Core Viewpoint - NetEase's CEO Ding Lei acknowledged that the company's main products are facing competition, particularly from Giant Network's new hit game "Supernatural Action Group" [1][2] Company Performance - "Supernatural Action Group," launched in January 2025, has seen over 1 million concurrent users within six months and reached the top 4 in the iOS sales chart, indicating strong market performance [3][17] - The game’s Halloween version significantly boosted its rankings, moving from around 20 to the top 10 in both the iOS free and sales charts [10][11] Team and Development - The game was developed by a young team, primarily consisting of post-95 and post-00 members, who have prior experience with successful projects like "Ball Battle" and "Space Kill" [4][16] - The team’s deep understanding of young users and their preferences has been a key factor in the game's success, as evidenced by their active engagement on social media [5][10] Industry Trends - The success of "Supernatural Action Group" reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where studios are increasingly led by younger teams who are more in tune with current user preferences [4][17] - The game has redefined the micro-horror genre by combining cultural familiarity with social connectivity, appealing to younger audiences [17][20] Company Strategy - Giant Network emphasizes a long-term approach to game development, focusing on nurturing young talent and allowing them autonomy in their projects [12][14] - The company has shifted away from chasing market trends to a strategy of deepening expertise in areas where they have established knowledge [13][20] Competitive Landscape - The emergence of "Supernatural Action Group" has created competitive pressure on existing titles like "Identity V," as indicated by the decline in its rankings following the new game's release [17][20] - The gaming industry is witnessing a shift where established players must adapt to the innovative strategies of newer competitors like Giant Network [20]

近日，网易CEO丁磊在财报会议中直言主力产品受到竞品冲击。来自多家专业游戏媒体的报道指出，冲击的来源正是巨人网络(002558.SZ)今年推出的爆款 《超自然行动组》。 "在暑假期间，我们的产品受到了一些竞品的影响，尤其是在二三线(lower-tier)城市的大众用户中。" 在网易2025年第三季度财报电话会议上，CEO丁磊在回应《第五人格》用户数据波动时，罕见地提及了来自竞品的冲击。尽管未直接点名，但多方证据指向 巨人网络旗下的新品《超自然行动组》。 数据显示，这款今年1月正式上线的游戏，在暑期展现出惊人爆发力——仅半年时间同时在线人数突破100万，持续占据iOS免费榜前列，最高跻身畅销榜第 4位，成为2025年度最抢眼的爆款产品之一。七麦数据则显示，其万圣节版本推出后在iOS免费榜、畅销榜排名从20名左右直线跃升至前十。这说明这款游 戏的热度仍在继续推高，团队拥有强大的长线运营能力。 这款由95后年轻团队打造的游戏，是如何让巨人网络这家厂商再度绽放、重回舞台C位? 团队基因：年轻团队更懂年轻人，有丰富大DAU实战经验 纵观整个行业，或许《超自然行动组》的爆发并非偶然。据游戏专业媒体报道，近两年游戏行业多次 ...

Core Insights - NetEase's revenue growth in Q3 2025 was primarily driven by its game "Evergreen Games," achieving a net income of 28.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.2% [2] - The company reported a net profit of 9.5 billion yuan under non-GAAP standards, reflecting a significant year-on-year growth of 33.3% [2] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, NetEase's net income reached 28.4 billion yuan, compared to 27.9 billion yuan in the previous quarter and 26.2 billion yuan in the same quarter last year [3] - Revenue from games and related services was 23.3 billion yuan, with a 2.2% increase from the previous quarter and a 11.5% increase year-on-year [3] - Online games accounted for approximately 97.6% of the revenue in this segment, up from 97.1% in the previous quarter and 96.8% year-on-year [3] Game Performance - The increase in online game revenue was attributed to self-developed games like "Dream of the Westward Journey" and "Reverse Water Cold," as well as several agency games [3] - "Dream of the Westward Journey" achieved a record high of 3.58 million concurrent players, marking a strong performance in long-term game operation [3][4] - The launch of the "Dream of the Westward Journey" free play server aimed to attract long-lost users and new players by simplifying gameplay and removing time-based charges [4][5] New Game Development - NetEase introduced several new games in Q3, including "Fate: Stars" and "Reverse Water Cold," which performed well in both domestic and international markets [6] - The company is focusing on the upcoming game "Forgotten Sea," which is being developed with a self-built engine and will be available on multiple platforms [7] Industry Context - Tencent's gaming revenue in Q3 was 63.6 billion yuan, with significant growth in both domestic and international markets, highlighting the competitive landscape [7] - Analysts noted that while NetEase's older games are evolving into IP extensions, Tencent's established titles continue to perform strongly, indicating differing strategies in a saturated market [8] Internal Adjustments - Following the return of CEO Ding Lei, NetEase has undergone organizational adjustments, including staff changes aimed at enhancing focus and efficiency [9][10] - The company is prioritizing long-term projects and optimizing resources towards successful teams while being decisive about underperforming ones [10]

