Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry Involved - The conference call is related to **Zulong Entertainment**, a company in the **media and entertainment industry**. Core Points and Arguments - The call began with a **disclaimer** stating that the meeting is intended for **Debon Securities Research clients** and does not constitute investment advice, emphasizing that participants should make their own investment decisions and bear the associated risks [1]. Other Important but Possibly Overlooked Content - The call was initiated with all participants on **mute**, indicating a structured approach to the meeting [1].

Corporate Governance - The company has established four main board committees: Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, and Risk Management Committee, each operating according to its terms of reference[17] - The Audit Committee consists of three members, with Mr. Zhu Lin serving as the chairman, responsible for reviewing financial statements and overseeing internal controls and risk management systems[17] - The Nomination Committee evaluates candidates for board appointments based on diversity factors such as gender, age, cultural background, and professional expertise[18] - As of December 31, 2023, the board comprises six male members and one female member, with no quantifiable diversity targets set[21] - The company ensures the independence of the board by establishing mechanisms to convey independent opinions and recommendations for objective decision-making[12] - The chairman holds annual meetings with independent non-executive directors without the presence of executive and non-executive directors[14] - The company has obtained an exemption from strict compliance with Listing Rules 3.28 and 8.17 for its co-company secretary, Ms. Hao Lili[25] - The board reviews and oversees compliance with the company's whistleblowing policy as part of its corporate governance responsibilities[9] - The company has adopted a shareholder communication policy to ensure timely and equal access to relevant information, encouraging shareholder participation in annual general meetings[36][37] Financial Performance and Risk Management - The company has adopted a financial risk management policy to control risks such as tax, currency, and financial reporting risks[28] - The board monitors financial performance and key operational statistics monthly with the assistance of the internal financial reporting department[28] - The company has implemented strict internal procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, continuously reviewing risk management policies and measures[32] - The company's risk management and internal control systems are designed to ensure effective and adequate policy implementation[32] - Revenue for 2023 increased to RMB 908,489 thousand, up 55.5% from RMB 584,121 thousand in 2022[58] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 650,407 thousand, a 53.5% increase from RMB 423,620 thousand in 2022[58] - Operating loss for 2023 decreased to RMB 357,029 thousand, a 53.7% improvement from RMB 771,437 thousand in 2022[58] - Net loss for 2023 was RMB 315,561 thousand, a 58.9% improvement from RMB 768,547 thousand in 2022[58] - R&D expenses for 2023 decreased to RMB 582,208 thousand, down 22.0% from RMB 746,364 thousand in 2022[58] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2023 were RMB 555,033 thousand, a 55.0% decrease from RMB 1,232,999 thousand at the end of 2022[71] - The company received RMB 35,800 thousand from borrowings and repaid the same amount in 2023[71] - The company's financial income for 2023 was RMB 51,561 thousand, a 119.2% increase from RMB 23,524 thousand in 2022[58] - The company's financial costs for 2023 decreased to RMB 4,271 thousand, down 33.7% from RMB 6,438 thousand in 2022[58] - The company's net financial income for 2023 was RMB 47,290 thousand, a 176.8% increase from RMB 17,086 thousand in 2022[58] - Adjusted net loss for 2023 was RMB 282.9 million, an improvement from RMB 731.9 million in 2022[107] Revenue and Game Operations - The company's consolidated game publishing and operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was approximately RMB 709 million, primarily from the sale of in-game virtual items[47] - Revenue from consumable in-game virtual items is recognized upon consumption or expiration, while revenue from durable in-game virtual items is recognized proportionally over the expected player relationship period[47] - The company's independent auditor identified the determination of the expected player relationship period as a key audit matter due to significant judgment and estimation involved[48] - The auditor assessed the accuracy and completeness of key input data used to determine the expected player relationship period, including historical player behavior and churn rates[48] Subsidiaries and Investments - The company holds 100% equity in multiple subsidiaries, including Finger Games Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Dream Cube Games Limited (Dubai), and Archosaur Games Japan Ltd. (Japan), all established in 2021[75] - The registered capital of Shanghai Huanzhimeng Technology Co., Ltd. is RMB 10,000,000, and it is fully owned by the company, focusing on mobile game development in China[75] - The company's financial products investment increased significantly from RMB 151,115 thousand in 2022 to RMB 433,293 thousand in 2023, with an expected return rate ranging from 2.14% to 6.00%[83] - Preferred stock investments decreased from RMB 14,349 thousand in 2022 to RMB 2,868 thousand in 2023, with expected volatility ranging from 35.80% to 38.89%[83] - Other common stock investments remained stable at around RMB 3,526 thousand in 2022 and RMB 3,528 thousand in 2023, with expected volatility between 51.77% and 54.88%[83] - Private equity and venture capital fund investments decreased from RMB 163,435 thousand in 2022 to RMB 135,935 thousand in 2023[83] - Other fund investments increased slightly from RMB 157,664 thousand in 2022 to RMB 165,176 thousand in 2023[83] - Structural investments decreased from RMB 239,406 thousand in 2022 to RMB 199,617 thousand in 2023[83] - The company controls subsidiaries through contractual arrangements, allowing it to influence variable returns and consolidate financial statements[91] - The company uses the acquisition method to account for business combinations, measuring identifiable assets and liabilities at fair value at the acquisition date[92] - The company has a subsidiary, Tianjin Zulong Technology Co., Ltd., which is consolidated under contractual arrangements[94] Financial Reporting and Accounting Standards - The company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance[78] - New accounting standards, including IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8, became effective from January 1, 2023[80] - The company will adopt new accounting standards and interpretations, including amendments to IAS 1, IFRS 16, and IAS 21, effective from January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025[87] - The company's financial statements are audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a registered public interest entity auditor[102] - The company's financial assets are classified into categories measured at fair value, with changes recognized in other comprehensive income or profit or