The National Network Game and Cartoon Industry (Beijing) Development Zone has been formally launched in Beijing's Zhongguancun area.

The zone offers preferential tax, licensing and corporate operations mechanisms for those Chinese companies that qualify as online gaming or animation businesses.

Along with Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai, the establishment of this new base has made Beijing a national game development center. According to local media, by 2010 the Beijing zone will achieve CNY4 billion annually and grow at about 50% each year.

Meanwhile, sub-zones have been licensed in Beijing's Haidian, Shijingshan and Yonghegong areas.