Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant potential of the gaming industry, particularly focusing on the integration of social elements and AI, highlighting the emergence of new platforms and opportunities for companies like MiAO [4][9][10]. Group 1: Company Overview - MiAO, founded in 2022 by former Giant CEO Wu Meng, has a founding team with over 15 years of experience in the gaming and internet sectors [4]. - MiAO has successfully developed several high DAU games, including the popular titles "Ball Battle" and "Space Kill," achieving millions of DAU [4]. - Following its recent financing round, MiAO's valuation is nearly 2 billion RMB, with total funding reaching approximately 500 million RMB from notable investors [4]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The gaming industry is experiencing stable growth and globalization, with Chinese self-developed games accounting for 30% of global market revenue, and mobile games making up 50% of that [7]. - The success of games like "Black Myth: Wukong" illustrates the potential for Chinese teams to compete globally, breaking cultural barriers [7]. Group 3: Social Integration in Gaming - The article emphasizes that gaming is becoming a crucial social language for younger generations, particularly Gen-Z, who are expected to be lifelong gamers [9]. - There is a significant unmet demand for social features in online games, as gaming provides an effective social environment that can alleviate loneliness [9]. Group 4: AI's Impact on Gaming - AI is seen as a transformative force in the gaming industry, with the potential to revolutionize content creation and reshape social experiences within games [10]. - The long-term vision for AI in gaming includes creating immersive experiences and characters that enhance player engagement, leading to a shift from purposeful to aimless gaming [10].

Core Insights - The mobile game "Supernatural Action Team," developed by NIGHT STUDIOS and operated by Giant Network Group, has gained significant popularity among players, reflecting changes in the domestic "game + social" sector and shifting player preferences [1][2]. Group 1: Game Overview - "Supernatural Action Team" is set to officially launch on January 23, 2025, featuring a popular gameplay style known as "search, fight, and retreat" in a "PVE cooperative survival" mode where four players team up to explore mysterious ruins for high-value items while combating AI-controlled "monsters" [1]. - Unlike other popular "search, fight, and retreat" games, this title focuses on treasure hunting within a narrative that incorporates elements of traditional Chinese culture, positioning players as team members rather than isolated survivors [1]. Group 2: Market Performance - From January to May, the Chinese gaming market reached a scale of 141.1 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year growth of 17% [2]. - "Supernatural Action Team" is one of the few games that has shown a significant upward trend in revenue, increasing from 540,000 yuan in its first month to 17 million yuan by June [2]. - As of July 31, Giant Network's stock price has surged over 90% this year, influenced by the game's performance [2]. Group 3: Strategic Insights - Dongwu Securities has noted that "Supernatural Action Team" continues to achieve record user growth, indicating strong performance potential and validating the company's innovation in game categories [2]. - The founder of Giant Network, Shi Yuzhu, emphasized the importance of gameplay over revenue, indicating a strategic shift from "value-driven" to "gameplay-driven" approaches in response to market saturation and player fatigue [2].