loss[144] Financial Assets and Valuation - Financial assets measured at fair value totaled RMB 940.4 million as of December 31, 2023[116] - The company had no financial liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2023[115] - Total fair value of financial assets categorized as Level 3 instruments amounted to RMB 729,495 thousand as of December 31, 2022[118] - The company's financial assets include investments in wealth management products (RMB 151,115 thousand), other fund investments (RMB 149,439 thousand), and structured investments (RMB 140,107 thousand) under Level 3 instruments[118] - Non-current financial assets under Level 3 instruments include private equity and venture capital fund investments (RMB 163,435 thousand), structured investments (RMB 99,299 thousand), and preferred stock investments (RMB 14,349 thousand)[118] - The company uses specific valuation techniques such as market quotes, net asset value of investments, and discounted cash flow analysis to determine the fair value of financial instruments[119] Shareholder Information and Company Details - The company's headquarters are located in Beijing, China, with a principal place of business in Hong Kong[105] - The company's shares are traded under the stock code 9990[105] - The company's website is www.zulong.com[105] - Tencent held a 17.23% stake in the company as of December 31, 2023[132] Intangible Assets and Amortization - The company capitalizes costs related to purchased computer software and amortizes them over an estimated useful life of 3 to 15 years[139] - Trademarks and domain names are amortized over an estimated useful life of 5 to 10 years[143] Dividend Policy - The company's dividend payments are determined by the board of directors, considering factors such as actual and expected operating performance, cash flow, financial condition, and future expansion plans[33] Financial Position - Total assets decreased to RMB 2,743.6 million in 2023 from RMB 2,953.3 million in 2022[110] - Total liabilities increased to RMB 409.7 million in 2023 from RMB 363.1 million in 2022[110] - Total equity decreased to RMB 2,333.9 million in 2023 from RMB 2,590.2 million in 2022[110] Revenue and Profit Details - Revenue for 2023 was RMB 908.5 million, a 55.5% increase from RMB 584.1 million in 2022[107] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 650.4 million, up 53.5% from RMB 423.6 million in 2022[107] - R&D expenses decreased to RMB 582.2 million in 2023 from RMB 746.3 million in 2022, a 22% reduction[107] - Operating loss improved to RMB 357.0 million in 2023 from RMB 771.4 million in 2022[107]

[Table_Summary] [Table_Title] 大单品驱动增长，关注老牌硬核研发商业务模式升级 [Table_ReportDate] 祖龙娱乐（9990.HK）公司简评报告 | 2024.04.08 [Table_Rank] 评级：买入 核心观点 [Table_Authors] 王建会 传媒互联网首席分析师 SAC 执证编号：S0110522050001 wangjianhui2@sczq.com.cn 李甜露 传媒互联网联席首席分析师 SAC 执证编号：S0110516090001 litianlu@sczq.com.cn 电话：86-10-8115 2690 辛迪 传媒互联网行业分析师 SAC 执证编号：S0110522110003 xindi2022@sczq.com.cn 电话：86-10-8115 2690 [Table_Chart] 市场指数走势（最近 1 年） 祖龙娱乐 恒生指数 -100% -80% -60% -40% -20% 0% 20% 23-0423-0523-0623-0723-0823-0923-1023-1123-1224-0124-0224-03 资料来源：聚源数据 ...

Game Development and Strategy - As of December 31, 2023, the company launched 20 premium mobile games across over 170 markets, supporting 14 languages[6] - The company emphasizes a core strategy of premiumization and globalization, aiming to create leading games across various genres for a superior online entertainment experience[13] - The company is actively developing new titles, including "Three Kingdoms Heroes: Honghu Dominance," which has completed its first paid test and is progressing well[23] - The company is collaborating with Epic Games on Unreal Engine 5 technology, with a project code-named "Odin" under development[12] - The company is leveraging Unreal Engine 5 technology for future game development, enhancing product quality and user experience[39] - The company plans to launch 8 new game products globally from 2024 to 2026, including MMORPG, SLG, and strategy card games[65] - The company plans to continue its strategy of product diversification, with new titles such as a Chinese-style RPG and a strategy game based on a well-known IP[32] - Project Odin, an MMORPG+ game based on the "Dragon Tribe" series, is scheduled for production in 2025[69] Financial Performance - The company's revenue for 2023 reached RMB 908.5 million, a 55.5% increase from RMB 584.1 million in 2022[26] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 650.4 million, reflecting a 53.5% increase compared to RMB 423.6 million in the previous year[26] - The net loss for the year was RMB 315.6 million, a 58.9% improvement from a loss of RMB 768.5 million in 2022[26] - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 908.5 million, an increase of 55.5% compared to RMB 584.1 million for the same period in 2022[46] - Revenue generated from mainland China was RMB 592.1 million, a significant increase of 230.2% from RMB 179.3 million in the previous year[48] - Adjusted net loss for the year was RMB 282.9 million, a reduction from RMB 731.9 million in the previous year, attributed to increased revenue and controlled R&D costs[55] - The total revenue from game publishing and operations for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 709.3 million, an increase of 105.4% from RMB 345.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[71] - Revenue from external customers in mainland China was RMB 592,142,000, a significant increase of 230.5% compared to RMB 179,352,000 in 2022[167] User Engagement and Market Reach - The total registered user base for the 13 games currently in operation exceeds 150 million, with 2 games generating over RMB 4 billion in cumulative revenue[18] - The game "Dragon Tribe Fantasy" has achieved cumulative revenue exceeding RMB 4.4 billion and has over 44 million registered users globally[19] - The game "Dragon Tribe Fantasy" generated over RMB 2 billion in cumulative revenue outside of mainland China as of December 31, 2023[33] - Cumulative registered users for "Shining Bright" exceeded 12 million as of December 31, 2023[63] - Cumulative revenue for "Under the Hongtu" surpassed RMB 1.6 billion, with over 7.3 million registered users[64] - Four games have achieved cumulative revenue between RMB 1 billion and RMB 3 billion, showcasing the company's successful product portfolio[18] - The existing game "Dreaming of the Sword Immortal" has achieved over RMB 4 billion in global cumulative revenue as of December 31, 2023[42] Cost Management and Expenses - Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by 22.0% to RMB 582.2 million from RMB 746.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[77] - Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by 2.2% to RMB 274.5 million from RMB 280.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[78] - Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, decreased by 2.9% to RMB 105.1 million from RMB 108.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[79] - Employee benefit expenses decreased to RMB 589,812,000 from RMB 730,874,000, a reduction of 19.4%[172] Cash Flow and Investments - Operating cash outflow for the year was RMB 79.5 million, a decrease of 84.5% from RMB 514.5 million in the previous year[59] - The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB 589.1 million, compared to RMB 85.