Crunch time for big players

The game was over even before it started.

Overseas video game console vendors are disappointed to see that Chinese gamers are no longer interested in toying with controllers in front of a television and would rather prefer smartphones or tablets.

It was a huge setback for Sony Corp and Microsoft Corp. The industry heavyweights that got licenses to sell PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on the Chinese mainland less than a year ago, are now disappointed to find that the party is over.