BEIJING - The number of Chinese people who play mobile video games is estimated to hit 215 million in 2012, according to a report released by Chinese market research firm Analysis International.

The figure represents a 31.8-percent year-on-year increase and is expected to reach 360 million in 2014, said the report.

Mobile gaming has seen rapid development in China, according to analyst Sun Mengzi.

Sun said the sector's optimized business models will continue to contribute to the industry's development by spurring the creation of promotions and third-party payment systems, allowing players to discover new games and pay for content at their convenience.

Abundant content and collectivized operation will "inject vitality" into China's mobile gaming industry, Sun said.