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Online entertainment and exports: Evidence from a Chinese video game

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Tianyu
  • Li, Lei
  • Li, Feng
  • Liu, Bocong

Abstract

Online entertainment, represented by online videos, social media, and video games, have become an integral part of people's daily lives. How does online entertainment influence international economic activities and international relations? This paper investigates the impact of the late-2020 global success of a Chinese video game—Genshin Impact—on China's product exports, aiming to provide empirical insights into this question. Using monthly trade data and a Difference-in-Differences approach, we find that Genshin Impact had a significant positive effect on China's product exports. Regarding potential mechanisms, we present evidence suggesting that Genshin Impact led to a more favorable perception of China among foreign residents, thereby enhancing China's national image. This study provides novel evidence on how video games can influence international trade and national image, thereby advancing research in online entertainment, international trade, and international relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Tianyu & Li, Lei & Li, Feng & Liu, Bocong, 2026. "Online entertainment and exports: Evidence from a Chinese video game," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:97:y:2026:i:c:s1043951x26000404
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2026.102690
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F59 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Other

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