ChinaJoy, an annual entertainment expo in Shanghai, has come to a close, with those taking part suggesting this year's event has showcased the close ties between Chinese and foreign gaming companies.

ChinaJoy is officially known as the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference. This year - the 16th edition - has seen international collaboration in the gaming industry high on the agenda.

Stats released during ChinaJoy show that during the first half of this year, sales revenues for Chinese-developed internet games reached nearly 80 billion dollars in China. This has helped the gaming market grow 5.2 percent year-on-year through the first half.

With consumer demand for video games increasing in China, industry observers are suggesting international cooperation channels and network services need to be strengthened. 

Elena Egorova, senior manager of Russian internet firm Mail.ru, says a closer market relationship between China and Russia will be fruitful for both sides.

"China is one of our top partners. We want to establish strong connections with Chinese gaming markets to bring more Chinese games into Russia because they are very popular in there. So we do try to learn as much as possible. Russian market is the largest market in Europe we want to bring as many Chinese companies here in Russia as possible. "

Beyond mobile gaming, various Chinese-developed interactive home recreation equipment was also on display at this year's ChinaJoy, including a number of console and VR games.

South Korean startup bHaptics is among those which displayed new VR equipment at the event.

Kiuk Gwak, CEO of bHaptics, says that with the popularity of VR technology, VR equipment is going to become a fixture in virtually every family home in the future.

"The Chinese domestic market for VR equipment is tending to be mature. Our product will be put on sale in China in September. Nowadays, many people choose to experience product with the aid of equipment in VR stores. Maybe ten years later, we will play games and engage in social networking with our own VR equipment at home. "

ChinaJoy has also seen a number of Chinese high tech companies actively promoting their products for overseas markets.

A report from mobile analytics firm App Annie shows overseas gamers have spent some 16-billion US dollars so far on Chinese games.

Long Teng Jian He, an internet and technology company based in Fuzhou, has been tailoring Chinese games for the Middle East market. 

Lin Bin, commercial director with the company, says part of their work is localizing the games. 

"As for local players in Middle East countries, we integrate their culture into the games, and present the game in the way they like and get used to. The game which is made in China is presented with Middle East characteristics. We take roots in countries along the Belt and Road, and then gradually extend to other areas, including Europe and Southeast Asia. This is the future trend of the entire mobile internet market spreading from China to overseas." 

The four-day ChinaJoy expo wrapped up on Monday in Shanghai.