Core Insights - Tencent reported Q3 2025 revenue of 192.87 billion RMB, a 15% increase year-over-year from 167.19 billion RMB in Q3 2024 [1] - Operating profit reached 63.55 billion RMB, up 19% year-over-year, while adjusted net profit was 70.55 billion RMB, an 18% increase [1] - For the first three quarters of 2025, total revenue amounted to 557.40 billion RMB, a 14% increase compared to 487.81 billion RMB in the same period of 2024 [1] Gaming Business Performance - Tencent's gaming revenue for Q3 was 63.60 billion RMB, with domestic market revenue at 42.80 billion RMB (15% growth) and international market revenue at 20.80 billion RMB (43% growth) [1][4] - International gaming revenue accounted for 33% of total gaming revenue, marking the highest growth rate since the segment began disclosing performance separately [4] - The growth in international revenue was driven by Supercell's game performance and contributions from recently acquired game studios, particularly the success of "Dying Light: Stay Human" [4] Key Game Titles and Innovations - Supercell's titles, including "Clash Royale" and "Brawl Stars," achieved record highs in daily active users and revenue, contributing to international growth [4] - "Dying Light: Stay Human," released by Techland, has seen pre-orders exceed 1 million, with estimated total sales surpassing 1.5 million [4][6] - Tencent's long-standing games like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" continue to drive growth, with "Peacekeeper Elite" achieving a peak DAU of 37 million [6][10] Future Outlook - Tencent's gaming segment is expected to maintain steady growth, with upcoming titles like "Ultimate Showdown" and "Rock Kingdom: World" set to launch in Q4 [12] - The company is focusing on a diverse gaming ecosystem, leveraging long-term strategic investments in R&D, global expansion, and product innovation [10][12]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The gaming industry is experiencing continuous innovation in game genres and breakthroughs in evergreen games, with significant growth potential despite a slowdown in user acquisition competition and gameplay innovation [2][9] - The market for female-oriented games in China is projected to reach 8 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 124%, driven by an increasing female user base [6] Key Companies and Performance - Notable companies in the gaming sector include Giant Network, G-bits, Perfect World, Kain Technology, Shenzhou Taiyue, and 37 Interactive Entertainment, all showing strong performance [3] - Giant Network's "Supernatural Action Group" has achieved significant daily active users (DAU) and is expected to release strong performance in Q3 [21] - G-bits has seen its profit forecasts revised upwards due to the success of its games, including "Wanjian Changsheng" [26] - Perfect World is entering a new game release cycle, with promising results from its recent titles [28] - Kain Technology is leading in AI layout and is expected to see significant profits from its collaboration on legendary games [3] Game Trends and Innovations - The "search and escape" gameplay has gained popularity due to its high-risk, high-reward mechanics, appealing to players' psychological tendencies [5] - "Supernatural Action Group" fills a market gap with its low entry barrier and strong social attributes, attracting a large female user base, with 62% of its players being female [7] - The introduction of innovative gameplay elements in "Supernatural Action Group" has improved user retention and community engagement [10] Market Dynamics - The overseas SLG (strategy) mobile game market is expected to grow, with revenues projected to reach $12.5 billion in 2024 and $7.3 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting year-on-year growth of 17% and 25% respectively [13][14] - Chinese companies are expected to generate $18.6 billion in overseas revenue in 2024, with strategy games accounting for approximately 41% of this figure [14] Challenges and Opportunities - The SLG mobile game segment faces challenges such as high user acquisition costs and low success rates, but successful titles can yield long lifecycles and stable profit releases [15][20] - The importance of evergreen games for small and medium-sized developers is highlighted, as they offer higher profit margins and more stable revenue streams compared to short-term products [12] Future Outlook - The gaming industry is expected to maintain strong growth momentum, with companies like ST Huadong, G-bits, and 37 Interactive Entertainment showing promising Q2 results [9] - The upcoming third quarter is anticipated to be crucial for performance, with several companies poised for growth based on their product pipelines and strategic positioning [9][23] Conclusion - The gaming industry is evolving with innovative gameplay and a focus on long-term engagement, particularly among female players. Companies that adapt to these trends and leverage their strengths in product development are likely to see continued success and growth in the coming years [2][9][12]

