China's online game market surged 66.7 percent year-on-year to hit 12.8 billion yuan in 2007, according to a report released by i Research Inc., a well-known consulting firm.

The jump is largely driven by China's massive player-pool and operators' marketing efforts, said the firm.

Shanda ranked the first with a market share of 19.3 percent while the runner-up Netease took 15.1 percent, followed by Giant Interactive Group who took 11.9 percent, according to i Research.

China's online game market is expected to hit 19.1 billion yuan in 2008 and 40.1 billion yuan in 2011, predicts the firm. (One U.S. dollar equals 7.11 yuan)

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2008)