TENCENT(HK:00700) 3 6 Ke·2025-12-30 10:37Core Viewpoint - The evolution of the Chinese shooting game industry over the past 20 years has transformed it from a niche market to a significant player in the global gaming landscape, with substantial growth potential and recognition in the FPS genre [60][63]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 2004, a pivotal moment occurred when a Chinese player, Meng Yang, defeated the renowned American gamer "Fatal1ty" in a major FPS competition, marking a significant achievement for Chinese esports [1]. - Despite early successes, the Chinese shooting game market struggled for recognition and profitability, with many industry players doubting its viability [3][9]. - The dominance of MMO games in the early 2000s overshadowed shooting games, leading to a lack of investment and development in the FPS genre [9][11]. Group 2: Industry Development - Tencent's strategic pivot towards shooting games began with the acquisition of "CrossFire" and "King of Battlefield," which were initially seen as low-potential projects [12][14]. - "CrossFire" underwent significant adjustments to appeal to a broader audience, leading to its successful launch in 2008, which opened the floodgates for the domestic shooting game market [19][24]. - The release of "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" in 2007 set a new standard for FPS games globally, but Chinese developers were slow to adapt to this model [27][29]. Group 3: Recent Trends and Innovations - The rise of mobile gaming in 2014 provided a level playing field for Chinese developers, allowing them to compete globally with heavy shooting mobile games [31][33]. - "CrossFire: Gun Battle" successfully adapted the FPS experience for mobile, demonstrating that complex shooting mechanics could be effectively implemented on mobile platforms [35][37]. - The emergence of battle royale games in 2017, such as "PUBG Mobile," showcased the capabilities of Chinese developers to create competitive products that resonated with global audiences [38][40]. Group 4: Current Market Position - As of 2023, the Chinese shooting game market has grown significantly, contributing over 100 billion yuan to the gaming industry and becoming the second-largest game category in China [60][63]. - Chinese developers are increasingly recognized for their innovative gameplay mechanics and ability to adapt to market demands, positioning them as leaders in the global shooting game sector [49][55]. - The ongoing development of new gameplay styles, such as extraction shooters, indicates a proactive approach to evolving the FPS genre and meeting player expectations [52][54].