Core Viewpoint - The gaming giant NetEase is undergoing a significant separation from major domestic Android phone manufacturers, leading to the removal of its games from various app stores, indicating a shift in the gaming distribution landscape in China [4][12]. Group 1: Industry Changes - A growing number of users are reporting the disappearance of NetEase games from app stores of major Android brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, and Vivo, starting with less popular titles and escalating to major games [2][4]. - The traditional revenue-sharing model, often referred to as "Android tax," where 50% of revenue goes to phone manufacturers, is becoming increasingly unsustainable for game developers due to rising development and marketing costs [8][9][12]. - The emergence of new platforms, particularly short video platforms, has diverted traffic away from traditional app stores, prompting developers to seek alternative distribution methods [12][18]. Group 2: Developer Strategies - In response to the changing landscape, major developers like NetEase and Tencent are moving away from channel servers, indicating a shift towards official game servers to retain user data and provide better service [14][20]. - Smaller developers may still rely on channel servers for exposure and user acquisition, but they face challenges as the market evolves [20][24]. Group 3: App Store Dynamics - The app store ecosystem is experiencing a crisis of relevance, with many popular games and applications becoming difficult to find, leading to a decline in user trust [16][18]. - Platforms like TapTap are gaining traction by offering a more authentic user experience, including community engagement and genuine player reviews, contrasting with traditional app stores [18][24]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The current revenue-sharing model is under scrutiny, with calls for a reduction in the high 50% cut taken by app stores to foster a healthier ecosystem for developers [24]. - There is a need for phone manufacturers to enhance their app store offerings by improving user experience and community engagement to remain competitive [22][24].

Core Viewpoint - The era of channel-based revenue collection is coming to an end, as major game developers like NetEase are increasingly withdrawing their games from OPPO's channel services due to operational strategy adjustments and high revenue-sharing costs [1][4][5]. Group 1: Game Industry Trends - Multiple NetEase games have announced the cessation of their OPPO channel services, including popular titles like "Onmyoji: Yokai House" and "Reverse Water Cold," indicating a broader trend in the gaming industry [1][3]. - Analysts suggest that the withdrawal from channel services is driven by the rising costs associated with Android channels, which have become unsustainable for game developers [3][4]. - The gaming industry is witnessing a shift where developers are moving away from reliance on app store channels for user acquisition, as the contribution of these channels to new user growth diminishes while revenue-sharing ratios remain high [4][5]. Group 2: Developer Strategies - Game developers, including NetEase and Tencent, are confident in their games' appeal and are willing to withdraw from channel services, believing it will not significantly impact user retention [5]. - The trend of high-quality games attracting users through direct downloads rather than through channels is becoming more prevalent, allowing developers to bypass traditional revenue-sharing models [5]. - The "hardcore alliance" formed by major companies like Tencent has led to significant changes in how games are distributed on Android platforms, with developers seeking more favorable terms [4].