(Yicai Global) May 31 -- China's e-sports sector was worth more than CNY65 billion (USD10 billion) last year driven by a surge in mobile gaming.

Revenue from mobile e-sports raked in almost half of the total revenue, rivaling the combined income from computer and console gaming, China Securities reported, citing data released at yesterday's China Cyber Games Summit by iResearch and Huati Gaming, which is controlled by the Chinese Olympic Committee.

The sector generates most of its income from game purchases, with event tickets, sponsorship and advertising only bringing in CNY5 billion last year but forecast to bring in CNY8.5 billion this year and close in on CNY14 billion in 2019. All areas within the sector improved considerably last year, the report added.

Rising popularity in e-sports is also spelling money for computer component makers. According to iResearch, more than 70 percent of 1,190 Chinese gamers had upgraded their personal computer to play PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, a renowned battle royale video game with high system requirements.

China Association of Trade in Services, which hosted the summit, plans to boost integration and exchange of digital entertainment resources and integrate China's entertainment sector into a national brand with a global reputation, it said.

Editor: James Boynton