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[88] - The net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was RMB (79.5) million, compared to RMB (514.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing an improvement of 84.5%[117] - The company reported a net cash outflow from financing activities of RMB 19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of 83.8% from RMB 118.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022[119] - The total capital expenditure for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, was RMB 4.4 million and RMB 40.6 million, respectively, reflecting a decrease of 89.2% due to reduced purchases of intangible assets[121] Corporate Governance and Future Plans - The board of directors is reviewing the effectiveness of the corporate governance structure to assess the need for separating the roles of Chairman and CEO[129] - The company is taking a more cautious approach in identifying suitable acquisition and investment targets due to global economic uncertainties[127] - The company has delayed the expected timeline for utilizing net proceeds for strategic acquisitions and investments in entertainment and technology sectors to July 2024, primarily due to the need for more time to identify suitable IP[101] - The company plans to utilize the remaining net proceeds from the global offering for enhancing development capabilities and expanding the game portfolio, with 40% allocated to this purpose, amounting to RMB 943.5 million[100] Taxation and Compliance - The effective tax rate for taxable profits in Hong Kong is 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022[196] - The company’s taxable profits in China are subject to a tax rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022[197] - Tianjin Zulong Technology Co., Ltd. has renewed its high-tech enterprise status, allowing it to enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 15% from November 2023 to November 2026[198] - Beijing Fantasy Mermaid Technology Co., Ltd. has also renewed its high-tech enterprise status, granting it a 15% preferential income tax rate from December 2022 to December 2025[199] - A new policy effective from 2023 allows companies engaged in R&D activities to claim 200% of their R&D expenses as an excess deduction when determining taxable profits[200]

Revenue and Growth - The company recorded revenue of RMB 402.3 million for the reporting period, an increase of 22.0% compared to RMB 329.8 million for the same period in 2022, primarily due to the launch of "In the Name of the Shining" in various regions including mainland China, Europe, and Southeast Asia [20]. - Revenue for the first half of 2023 reached RMB 402.3 million, representing a 22.0% increase compared to RMB 329.8 million in the same period of 2022 [30]. - The revenue from comprehensive game publishing and operations reached RMB 301.2 million, an increase of 56.8% from RMB 192.1 million in the same period of 2022 [62]. - Revenue generated from the mainland China market was RMB 238.3 million, representing a significant increase of 128.5% compared to RMB 104.3 million in the same period of 2022 [44]. - Revenue from regions outside mainland China was RMB 164.0 million, a decrease of 27.3% from RMB 225.5 million in the same period of 2022 [44]. Game Development and Releases - The company has several upcoming game releases, including "Avatar: Return to Pandora" and "Three Kingdoms: Honghu Baye," expected to launch in 2023, targeting markets in Southeast Asia and Asia respectively [16]. - The game "Madtale: Idle RPG" launched on July 12, 2023, and quickly entered the top 10 free games on iOS in multiple countries, peaking at 7th in the US [19]. - The MMORPG and shooting game "Avatar: Return to Pandora" has completed multiple testing phases and is expected to enhance user experience through continuous quality improvements [38]. - The company plans to launch 9 new games across various genres from the second half of 2023 to 2025 [35]. - The company is actively testing several new projects, including original IP games and licensed IP games, with anticipated launches in 2024 and 2025 [16]. Financial Performance - Gross profit increased to RMB 297.7 million, up 22.6% from RMB 242.8 million year-on-year [30]. - Operating loss narrowed to RMB 241.9 million, a 20.5% improvement from RMB 304.1 million in the same period last year [30]. - The company reported a net loss of RMB 233.0 million, a reduction of 24.6% from RMB 308.9 million in the same period of 2022 [30]. - Financial income surged by 220.5% to RMB 23.4 million, compared to RMB 7.3 million in the previous year [30]. - Adjusted net loss decreased to RMB 214.9 million from RMB 279.8 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to increased revenue from the game "In the Name of the Shining" and controlled R&D costs [50]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses decreased by 18.5% to RMB 299.2 million from RMB 367.1 million in the previous year [30]. - The company is implementing an integrated research and operation model to extend the lifecycle of its games, which is expected to enhance revenue stability [20]. - The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in its game development strategy to capture a broader market share [12]. Employee and Talent Management - The company continues to enhance its talent structure across the country, focusing on cost reduction and efficiency while attracting high-value industry talent [12]. - Employee compensation and benefits costs for the six months ended June 30, 2023, were approximately RMB 303.2 million, down from RMB 370.9 million for the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of about 18.2% [125]. - The company employed approximately 1,094 full-time employees as of June 30, 2023, with around 78.15% being R&D personnel [125]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash used in investing activities increased to RMB 336.5 million from RMB 96.2 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the purchase of time deposits [53]. - Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 160.6 million, a decrease of 33.5% compared to RMB 241.6 million in the same period of 2022 [74]. - The company had a net cash outflow of RMB 519,520 thousand for the period, compared to RMB 426,205 thousand in the previous year, indicating a 21.8% increase in cash outflow [200]. Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company has complied with all applicable corporate governance code provisions, except for the separation of the roles of chairman and CEO [178]. - The audit committee has reviewed the unaudited interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023, with no objections to the accounting treatment [183]. - The board will continue to review the effectiveness of the corporate governance structure to assess the need for separating the roles of chairman and CEO [179]. Shareholder Information - Tencent holds a 17.23% stake in the company, representing 137,698,399 shares [136]. - The company reported a loss attributable to owners of the company of RMB 233,023 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an improvement from a loss of RMB 308,857 thousand in the same period of 2022 [100]. - The basic loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB (0.30), compared to RMB (0.39) for the same period in 2022, reflecting a reduction in losses per share [100].

