TENCENT(HK:00700) 虎嗅APP·2025-09-02 00:18Core Viewpoint - Tencent Games has successfully tapped into industry trends, particularly with the upcoming release of "Path of Exile: Ascendancy," which has shown strong performance metrics and community engagement [5][9]. Group 1: Game Performance and Reception - "Path of Exile: Ascendancy" topped the Steam sales chart for eight consecutive weeks, achieving nearly 600,000 concurrent players across all platforms [5]. - The game reached a peak viewership of 1.23 million on Twitch, surpassing previous records for similar products [5]. - The official website for "Path of Exile: Ascendancy" has garnered over 2.25 million pre-registrations [5]. Group 2: Development and Community Engagement - Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has maintained a strong relationship with its community, continuously improving its products based on player feedback [6]. - Tencent's strategy involves providing substantial resources to top developers, ensuring that the best teams can innovate and enhance their IPs [6][9]. Group 3: Game Features and Innovations - "Path of Exile: Ascendancy" emphasizes hardcore gameplay with high freedom in character builds and complex skill interactions, distinguishing it from mainstream ARPGs [12][13]. - The game introduces a random drop mechanism that enhances player experience by breaking the predictability of rewards, similar to the popular "loot and shoot" gameplay [16][18]. - The game has removed the hard mode to cater to local player preferences for faster-paced gameplay, incorporating a sprint system and adjusting skill balances [18]. Group 4: AI Integration and Support - The game features a specialized AI assistant designed to enhance player experience by providing contextual help without restricting player freedom [23][24]. - The AI development will occur in three phases, starting with basic queries and evolving into more personalized assistance based on player behavior [24][26][28]. Group 5: Market Trends and Strategic Positioning - The resurgence of the PC gaming market, driven by successful titles like "Delta Action," has positioned Tencent to regain control over this segment [30][32]. - Tencent's dominance in the gaming industry is reflected in its significant presence in the top ten games on the internet café popularity list, indicating strong market control [33]. - The company is adapting to changing player preferences by diversifying its game offerings across multiple platforms, responding to the growing interest in PC gaming [38].