Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-07-31 03:13Core Viewpoint - The Chinese "ACG (Anime, Comic, Game)" gaming sector is experiencing a resurgence after a period of stagnation, with several major titles receiving approval or launching, marking a new industry peak similar to previous waves in 2015 and 2020 [1][2][5] Industry Trends - The current wave of ACG games is characterized by domestic developers no longer blindly following trends but instead focusing on developing their own intellectual properties (IPs) and integrating ACG elements with familiar game types, exploring niche markets [1][11] - The market is seeing a significant influx of new and established players, leading to a competitive environment that may result in a reshuffling of market positions [4][11] Game Launches and Performance - Notable game launches include "Victory Goddess: NIKKE," which achieved $1 billion in global revenue by January 2025, and "Pretty Derby," which returned after a 622-day hiatus, generating approximately $203 million in its first 12 days [2][3] - Other successful titles include "杖剑传说," which generated over 200 million yuan in its first month, and "最终幻想14：水晶世界," which began testing in June 2025 [3][4] Market Dynamics - The ACG gaming sector has experienced three major peaks over the past decade, with the current trend being driven by a more mature understanding of the market and player preferences [5][6] - Previous failures in the sector were often due to a lack of depth in storytelling and gameplay, leading to a "winner-takes-all" scenario where only a few titles succeeded [6][10] Cultural Shifts - The rise of "Guochao" (national trend) has allowed domestic developers to resonate more with local audiences, reducing cultural barriers and enhancing emotional connections with players [12][13] - The development of game-related merchandise is gaining traction, reflecting a shift in focus towards creating a broader ecosystem around ACG titles [12][13] Future Outlook - The current trend indicates a diversification of gameplay styles, with developers exploring various genres such as ARPG, shooting, and open-world games, which may lead to new market opportunities [11][12] - There is speculation about the potential for a "GTA-style" ACG game to emerge, with titles like "异环" and "无限大" being closely watched for their market impact [14][15][16]