Financial Performance - For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the group's gross profit increased by 22.6% to RMB 297.7 million, compared to RMB 242.8 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to the launch of "In the Name of the Shining" in various regions [12]. - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 402.3 million, a 22% increase from RMB 329.8 million in the same period of 2022 [44]. - The adjusted net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 233.0 million, compared to a loss of RMB 308.9 million for the same period in 2022, indicating an improvement in operational performance [36]. - The company reported a net loss of RMB 233.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to a net loss of RMB 308.9 million for the same period in 2022, representing a 24.5% improvement [46]. - The company reported a loss attributable to owners of the company of RMB (233,023,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to a loss of RMB (308,857,000) for the same period in 2022, indicating an improvement in performance [104]. - The company reported an operating loss of RMB 241.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to an operating loss of RMB 304.1 million in the same period of 2022 [36]. - The company reported a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of RMB 519.5 million for the first half of 2023, compared to a decrease of RMB 426.2 million in the same period of 2022 [57]. - The total assets as of June 30, 2023, were RMB 2,862.6 million, a slight decrease from RMB 2,953.4 million as of December 31, 2022 [38]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from mainland China accounted for 59.2% of total revenue, amounting to RMB 238.3 million, while revenue from outside mainland China was RMB 164.0 million, representing 40.8% of total revenue [44]. - Revenue generated from the Chinese mainland market was RMB 238.3 million, a significant increase of 128.5% compared to RMB 104.3 million in the same period of 2022 [184]. - Revenue from regions outside of mainland China decreased by 27.3% to RMB 164.0 million, down from RMB 225.5 million in the same period of 2022 [184]. - The network game revenue from development and licensing was RMB 301,135,000, compared to RMB 192,133,000 in the previous year, reflecting a growth of 56.9% [89]. - Development and licensing revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 100.8 million, accounting for 25.1% of total revenue, down from 41.8% in the same period of 2022 [183]. - Integrated game publishing and operation revenue was RMB 301.2 million, representing 74.9% of total revenue, an increase from 58.2% in the same period of 2022 [183]. User Engagement - The total number of registered users for the group's 13 games exceeded 150 million, with one game generating over RMB 4 billion in cumulative revenue and three games exceeding RMB 3 billion [5]. - The game "Dragon Tribe Fantasy" achieved cumulative revenue of over RMB 4.3 billion and registered users exceeding 43 million as of June 30, 2023 [22]. - Cumulative revenue for the game "Hongtu Zhi Xia" exceeded RMB 1.5 billion, with total registered users surpassing 7 million as of June 30, 2023 [193]. Expenses and Cost Management - The group's sales and marketing expenses rose by 40.0% to RMB 164.4 million, up from RMB 117.4 million in the same period of 2022, mainly due to increased promotional and advertising expenditures [13]. - R&D expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023, decreased by 18.5% to RMB 299.2 million from RMB 367.1 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to cost control in employee benefits and outsourced technical services [29]. - Employee benefit expenses decreased to RMB 303,213 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, from RMB 370,942 thousand in the same period of 2022 [118]. - The total capital expenditure for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 2.3 million, a decrease of 80.0% from RMB 11.5 million in the same period of 2022 [134]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on global expansion, with successful collaborations on top IP products, including the mobile game "Avatar: Return to Pandora" [4]. - The company is focused on enhancing its product offerings and market expansion strategies, particularly in the mobile gaming sector [42]. - The company plans to continue evaluating its corporate governance structure to assess the need for separating the roles of Chairman and CEO [31]. - The company plans to release several new games in the second half of 2023, including "Avatar: Return to Pandora" and "Three Kingdoms: Honghu Baye," both currently in testing phases [179]. - The company is actively developing a PC version of "In the Name of the Shining," expected to launch in September 2023 in mainland China [177]. - The company is focusing on market expansion in regions such as mainland China, Europe, and Southeast Asia, which contributed to revenue growth [158]. Financial Management - The company maintains a prudent financial management policy to ensure sufficient operating funds to meet current business needs [15]. - Cash used in operating activities was RMB 160.6 million for the first half of 2023, an improvement from RMB 241.6 million in the prior year [57]. - The company has adopted a code of conduct for securities trading by directors, confirming compliance by all directors for the six months ended June 30, 2023 [32]. - The company has adopted new accounting standards effective January 1, 2023, which did not have a significant impact on its interim financial information [86]. Shareholder Information - The company did not declare any interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2023 [75]. - The company reported no dividends declared or paid for the six months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022 [160]. - The company repurchased a total of 659,000 shares at a total cost of HKD 3,744,880 during the six months ended June 30, 2023 [49]. Foreign Exchange and Liabilities - The group has not incurred any significant foreign exchange losses during the six months ended June 30, 2023, and continues to monitor foreign exchange risk exposure [108]. - The group has incurred a foreign exchange loss of RMB 18,071 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to a foreign exchange gain of RMB 942 thousand in the same period of 2022 [117]. - The company’s total liabilities as of June 30, 2023, amounted to RMB 421.3 million, compared to RMB 363.1 million in the previous year [56]. - The group’s total liabilities as of June 30, 2023, were RMB 208,286 thousand, an increase from RMB 133,858 thousand as of December 31, 2022 [126].

