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].