Chinese mobile gaming predicted to hit $2.5 billion by 2014

China is set to enjoy a boon in mobile gaming over the course of the next four years, with revenue predicted to rise by 51.5 percent to $2.5 billion between 2009 to 2014.

The report published by Pyramid Research, claims the wider adoption of 3G will be the main catalyst behind the acceleration.

China already has a thriving mobile sector, but Mobile Gaming in China: Waiting for a 3G Boost concludes that a delay in rolling out 3G temporarily held the gaming industry back.

"3G is expected to contribute significantly to lowering mobile data access costs in a mix of increased competition and a government policy to boost adoption," the report's author, Luis Portela, states.

"The licensing of 3G, however, did not occur until 2008, and network rollouts are still underway."

Portela cites both mobile gaming and online multiplayer as the two sectors that offer the most opportunity for those foraging into the Chinese market, the study suggesting the industry as a whole is incredibly reliant on 3G infrastructure, and its affordable data access costs, for continued growth.

"The arrival of 3G has raised the profile of mobile online games and mobile operators, as well as internet and gaming players are eager to expand their internet footprints through mobile access," he continues.

"We expect increased 3G adoption to boost sales of devices with stronger gaming capabilities, including smartphones."

Portela's report follows on from another Pyramid Research study that claimed China would become the world's biggest smartphone market in 2010, overtaking the United States.

Those wishing to look a little deeper can either download a free excerpt of the study, or the full 16 page report, which costs $595.