Summary of Evergreen Games Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference focuses on the evergreen games sector, highlighting the potential for significant revenue growth through effective operations, as demonstrated by Tencent's Supercell game "Clash Royale," which achieved $140 million in revenue in Q2 2025, a 90% quarter-over-quarter increase and over 40% year-over-year growth [2][3] - Companies with evergreen game potential typically possess high Daily Active Users (DAU) and social gameplay attributes, or own classic native IPs that can be continuously iterated and updated, particularly in SLG (Simulation and Strategy Games) and MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) genres, which have high player sunk costs and stronger user retention [2][5] Key Insights and Arguments - Evergreen game companies generally have valuations above the industry average, with companies like Nintendo, Take-Two, and Nexon showing strong forward Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratios, indicating high market expectations for future earnings [2][6] - As of early 2025, Nintendo's forward PE was 36, TikTok's was 27, and Nexon's was 26, averaging 26, which is higher than the average valuation of the A-share and Hong Kong game sectors, which is below 20 [7] - The operational methodology for evergreen games includes simple content updates, seasonal updates, and continuous iteration of core gameplay and monetization strategies, creating a platform that encourages ongoing player engagement and spending [9][10] Company-Specific Strategies - Tencent's strategy for 2025 emphasizes the operation of headlining games while adjusting its organizational structure to enhance producer incentives, focusing on long-term development and middle-tier games like "Crossfire" and "League of Legends" [4][11] - Nintendo aims to maintain user engagement by expanding gameplay on its platforms, creating "infinite" products that encourage continuous player interaction and consumption [12][13] - Tencent's overseas game revenue accounts for approximately 30%, with Supercell, Riot Games, and Miniclip being significant contributors [14] Potential Companies for Evergreen Games - Companies with successful evergreen game potential typically have large DAU advantages and social gameplay attributes, such as Tencent and Giant Network's new title "Supernatural Action Team" [5] - Companies with classic native IPs that can be continuously updated, like Nintendo with its Mario and Pokémon franchises, and Nexon with its Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) IP, also show strong potential [5][29] - SLG and MMO games are identified as having longer lifecycle potential due to their inherent player engagement characteristics [30] Valuation Insights - Evergreen game companies are generally valued significantly higher than the industry average, with stable and continuous revenue growth being a key factor supporting these high valuations [6] - The report highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between hardware and software revenue, with Nintendo's software revenue becoming a more significant contributor as hardware sales plateaued [18][19] Conclusion - The evergreen games sector is characterized by companies that can maintain player engagement through continuous updates and strong IPs, leading to sustained revenue growth and higher valuations compared to the broader gaming industry. The strategies employed by leading companies like Tencent and Nintendo serve as benchmarks for success in this evolving market.

Core Viewpoint - The gaming sector is experiencing a surge, with Giant Network's stock hitting a new high, driven by strong financial performance and the launch of new games [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Giant Network achieved revenue of 1.662 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16.47%, and a net profit of 777 million yuan, up 8.27% [3]. - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 1.50 yuan per 10 shares to all shareholders [1]. - The flagship game "Original Journey" has added over 20 million new users in the first half of the year, with a stable monthly revenue of 100 million yuan [3]. New Game Launches - Giant Network's new game "Supernatural Action Group" launched on January 23, 2025, has seen significant market acceptance, with a monthly revenue of approximately 49.98 million yuan in June, a 141% increase [6]. - The upcoming game "Moonlight Night CCG" will begin limited testing on September 4, 2023, featuring a 1v1 card battle mode [7]. Strategic Development - The company is focusing on developing mini-games based on existing IPs to leverage user growth and revenue expansion [4][5]. - Analysts suggest that the integration of classic IPs with new game formats can create a sustainable development foundation for the company [8].

Core Viewpoint - Tencent is shifting its focus towards "evergreen games" as a strategic response to the changing dynamics in the gaming industry, particularly in light of recent legal challenges and market conditions [4][6][21]. Group 1: Evergreen Games Strategy - The term "evergreen games" refers to projects that have sustained popularity and revenue over time, with Tencent defining them as games generating annual revenue of at least 4 billion RMB and maintaining a daily active user (DAU) count of over 5 million for mobile games [6][7]. - Tencent currently has 14 games that meet the evergreen standard, including flagship titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" [7][11]. - The gaming industry has experienced a significant downturn since 2020, leading to a reduction in new project launches and a scarcity of blockbuster games, which has prompted Tencent to focus on maximizing the potential of its existing evergreen titles [7][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Challenges - The gaming industry is facing a cyclical downturn, with a shift in player preferences towards diverse entertainment options such as live streaming and short videos, making the development of evergreen games a necessity for survival [43][44]. - Tencent's investments in content-heavy games and large-scale projects have not yielded the expected returns, leading to a strategic pivot back to platform games that leverage its established social networks and user bases [21][25][44]. - The company has faced significant challenges in developing new content-driven games, as evidenced by the high costs and risks associated with such projects, which have led to a preference for investing in existing successful titles [27][31]. Group 3: Development and Innovation - Tencent's approach to game development emphasizes the importance of industrialized processes and the ability to produce engaging content consistently, which is crucial for maintaining player interest in evergreen games [40][41]. - The company has recognized that the success of its evergreen games relies not only on strong operational strategies but also on the capability of development teams to deliver interesting content regularly [10][12]. - Tencent's historical investments in various game genres, including first-person shooters and MOBA games, have positioned it well to capitalize on the evergreen game strategy, as these genres typically have higher player retention rates [34][40].