Corporate Governance - The company maintains a high level of corporate governance, adhering to principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, independence, diligence, and fairness[23] - The board of directors is responsible for leadership, internal control, and overseeing the company's business, strategic decisions, and performance[24] - The company has four main board committees: Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee, and Risk Management Committee, each operating within its terms of reference[38] - The company's board of directors complies with the requirement to appoint at least three independent non-executive directors, with one possessing the necessary professional qualifications in accounting or financial management[28] - The company emphasizes the importance of board independence for effective corporate governance and decision-making, ensuring that independent opinions and recommendations are communicated to the board[32] - The company's Board of Directors consists of 7 members, including 2 executive directors, 2 non-executive directors, and 3 independent non-executive directors, ensuring strong independence[45] - The company's Audit Committee is composed of 3 members, with Mr. Zhu Lin serving as the Chairman, responsible for reviewing financial statements and overseeing internal controls and risk management systems[58] - The company's Nomination Committee considers diversity in terms of gender, age, cultural and educational background, industry experience, technical and professional skills, and tenure when recommending candidates for the Board[59] - The company's Board of Directors held 5 meetings during the year, with all directors attending all meetings, and the meeting minutes were recorded in detail and distributed to directors for review[54] - The company's independent non-executive directors attended all relevant Board meetings where they had no material interest, ensuring proper governance and decision-making[57] - The company's directors participated in various training programs, including updates on listing rules, directors' duties, and ESG reporting guidelines, to enhance their knowledge and skills[47] - The company's board of directors includes executive directors Li Qing (Chairman) and Bai Wei, non-executive directors Liu Ming and Lu Xiaoyin, and independent non-executive directors Bai Kun, Zhu Lin, and Ding Zhiping[97] Financial Performance - Revenue for 2022 decreased to RMB 584.1 million, a 36.5% decline compared to RMB 920.8 million in 2021[124] - Gross profit for 2022 was RMB 423.6 million, down 40.6% from RMB 713.5 million in 2021[124] - R&D expenses increased to RMB 746.3 million in 2022, up 5.8% from RMB 705.6 million in 2021[124] - Operating loss for 2022 widened to RMB 771.4 million, compared to an operating loss of RMB 289.4 million in 2021[124] - Adjusted net loss for 2022 was RMB 731.9 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of RMB 237.7 million in 2021[124] - Revenue for 2022 decreased by 36.6% to RMB 584.1 million compared to RMB 920.8 million in 2021[169] - Gross profit for 2022 decreased by 40.6% to RMB 423.6 million compared to RMB 713.5 million in 2021[169] - R&D expenses increased by 5.8% to RMB 746.3 million in 2022 compared to RMB 705.6 million in 2021[169] - Sales and marketing expenses increased by 13.5% to RMB 280.6 million in 2022 compared to RMB 247.2 million in 2021[169] - Operating loss for 2022 increased by 166.6% to RMB 771.4 million compared to RMB 289.4 million in 2021[169] - Net loss for 2022 increased by 153.4% to RMB 768.5 million compared to RMB 303.3 million in 2021[169] - Adjusted net loss for 2022 increased by 207.9% to RMB 731.9 million compared to RMB 237.7 million in 2021[169] - Total assets in 2022 were RMB 2,953.3 million, a decrease from RMB 3,518.1 million in 2021[153] - Total liabilities in 2022 were RMB 363.1 million, slightly higher than RMB 351.7 million in 2021[153] - Total equity in 2022 was RMB 2,590.2 million, down from RMB 3,166.4 million in 2021[153] - The company's distributable reserves amounted to RMB 6,243.3 million as of December 31, 2022[69] - The company's reserves and changes in reserves are detailed in the consolidated financial statements notes 25 and 33(b) on pages 153 and 167 of the annual report[68] - The company's consolidated financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2022, is detailed on pages 85-168 of the annual report[61] Share Repurchase and Dividends - The company repurchased a total of 12,616,370 shares in 2022, with a total repurchase price of HKD 61,261,899.90[33] - The company repurchased a total of 12,616,370 shares at a total cost of HKD 61,261,899.90 during the year, with 5,732,000 shares yet to be canceled as of December 31, 2022[69] - The company's Board of Directors resolved not to recommend any final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2022[62] Global Offering and Proceeds Utilization - The net proceeds from the global offering amounted to approximately HKD 2,358.5 million, with 40% allocated to enhancing development capabilities and expanding the game portfolio[77][79] - As of December 31, 2022, approximately HKD 2,028.3 million of the net proceeds from the global offering had been utilized[80] - The company plans to use the remaining net proceeds for strategic acquisitions and investments in the upstream and downstream of the industry value chain, with an expected utilization period from January 2023 to July 2023[79] - The company plans to temporarily place unused net proceeds in short-term interest-bearing instruments such as liquid fixed-income securities, short-term bank deposits, short-term low-risk financial products, or money market instruments with licensed commercial banks or other recognized financial institutions[94] - The original expected timeline for utilizing net proceeds for strategic acquisitions, investments in the upstream and downstream industry value chain, and expanding IP reserves was July 2022, but delays occurred due to unspecified reasons[95] Game Development and Performance - The company launched 19 mobile games by the end of 2022, available in over 170 regions with 14 language versions[154] - The game "以閃亮之名" topped the iOS free game charts in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia on its launch day in July 2022[155] - "以閃亮之名" ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the iOS game bestseller charts in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan respectively within one month of launch[156] - The game "以閃亮之名" topped the Japanese iOS free game chart on its launch day in December 2022[156] - The company is developing a new SLG game "三國群英傳" based on a well-known IP, currently in the testing phase[158] - A strategy card game based on the "龍族" IP (Project E) is planned for future release[158] - The company aims to expand its product categories and explore multi-platform development[157] - The company has launched 19 high-quality mobile games in over 170 regional markets, with 13 games in operation and over 140 million global registered users[172] - 1 game has generated over RMB 4 billion in global cumulative revenue, 3 games over RMB 3 billion, and 6 games over RMB 1 billion[172] - The company has 5 games developed using Unreal Engine 4 and is among the first Chinese companies to explore Unreal Engine 5, positioning itself for future competitive advantages[163] - 《Shining Nikki》 achieved over RMB 100 million in revenue in Mainland China by the report date[173] - 《Shining Nikki》 generated over RMB 10 million in revenue on its first day of launch in Mainland China[173] - 《Shining Nikki》 ranked No. 1 on the iOS free game chart in Mainland China for four consecutive days after its launch[173] - 《Shining Nikki》 