TENCENT(HK:00700) Jing Ji Ri Bao·2025-11-08 01:16Core Viewpoint - The esports industry in China is expected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2026, driven by its integration into major sporting events and the expansion of its industry chain, creating significant business opportunities and employment space [1][2]. Industry Growth - The Chinese esports market achieved a sales revenue of 168 billion yuan in the first half of this year, marking a 14.08% year-on-year increase, with the user base reaching nearly 679 million, a 0.72% increase [2]. - The successful launch of domestic games like "Black Myth: Wukong" has enhanced the production quality of Chinese games, accelerating the growth of the esports industry [1][2]. Technological and Content Innovation - Continuous investment in content innovation and technological upgrades has been pivotal for maintaining user engagement and market position, as exemplified by Tencent's "Honor of Kings" [2]. - The game has introduced 15 limited edition skins from 2016 to 2024 and recently launched a HarmonyOS version supporting 120 frames per second, enhancing gameplay experience [1]. Cultural and Tourism Integration - The integration of esports with cultural tourism is seen as a way to attract younger audiences and promote local culture, with esports acting as a youthful interface for the tourism industry [3]. - Events like "Follow Wukong to Tour Shanxi" have significantly boosted tourism in Shanxi, with a 27.24% increase in domestic visitors and a 36.03% rise in tourism spending last year [2]. Employment Opportunities - The expansion of the esports industry has led to a rapid increase in employment opportunities, with a growing demand for roles in game development, event organization, and club management [4]. - The industry now requires professionals who understand both esports and tourism, as well as specialized roles in hardware development and event broadcasting [4]. Educational Development - There are currently 139 universities in China offering esports programs, producing over 40,000 graduates annually, and the recognition of esports-related professions has increased [5]. - The inclusion of "esports player" and "esports operations specialist" in the official occupational directory has opened up career pathways for practitioners [5].