3 6 Ke·2026-01-08 12:21Core Insights - The article highlights a silent revolution in the Chinese gaming industry, where companies like Tencent and NetEase have effectively integrated AI into their business models, leading to significant financial gains while other sectors are still exploring AI's potential [1][2]. Tencent's AI Monetization - Tencent has emerged as a leader in AI monetization, with its marketing services revenue reaching 36.2 billion yuan in Q3 2025, a 21% year-on-year increase, despite a challenging advertising market [3]. - The success of Tencent's AI in gaming is primarily seen in the selling of games rather than game development, showcasing a unique approach to AI integration [2][4]. - The "Hunyuan + Advertising" system has transformed Tencent's advertising strategy, reducing the operational steps required for advertisers by 80% while increasing eCPM and CTR, thus enhancing revenue without increasing ad placements [5][8]. Cost Efficiency and Profitability - Tencent's capital expenditure growth is significantly lower than its revenue growth, indicating a strategic focus on optimizing existing resources rather than excessive hardware investment [6][8]. - The company's gross profit increased by 22% year-on-year, with an operating profit margin rising to 38%, reflecting the successful implementation of AI in driving revenue while controlling costs [8][9]. NetEase's AI Integration - NetEase has deeply integrated AI into its products, exemplified by the success of the mobile game "Nirvana in Fire," which features AI NPCs that enhance player engagement and retention [10][11]. - The use of AI in user-generated content (UGC) has allowed NetEase to reduce content production costs while increasing user engagement, creating a sustainable competitive advantage [12]. Mid-Tier Companies' Adaptation - For mid-tier companies like Perfect World and Giant Network, AI has become essential for survival, with Perfect World turning a profit in 2025 after implementing AI tools to reduce development costs [13][15]. - Giant Network has developed a specialized AI model, "GiantGPT," to optimize game development, achieving significant cost savings and maintaining profitability [16]. Industry Challenges and Compliance - The article notes the "Jevons Paradox," where increased efficiency from AI leads to higher overall resource consumption in the gaming industry, creating a competitive environment that favors larger companies [20]. - The shift in talent structure towards AI engineers and data scientists poses challenges for traditional creative roles within gaming companies [21]. - New compliance regulations for AI-generated content are expected to create barriers for smaller companies, further consolidating resources among larger firms [22][23]. Future Outlook - The article anticipates a shift towards "AI-native games" in 2026, where games will be generated in real-time by AI, marking a significant evolution in the gaming industry [24].