Traditional competitive mobile games remain mainstream, and combining competition with progression is a new trend. Tencent and NetEase lead the market, with new competitors mainly from PC and console game adaptations. Tier-3 markets and Middle Eastern esports show great potential.

Teamfight Tactics innovates a lot but has a steep learning curve, while Hearthstone thrived after its return to China. The mixed gameplay boosts user retention. Meanwhile, excessive official intervention may trigger huge commercial risks.