In spite of crackdowns, the online gaming market in China grew 60% last year, says Pearl Research, now valued at 1.66 billion (just the online sector alone!).

It ain't stopping there either; the company projects it will be worth nearly double inside two years.

"The year 2007 exceeded expectations with the market growing more than 60 per cent, driven by compelling and diverse content, free-to-play games, and rising demand for leisure and technology products," said Allison Luong, Pearl Research's managing director.

"Chinese-themed and advanced casual games are expected to drive revenues in 2008 and beyond."

chautemoc via gamesindustry.biz »