secured top 5 positions in the iOS game bestseller charts across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan after updates[173] - 《Shining Nikki》 entered the top 20 of Japan's iOS game bestseller chart within two weeks of its launch[173] - 《Avatar: Reborn》 is expected to launch globally in 2023, combining MMORPG and shooting elements[175][184] - 《Shining Nikki》 has obtained dual-platform (mobile and PC) game licenses in Mainland China, indicating plans for multi-platform expansion[183] - The company plans to expand into PC and console platforms for future game projects, focusing on action and shooting genres[186] - 《Shining Nikki》 will be launched in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia following its success in Mainland China and other regions[173] - The company is exploring the integration of MMORPG with action and shooting elements in future game developments[184] - The game "Life Makeover" has demonstrated strong performance in overseas markets, reflecting the company's commitment to globalization[187] - The game "Three Kingdoms Tactics" achieved a cumulative revenue of over RMB 1.4 billion and registered over 6.9 million users by December 31, 2022[199] - The company continues to benefit from stable performance of classic games such as "Dream Zhu Xian" and "World of Kings 3D"[200] Global Strategy and Market Expansion - The company's global strategy focuses on "global distribution" as a prerequisite for product development, ensuring products are easily accepted by global players[187] - The company signed an exclusive agency and operation agreement with Tencent Shanghai and Shenzhen Tencent Tianyou for the promotion and operation of authorized games in South Korea[133] - The company entered into an exclusive, non-transferable licensing agreement with Tencent Penguin on June 18, 2022, to adapt, develop, publish, and operate a game based on the original work "Dragon Clan" and use related animation content[103] Technology and Innovation - The company utilizes Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5, developed by Epic Games, for game development[120] - The company is actively exploring the application of AI in game development, particularly in areas like NPC creation and immersive experiences[192] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - The company's environmental policies and performance are detailed in the Environmental, Social, and Governance Report for the year ended December 31, 2022[66] Shareholder Information - The company's share transfer registration will be suspended from June 13, 2023, to June 16, 2023, to determine eligibility for attending and voting at the Annual General Meeting[63] - As of December 31, 2022, Perfect World Interactive Entertainment Co., Ltd. held 16.46% of the company's shares[109] - The company's shares are listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 700), and as of December 31, 2022, a subsidiary held 17.09% of the company's shares[116] Procurement and Suppliers - The largest supplier accounted for 15.7% of the company's total procurement, while the top five suppliers accounted for 40.8% of total procurement in 2022[4] Employee Information - The company has a total of 1,200 full-time employees as of December 31, 2022, with 78% in R&D and 12% in publishing and operations[190] Challenges and Future Outlook - The company faced challenges in 2022 due to slower-than-expected recovery in the global economy and underperformance of a product launched in the first half of the year[128] - The company remains committed to leveraging its technical advantages and international expansion to maintain its leading position in the competitive gaming industry[128]

Financial Performance - The financial performance of the group was impacted in the short term due to the optimization and adjustment of the development and launch schedule of certain games, as well as underperformance of a product launched in the first half of the year[45]. - The year 2022 was characterized by challenges and changes, with a slow recovery of the global economy in the post-pandemic era[45]. - The company reported a revenue of RMB 584.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of 36.6% compared to RMB 920.8 million in 2021[65]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 423.6 million, reflecting a decline of 40.6% from RMB 713.5 million in the previous year[65]. - The company incurred an operating loss of RMB 771.4 million, which is an increase of 166.6% from the operating loss of RMB 289.4 million in 2021[65]. - The adjusted net loss for the year was RMB 731.9 million, a significant increase of 207.9% from RMB 237.7 million in 2021[65]. - The company reported a net loss of RMB 768,547,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a net loss of RMB 303,325,000 for the previous year, representing an increase in loss of approximately 153.5%[182]. - Total comprehensive loss for the year was RMB 560,183,000, compared to RMB 379,862,000 in the prior year, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 47.5%[182]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses rose by 5.8% to RMB 746.3 million, compared to RMB 705.6 million in 2021[65]. - The company aims to leverage its strong technological advantages and deepen research in game development, operation, and iteration upgrades to better meet changing market demands[45]. - The company is exploring the application of artificial intelligence in game development, enhancing gameplay experience through advanced AI tools[77]. Market Strategy and Expansion - The group is committed to international expansion and aims to steadily improve its integrated research and operation structure to enhance its competitive position in the industry[45]. - The company believes it can create greater development potential and value in the rapidly changing domestic and international markets[45]. - The company aims for global expansion, ensuring products are designed for worldwide acceptance from the incubation stage, as demonstrated by the successful overseas launch of "Shining Name"[72]. - The company has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific market, particularly in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia, and has made significant inroads into the Japanese and Korean markets in 2022[51]. Game Development and Launches - The company launched 19 premium mobile games as of December 31, 2022, supporting 14 languages across over 170 markets[66]. - The game "以闪亮之名" launched in July 2022 achieved top rankings in the iOS free game charts in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia on its first day[46]. - The company plans to launch "Avatar: Reckoning" in 2023, which combines MMORPG and shooting elements, leveraging the success of the "Avatar" franchise with over $2 billion in global box office revenue[48]. - The company is actively developing new games, including the SLG game "Three Kingdoms Heroes" and a strategy card game based on the popular IP "Dragon Tribe" (Project E)[70]. - The game "In the Name of the Shining" launched in multiple regions, achieving top rankings on iOS free game charts in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan on its first day[83]. - The game "Dragon Tribe Fantasy" has generated cumulative revenue exceeding RMB 4.2 billion and has over 42 million registered users as of December 31, 2022[110]. Financial Management and Position - The company has adopted a prudent financial management policy to ensure a robust financial position, considering available financial resources and operational cash needs[159]. - The company’s total assets decreased to RMB 2,953,356,000 as of December 31, 2022, down from RMB 3,518,070,000 in 2021, reflecting a decline of approximately 16.1%[184]. - Cash and cash equivalents at year-end were RMB 1,232,999,000, a decrease from RMB 1,672,338,000 at the beginning of the year, representing a reduction of about 26.3%[186]. - The company’s operating cash flow showed a net outflow of RMB 514,535,000 for the year, worsening from a net outflow of RMB 151,752,000 in the previous year[186]. - The company has implemented measures to ensure employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, including online meetings and remote work[118]. Employee and Compensation - As of December 31, 2022, the total number of full-time employees was approximately 1,200, with 78% in research and development[53]. - Employee compensation and benefits costs were approximately RMB 730.