The conceptual development of the science-fiction industry and its main forms and features

The term ‘science fiction (sci-fi) industry’ has developed only in the past two decades in China. It has gone through special cultural, economic and political backgrounds in its conceptual development. After years of evolution and under the influence of some influential sci-fi intellectual properties, the sci-fi industry has developed typical forms such as reading material, film and television programs, games, derivative products and cultural tourism. These forms are also the major means for the generation of sci-fi content and the dissemination of sci-fi culture. The sci-fi industry has three key features: it integrates culture with science and technology as production factors; it has both production capacity and consumer appeal; and it is made up of interconnected vertical and horizontal production chains.