have “extensive expertise and deep understanding of the Asian market,” which helps Onlyplay as it seeks to expand its presence in the region.

Through this deal, Onlyplay will introduce a range of games and features designed specifically for the Asian gaming community.

Onlyplay offers a wide range of games such as instant win, slots and crash games, and will now provide games for players in Asia.

Christina Muratkina, CEO of Onlyplay, said: “It is a great pleasure for us to develop the Asian region alongside Ritchie Rabbit. We recognize the immense potential of the Asian market and are committed to delivering top-notch gaming content and experiences to players in the region. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to offer innovative and engaging games that resonate with our Asian audience.”

Asia

FBM(R) launches FBM E-Motion: the newest online gaming platform for the Philippines

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

FBM® kicks off a new chapter of its Champion journey in the Philippines with the launch of FBM E-Motion! The online gaming platform disclosed yesterday in the FBM Champion’s Night event held at Xylo at The Palace in Taguig marks a historic moment for the global gaming brand in its pursuit of redefining the gaming experience of Filipino players.

FBM E-Motion promises to change the way local players interact with the FBM games. The online casino games developed under the FBM Group are now available for players in the Philippines to enjoy anytime and anywhere. Whether it is a video bingo, a slots theme or a table game, Filipino gaming enthusiasts have the control in the palm of their hands to start joyful gaming sessions.

One platform, multiple benefits for the players

The FBM E-Motion introduction means significant improvements to the local players’ gaming experience in multiple areas. The game’s accessibility is more convenient, as customers can access the platform with any desktop or mobile device.

Besides the improved accessibility, FBM E-Motion offers more gaming options since players can have fun playing various game categories from different providers. With more variety of gaming choices comes thrilling gaming opportunities as FBM E-Motion keeps users engaged with regular promotional campaigns, jackpots and bonuses to conquer.

In terms of safety and reliability, FBM E-Motion guarantees the highest quality standards. The platform got the license from PAGCOR, and all gaming services offered follow the excellence standards practiced by the FBM brand in the land-based universe, meeting all the criteria regarding legality and compliance with gaming regulations.

FBM E-Motion can be described as a user-centric platform, due to the prioritization of users’ needs, preferences, and overall satisfaction through a 24/7 dedicated customer service available in bingo halls nationwide.

This platform also stands out as the only digital platform allowing Filipino players to enjoy FBM games online in the Philippines.

FBM E-Motion is a game changer in the Filipino online gaming landscape

The release of FBM E-Motion materializes a new entertainment era for the FBM Group in the Philippines. With this step, FBM adds a new layer of engagement with the players’ community, allowing customers to try their favorite FBM titles inside and outside bingo halls in ways that were not possible.

The user-friendly interface of FBM E-Motion facilitates smooth navigation, stimulating players to try a solution crafted with cutting-edge technologies, attending to the latest trends of innovation and entertainment in this Asian country. Players can immerse themselves in a diverse range of memorable gaming experiences with FBM® exclusive games and video bingos, slots or table games provided by different providers.

The launch of FBM® E-Motion kicks off FBM®’s journey in the world of online gaming in the Philippines. With its promise of innovation, excitement and accessibility, the platform is ready to captivate players and redefine the future of their gaming experiences.

Africa

Hub88 partners with LiveGames to enhance content offering

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2024

George Miller

Hub88 partners with LiveGames to enhance content offering

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Hub88 has partnered with live casino supplier LiveGames, further strengthening its product offering by adding a unique range of content to its platform.

LiveGames provides fully customisable online live dealer games and branded tables including the first vertical roulette table in the sector, along with crash games and the widely played Tombola.

The supplier delivers experiences with a player-focused design, easy to use mobile interface, and high-resolution broadcasts.

The partnership will support LiveGames’ goal to further expand in international markets, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America where Hub88 has a strong presence.

The deal showcases Hub88’s commitment to grow its ecosystem of partners, offering a diverse portfolio of products and content.

Ollie Castleman, Head of Hub88, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil this strategic partnership with LiveGames which sees us add a great provider to our platform, one that utilises modern technology to offer bespoke and personalised gaming experiences to players.

“We are looking forward to collaborating and strengthening our content library with their diverse games.”

The LiveGames Team said: “Our journey started in a small studio and as a team, we are excited about now expanding to every corner of the world together with Hub88 and their extensive operator network.

“We are committed to promoting innovation in the industry and this partnership will support us on that mission.”