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to RMB 644.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021[143]. - Sales and marketing expenses increased by 13.5% to RMB 280.6 million, primarily due to higher employee compensation[99]. Share Repurchase and Equity - The company repurchased a total of 12,616,370 shares throughout 2022, with a total repurchase cost of RMB 61,261,899.90[176]. - The board believes that share repurchases can enhance the company's net asset value and improve return on equity, benefiting both the company and its shareholders[199]. - The company’s equity attributable to owners decreased to RMB 2,590,229,000 from RMB 3,166,385,000, marking a decline of approximately 18.1%[185].

Tencent Games Cooperation Framework Agreement - The renewal of the Tencent Games Cooperation Framework Agreement allows Tencent to provide promotional and advertising services, issue games on Tencent's platform, and exclusively operate the group's games until December 31, 2025[1]. - The group has established annual caps for the ongoing related transactions under the renewed agreements, effective from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025[1]. - The maximum applicable percentage for transactions under the renewed Tencent Games Cooperation Framework Agreement exceeds 5%, requiring independent shareholder approval[5]. - The group will hold a special general meeting to seek independent shareholder approval for the proposed annual caps for 2023, 2024, and 2025[6]. - Proposed annual caps for transactions under the renewed Tencent gaming cooperation framework agreement are set at RMB 27.23 million, RMB 22.73 million, and RMB 18.09 million for the years ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively[39]. - The company has not exceeded the annual caps for transactions under the Tencent gaming cooperation framework agreement as of December 31, 2021, and does not expect to exceed them in the future[34]. - The company will appoint Tencent to exclusively publish and operate several self-developed games in designated regions, enhancing operational efficiency and market reach[42]. - The fee arrangements for exclusive publishing and operation will include fixed licensing fees, revenue/profit sharing, and performance bonuses based on game success[44]. - The proposed annual caps for the Tencent Games Cooperation Framework Agreement for the years ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are RMB 814.21 million, RMB 494.09 million, and RMB 308.68 million respectively[56]. - The company believes that collaboration with Tencent in game operations will significantly enhance its market expansion efforts in both China and overseas[119]. Shareholder Structure - Tencent and Perfect World Group are major shareholders, holding approximately 17.09% and 16.46% of the company's issued shares, respectively[3]. - Tencent Group is a major shareholder of the company, and independent shareholders exclude Tencent and its associates[160]. Marketing and Advertising Strategy - The company anticipates increased marketing and advertising investments to expand its gaming player base, reflecting a strategic focus on user acquisition[39]. - Tencent is recognized as one of China's leading advertising platforms, which is expected to enhance the company's game market exposure significantly[29]. - The company will engage Tencent as a distribution channel to publish its games on Tencent's platforms, leveraging Tencent's extensive user base to attract paying players[40]. - The company has established a strategy to optimize marketing effectiveness by partnering with Tencent at the early stages of game development[57]. Cloud Services - The agreements include provisions for cloud services provided by Tencent Cloud, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tencent[1]. - The cloud services provided by Tencent Cloud include cloud computing, data storage, CDN services, and AI products, with a commitment to 24/7 support[63]. - The company will ensure that the service fees paid to Tencent Cloud are competitive and in line with market rates through independent assessments[65]. - The company has transitioned part of its server and computing infrastructure to cloud service providers since 2015, becoming one of the few game publishers in China to integrate cloud technology into its gaming infrastructure[72]. Perfect World Group Cooperation - The company renewed the game cooperation framework agreement with Perfect World Group on November 4, 2022, which was originally established on June 10, 2020[157]. - The collaboration with Perfect World Group is expected to leverage each other's competitive advantages in game development, utilizing proprietary IP rights suitable for adaptation into mobile or PC games[85]. - The proposed annual caps for the next three years under the renewed Perfect World game cooperation framework agreement are RMB 6.58 million, RMB 6.10 million, and RMB 5.47 million for the years ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively[84]. - The company has not exceeded the annual caps for the past two years under the Perfect World game cooperation framework agreement, and it is expected that the transaction amounts will not exceed the annual caps for the year ending December 31, 2022[79]. Financial Oversight and Compliance - The company’s independent non-executive directors and risk management committee will review related party transactions annually to ensure they are conducted on fair and reasonable terms[122]. - The company’s financial department is responsible for monitoring related party transactions and ensuring they remain within the annual limits[120]. - The independent board committee has been established to provide opinions to independent shareholders regarding the renewed Tencent Game Cooperation Framework Agreement[131]. - The company has engaged an independent financial advisor to assist the independent board committee and independent shareholders[131]. - The company is committed to ensuring compliance with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing rules in its operations and transactions[158]. Intellectual Property and Game Development - The company emphasizes the importance of intellectual property rights in its gaming development strategy, particularly in relation to the "Dragon Tribe" literary series[156]. - Tencent Group will grant the company several IP rights for adaptation and development into games, which will be promoted and operated in designated regions[100]. - The pricing policy for licensing fees and revenue sharing will be determined based on the quality and popularity of the original IP, as well as market comparables[103]. - The company expects to leverage Tencent's competitive advantages in game development to attract more potential players through related animations and videos[110]. - The company has made significant progress in developing mobile MMORPGs, SLGs, and female-oriented games, positioning itself as a pioneer in the Chinese mobile gaming industry[119].

