Baidu plans foray into online gaming sector

Baidu.com Inc., China's No. 1 Internet search engine provider, announced its expansion plan into the online gaming sector in China in a bid to further diversify its businesses.

Baidu launched its game site by cooperating with five game operators, including Shanda Entertainment, Beijing-based developer Huancheng Interactive, Beijing Xin Yu Brothers Internet Technology.

Six free browser games, namely Zongheng Tianxia, Tiankong Zuoan, Fangbianmian Sanguo, Luanwu Chunqiu, Empire, and XBA Manager, will be provided during the initial trial operation period. These games are web-based and do not require high performance computers.

China has become a huge online game market with its revenue hitting RMB12.8 billion last year. It is also estimated that the market revenue will climb to RMB 40.1 billion in four years, according to Analysys International.