Core Insights - The article discusses the historical significance of Shengda Network and its transformation into Shengqu Games, highlighting the emotional connection of the "Sheng Warriors" to the company's legacy and their aspirations for its future [1][4][6]. Group 1: Company History and Transformation - Shengda Network, founded by Chen Tianqiao, acquired the rights to the game "The Legend of Mir 2" in 2001, which significantly changed the company's trajectory and reshaped entertainment for Chinese youth [2][4]. - The success of games like "Bubble Hall" and "Adventure Island" led to Shengda's IPO on NASDAQ in 2004, establishing it as a major player in the gaming industry [4][6]. - The rebranding of Shengda Games to Shengqu Games in 2019 marked a formal separation from Shengda Network, although it retained significant brand value and user base [5][6]. Group 2: Leadership and Vision - Peng Cheng's return as CEO of Shengqu Games in 2024 is seen as a symbolic "Sheng Warrior return," aiming to revive the company's former glory and complete unfinished business [1][6]. - Peng Cheng emphasizes the need for a cultural and strategic shift within the company, focusing on innovation and revitalizing old IPs to drive growth [6][24]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Century Huatong's mid-year performance forecast indicates a revenue increase of approximately 83% to around 17 billion yuan, with a projected net profit growth of 107% to 159% [6][24]. - Shengqu Games has maintained a positive growth trajectory by refining gameplay and content, successfully rejuvenating the popularity and commercial value of its legacy IPs [6][24]. Group 4: Challenges and Strategies - The company faces challenges such as an aging workforce and the need for talent rejuvenation, with plans to lower the average age of employees while retaining experienced staff [18][19]. - Peng Cheng's strategy includes consolidating operations and focusing on core competencies, particularly leveraging existing IPs before exploring new product lines [24][25]. Group 5: Market Trends and Future Outlook - The gaming industry is evolving, with a focus on "evergreen games" and the challenge of reviving classic IPs while appealing to modern players [28][29]. - The company aims to balance nostalgia with contemporary gaming preferences, ensuring that new versions of classic games resonate with both old and new audiences [28][29].

Core Viewpoint - The concept of "evergreen games" has emerged as a strategic focus for major Chinese gaming companies Tencent and NetEase, aiming to maintain long-term revenue and player engagement in a mature market where creating new hits is increasingly challenging [1][2][15]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of Evergreen Games - "Evergreen games" refer to titles that sustain high revenue, popularity, and a stable player base over time, serving as cash cows for gaming companies [2][3]. - The strategy of focusing on evergreen games allows companies to leverage existing successful titles while minimizing the risks associated with new game launches [15][29]. Group 2: Market Share and Competition - Tencent and NetEase dominate the evergreen game market, with 20 out of 30 titles listed in the "2024 China Evergreen Game List," accounting for over 70% of the market share and an estimated revenue of $4.85 billion [3][4]. - The competition between Tencent and NetEase is characterized by their different game genres, with Tencent focusing on MOBA and shooting games, while NetEase emphasizes MMORPGs [6][7]. Group 3: Strategic Differences - Tencent has a larger portfolio of evergreen games, with 13 titles listed compared to NetEase's 7, indicating a significant lead in both current and potential evergreen games [8][10]. - The revenue structure also differs, with Tencent generating income from both domestic and international markets, while NetEase primarily relies on domestic revenue [11][14]. Group 4: Industry Context and Challenges - The rise of evergreen games is seen as a response to the industry's "hit-driven anxiety," where companies seek stability in a market that has matured and where user growth is limited [15][16]. - Both companies are adapting to a changing landscape by focusing on cross-platform games and GaaS (Games as a Service) models, which allow for ongoing content updates and player engagement [17][18]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategic Focus - The ongoing competition between Tencent and NetEase in the evergreen game sector is expected to intensify, with both companies aiming to secure dominance in their respective genres while exploring international markets [19][24]. - The strategic emphasis on evergreen games is not just a defensive measure but also a proactive approach to ensure long-term growth and sustainability in a highly competitive environment [27][29].