
Photo: VCG
One of China’s largest playing card companies has rebranded itself as a tech company as online gaming increasingly dominates its revenues.
The company formerly known as Shanghai Yaoji Playing Card or Yaoji Poker has now changed its name to Shanghai Yaoji Technology, according to an official notice published Wednesday.
In addition to the name change, Yaoji said it has received new permits to operate businesses including internet technology services and research and development in hardware and software.
The company said the changes will “make it easier for investors to understand” its current main business and “establish a new corporate image.” Online games accounted for 86.6% of Yaoji’s total net profit of 141.1 million yuan ($19.7 million) in the first half of 2019.
Earlier this year, Yaoji wholly acquired a Shanghai-based online gaming studio and has since further shifted its business focus to mobile games, the notice said.
Yaoji said it will keep investing in the online gaming sector but warned of risk factors including government policy toward issuing game licenses.
Yaoji’s Shenzhen-listed shares rose 6.28% Wednesday.
Contact reporter Zhao Runhua (runhuazhao@caixin.com)