Financial Performance - Archosaur Games Inc. reported a revenue of approximately $50 million for the first half of 2022, representing a year-over-year increase of 25%[2]. - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022, was RMB 329.8 million, a decrease of 40.4% compared to RMB 553.8 million in the same period of 2021[21]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 242.8 million, down 45.0% from RMB 441.1 million year-on-year[21]. - The company reported an operating loss of RMB 304.1 million, a significant increase of 246.8% compared to an operating loss of RMB 87.7 million in the previous year[21]. - Adjusted net loss for the period was RMB 279.8 million, a significant increase of 494.1% compared to RMB 47.1 million in the same period of 2021[21]. - The net loss for the period was RMB 308,857 thousand, compared to a net loss of RMB 85,835 thousand in the previous year, representing an increase of 259.5%[115]. - The company recorded revenue of RMB 329.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of 40.4% compared to RMB 553.8 million for the same period in 2021[42]. - The total comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2022, was RMB (199,408) thousand, compared to RMB (112,680) thousand for the same period in 2021, reflecting a worsening financial performance[124]. User Growth and Market Expansion - The company’s user base grew to 10 million active users, a 15% increase compared to the previous period[2]. - Archosaur Games Inc. anticipates a revenue growth of 30% for the second half of 2022, driven by new game launches and market expansion strategies[2]. - Archosaur Games Inc. plans to expand its market presence in Southeast Asia, targeting a 20% increase in user acquisition in that region by the end of 2022[2]. - Cumulative registered users for the 12 operational games exceeded 140 million globally[24]. - The company has launched a new game that has already attracted 1 million downloads within the first month of release[2]. Research and Development - The company is investing $5 million in research and development for new gaming technologies and features to enhance user experience[2]. - Research and development expenses increased by 8.8% to RMB 367.1 million from RMB 337.3 million year-on-year[21]. - The company is launching a new SLG mobile game titled "Age of Chaos," which has received positive feedback during its testing phases in both mainland China and overseas markets[37]. - The company plans to launch 10 new games across various genres from 2022 to 2024, including MMORPGs, SLGs, and strategy card games[28]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is exploring potential mergers and acquisitions to enhance its portfolio and market share, with a focus on companies in the gaming sector[2]. - The company has established partnerships with major gaming platforms to increase distribution and visibility of its products[2]. - The company aims to leverage its partnerships with Tencent and its strong IPs to enhance the market performance of its new games[35]. Financial Management - The gross profit margin for the first half of 2022 was reported at 60%, indicating strong cost management and operational efficiency[2]. - Cash used in operating activities was RMB 241.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to RMB 75.6 million in the same period of 2021, an increase of 219.6%[63]. - Cash used in investing activities was RMB 96.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of 75.3% from RMB 389.3 million in the same period of 2021[64]. - Cash used in financing activities increased to RMB 88.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to RMB 20.4 million in the same period of 2021, an increase of 333.3%[65]. Employee and Compensation - As of June 30, 2022, the company employed approximately 1,469 full-time employees, with about 79.44% being R&D personnel[72]. - Employee compensation and benefits costs for the six months ended June 30, 2022, were approximately RMB 370.9 million, compared to RMB 297.7 million for the same period in 2021, representing a year-over-year increase of 24.5%[72]. - The company is committed to providing competitive and fair compensation and benefits to its employees, continuously improving its compensation and incentive policies through market research[74]. Shareholder Information - The total issued share capital of the company is approximately 811,863,000 shares[85]. - Mr. Li Qing holds a controlled interest in 280,849,802 shares, representing 34.59% of the company's issued share capital[84]. - Tencent holds a controlled interest in 137,698,399 shares, representing 16.96% of the company's issued share capital[84]. - The company repurchased a total of 4,497,000 shares at a total cost of HKD 32,598,640 during the six months ended June 30, 2022[95]. Corporate Governance - The company has complied with all applicable corporate governance code provisions, except for C.2.1 and C.5.7[98]. - The board will continue to review the effectiveness of its corporate governance structure[99]. - The audit committee has reviewed the unaudited interim financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2022, with no objections to the accounting treatment[106]. Market Challenges - The decline in revenue is attributed to the normal lifecycle of older games and underperformance of a new game launched in mainland China in the first half of 2022[48]. - The company has maintained a stable operational environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant adverse impact on financial performance[43].