Core Insights - NACON has signed an agreement with Eden Games to publish and distribute Gear.Club Unlimited 3, the fifth installment in the franchise, set to release in Q4 2025 on current-generation consoles and PC [2][5] - The new game enhances NACON's racing ecosystem, which includes popular titles like Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and WRC Generations, along with its Revosim™ line of Direct Drive peripherals [3] - Gear.Club Unlimited 3 features various game modes, including an all-new Highway Mode that challenges players' reflexes in high-speed traffic scenarios [4] Company Overview - NACON, part of the BIGBEN group, was established in 2019 and consists of 16 development studios, focusing on game publishing and premium gaming peripherals [6] - The company aims to leverage its 40 years of experience in the gaming industry to create unique opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages [6] Development Studio Profile - Eden Games, based in Lyon, France, is known for its expertise in realistic racing games, having developed iconic titles such as V-Rally and Test Drive Unlimited [7] - Founded in 1998, Eden Games combines passion, technological innovation, and high graphic standards to deliver premium gaming experiences across various platforms [7]

Core Viewpoint - Sohu.com Limited reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with marketing services and online game revenues exceeding expectations, while also benefiting from a significant tax reversal that contributed to a net income of $182 million [2][3][11]. Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $136 million, a decrease of 3% year-over-year but an increase of 1% quarter-over-quarter [5]. - Marketing services revenues were $14 million, down 15% year-over-year and 27% quarter-over-quarter [5]. - Online game revenues were $117 million, flat year-over-year and up 7% quarter-over-quarter [5]. - Both GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins were 76%, compared to 77% in Q1 2024 and 73% in Q4 2024 [6]. - GAAP operating expenses were $122 million, down 9% year-over-year and 1% quarter-over-quarter [7]. - GAAP net income attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $182 million, or $6.07 per fully-diluted ADS, compared to a net loss of $25 million in Q1 2024 [11]. Tax Reversal Impact - The company fully reversed a tax expense of approximately $199 million related to a one-time transition tax, resulting in a significant income tax benefit for Q1 2025 [3][9]. Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Sohu.com Limited was $16 million, or a net loss of $0.55 per fully-diluted ADS, compared to a net loss of $22 million in Q1 2024 [12]. - Non-GAAP results exclude share-based compensation and the income tax benefit related to the Toll Charge [4][21]. Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term time deposits totaling approximately $1.2 billion [13]. Business Outlook - For Q2 2025, Sohu estimates marketing services revenues between $16 million and $17 million, indicating an annual decrease of 14% to 19% [27]. - Online game revenues are expected to be between $96 million and $106 million, reflecting an annual decrease of 28% to 35% [27].

Group 1 - Zhongxu Future (09890) saw a stock price increase of over 3%, reaching HKD 10.26 with a trading volume of HKD 19.8976 million [1] - The company announced a collaboration with Kaixin Network (002517.SZ) to jointly invest in Hangzhou Jiyi Artificial Intelligence Technology Co., focusing on AI large model technology in the gaming sector [1] - The total investment amount for the AI company agreement is RMB 10 million, and after the investment is completed, the subsidiary will become a shareholder of Jiyi Artificial Intelligence [1] Group 2 - A three-year product cooperation memorandum was signed with Kaixin Network covering various IP and game products, including new games based on classic IPs such as "Dragon Legend" and "King's Legend 2" [2] - The cooperation will also include games based on "Jin Yong's Wuxia" IP, such as "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and the "Condor Trilogy" [2]

ab 15 May 2025 A: We expect upward consensus revisions given the strong Q1 bottom line beat. Q: How would we expect investors to react? First Read NetEase Q125 results quick take: Very solid Q1 with game revenue and margin beats Q: How did the results compare vs expectations? A: NetEase's Q125 was a beat on both revenue and margin, echoing our constructiveness into results. Q1 revenue grew 7.4% YoY, beat UBSe/consensus by 2/1%, respectively. The core game revenue growth accelerated notably to 15% YoY, up fr ...

