Core Viewpoint - The release of the highly anticipated domestic 3A game "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" has faced significant criticism due to optimization issues and pricing strategies, leading to a decline in its reputation despite initial sales success [1][2][3] Sales Performance - "Mingmo" reached the second spot on Steam's best-selling games list within two hours of its release, with over 110,000 concurrent players [2] - The game received an IGN score of 8 and a Metacritic average of 75 from 50 media outlets, indicating a generally favorable reception from critics [2] - However, player reviews on Steam were predominantly negative, with 29% of players giving it a negative rating, contrasting sharply with the positive reception of "Black Myth: Wukong" [2][3] Challenges Faced - The game faced multiple issues including technical problems like lag and frame drops, content concerns regarding historical representation, and dissatisfaction with pricing strategies that varied by region [3][7] - The development company, Lingze Technology, is classified as a small to medium-sized game company, which presents challenges in funding and production capabilities for a 3A title [4][6] Development and Funding - Lingze Technology has relied on cash flow and experience gained from outsourcing projects to support the development of "Mingmo" [5][6] - The company has a history of involvement in the production of several overseas 3A titles, which has contributed to its development capabilities [5][6] Market Dynamics - The single-player game market in China is experiencing growth, with expectations for more high-quality domestic titles in the future [9][10] - The market for 3A games is projected to reach 13.3 billion yuan by 2025 and 16.9 billion yuan by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35% anticipated [10]

Core Viewpoint - The release of the domestic AAA game "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" is highly anticipated, following the success of "Black Myth: Wukong," and it has already topped the Steam global sales chart shortly before its official launch [2][3]. Group 1: Game Performance and Reception - "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" achieved the top position on the Steam global sales chart, excluding free games and Steam Deck, indicating strong market interest [2]. - As of 7:45 AM on the day of release, the official account for "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" on Bilibili had garnered 3.422 million views for its final trailer [3]. - IGN China rated "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" 9 out of 10, reflecting positive critical reception prior to its release [8]. Group 2: Game Characteristics and Development - The game is set in the turbulent late Ming Dynasty in the Bashu region, featuring a protagonist named Wuchang who embarks on a perilous journey, incorporating elements of Cthulhu mythology and a dark, eerie tone [6]. - The game is categorized as a "Souls-like" game, which is expected to have a higher difficulty level compared to "Black Myth: Wukong," potentially deterring casual players [6][10]. - The production cost of "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" is among the highest for single-player games in China, suggesting significant investment in its development [8]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Potential - The game is viewed as a potential successor to "Black Myth: Wukong," often referred to as the "second university student" in the domestic AAA game landscape, indicating high expectations for its performance [4]. - Despite the challenges in replicating the success of "Black Myth: Wukong," the game is expected to attract a substantial audience of single-player game enthusiasts, showcasing the diversity of domestic game development [6][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of domestic AAA games in China, highlighting the success of the game "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" on the Steam global sales chart and the potential for future growth in the AAA game market [1][5]. Group 1: Game Performance and Market Trends - "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" has reached the second position on the Steam global sales chart, only behind the independent game "PEAK" [1]. - The game shares similarities with "Black Myth: Wukong," both being action games with a "Souls-like" DNA, characterized by high difficulty and high rewards, which can stimulate player engagement [3]. - The AAA game market in China is projected to grow significantly, with estimates of reaching 13.3 billion yuan in 2025 and 16.9 billion yuan in 2026, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35% [5]. Group 2: Cultural Integration and Innovation - Domestic game developers are increasingly focusing on integrating local culture into their AAA game projects, as seen in titles like "Guitang" by NetEase and others that draw from rich historical narratives [4]. - The development of "Mingmo" reflects a commitment to using traditional culture as a digital medium, with the team behind it having extensive experience in the gaming industry [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Support and Future Outlook - Recent policy measures in China emphasize the support for AAA games, aiming to cultivate projects with strong cultural attributes and growth potential [4]. - Despite concerns about the high development costs of AAA games compared to mobile games, the industry is expected to continue evolving, with companies building expertise to enhance market competitiveness [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of the game "Mingmo: Yuanshu Zhi Yu" (referred to as "Mingmo"), which is expected to build on the success of "Black Myth: Wukong" and further enhance the global influence of Chinese games [1][7]. Group 1: Game Overview - "Mingmo" is set to be released on July 24 and has already garnered significant attention from gaming media, with reports indicating a high level of completion and a rich weapon and character growth system [3][5]. - The game achieved a remarkable ranking of seventh on the Steam global sales chart within just one day of its pre-sale launch, with over one million wishlists projected by July 9, 2025 [5]. Group 2: Market Potential - Alinea Analytics estimates that "Mingmo" could generate nearly $60 million in its first month across all platforms, with Steam sales potentially exceeding $100 million if conversion rates remain stable [5]. - The game is positioned as a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern gaming aesthetics, which could attract a global audience and support the expansion of Chinese games in international markets [7][9]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The domestic gaming industry is witnessing a trend towards the development of high-quality AAA games that incorporate local cultural elements, as seen with other upcoming titles like NetEase's "Gui Tang" and Tencent's "Code: Jin Yong" [9]. - The AAA game market in China is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting a market size of 13.3 billion yuan by 2025 and 16.9 billion yuan by 2026, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35% [10]. Group 4: Development Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the high development costs associated with AAA games, companies are focusing on building advanced production systems to reduce risks and enhance market competitiveness [10]. - The emergence of AI-driven gaming experiences presents a new frontier for innovation, which could further elevate the gaming sector's valuation and attract market interest [10].