May 2025 Eric Sheridan Goldman, Sachs & Co. +1 917 343-8683 eric.sheridan@gs.com The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Framing the Industry Trends at the Intersection of Gaming, Media & Monetization (RBLX Deep Dive) US Internet & Interactive Entertainment Coverage Universe Julia Fein-Ashley Goldman, Sachs & Co. +1 212 902-5070 julia.fein-ashley@gs.com Goldman Sachs does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict o ...

Group 1: Company Performance - NetEase reported a strong Q1 financial performance, with game and related value-added service revenue reaching 24 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.1%, accounting for 83.2% of total revenue [1] - The gaming sector continued its upward trend, with listed companies in the gaming sector achieving a total revenue of 26.72 billion yuan in Q1, a year-on-year growth of 22%, and a net profit of 3.48 billion yuan, up 47% [1] - Jiuhua Tong achieved a revenue of 8.145 billion yuan in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 91.12%, with a net profit of 1.346 billion yuan, up 107.95%, significantly outperforming the industry average [4] Group 2: Industry Trends - The gaming industry is experiencing a recovery growth trend, with the issuance of game licenses and the launch of new products contributing to this resurgence [3] - The Chinese gaming market generated a revenue of 85.704 billion yuan in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 17.99%, with overseas sales of self-developed games reaching 4.805 billion USD, up 17.92% [4] - The mobile gaming market accounted for nearly 74% of the overall market, with mobile game revenue reaching 63.626 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 20.29%, while client games also showed growth with a revenue of 17.919 billion yuan, up 6.85% [5] Group 3: Game Development and Innovation - Companies are focusing on long-term operation of existing games, with innovative gameplay and continuous content updates maintaining user engagement, as seen with titles like "Sausage Party" and "Aobi Island" [5] - The first domestic AAA single-player game "Black Myth: Wukong" has increased interest in console games, prompting companies like Light Media to invest in AAA game development [6] - AI technology is being integrated into game design and development, with companies like Zhongyou Mobile deploying AI models to enhance gameplay and user interaction [7] Group 4: Future Outlook - The gaming industry is expected to see accelerated growth due to the introduction of key products and the adoption of new technologies such as 5G-A and XR devices, which may enhance performance and valuation [9] - The trend of "going global" for Chinese games is gaining momentum, with companies actively expanding their overseas markets and achieving significant revenue growth [4][8]

Core Viewpoint - The A-share gaming industry in China is experiencing a structural recovery in Q1 2025 after policy adjustments and market reshuffling in 2024, with a reported revenue of 85.704 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 17.99% [1] Industry Overview - The gaming industry has transitioned from extensive growth to a "technology-driven content" phase, with AI and globalization as the two core tracks for future development [2] - The market landscape is increasingly polarized, with only 7 out of 17 listed gaming companies achieving growth in both revenue and profit in Q1 2025 [2] Company Performance - Century Huatong led the industry with a revenue growth of 91.12%, reaching 8.145 billion yuan, marking a historical high [3] - Youzu Network reported a revenue of 359 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.29%, with a net profit of 24.7035 million yuan, up 43.74% [3] - 37 Interactive Entertainment experienced a decline in both revenue and net profit, with Q1 2025 revenue at 4.243 billion yuan, down 10.67%, and net profit at 549 million yuan, down 10.87% [3] - Perfect World saw a significant turnaround with a revenue of 2.023 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 52.22%, and returned to profitability [4] - Tencent and NetEase maintained stable revenue growth of 10% or more, showcasing strong market competitiveness [4] Market Dynamics - The outflow of gaming companies to overseas markets has become essential as domestic user growth plateaus, with overseas revenue becoming a core growth engine [5] - Century Huatong's overseas revenue reached 11.367 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 50.26% of total revenue [6] - Emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Latin America are becoming new growth points due to increased smartphone penetration and unique cultural preferences [7] Technological Advancements - The integration of generative AI technologies has significantly optimized efficiency across the gaming industry, impacting everything from development to operations [8] - Tencent reported a 24% increase in gaming revenue to 59.5 billion yuan in Q1 2025, supported by AI applications [9] - 37 Interactive Entertainment indicated that over 80% of its 2D art assets and over 30% of its 3D models were generated with AI, enhancing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market [10]

Core Viewpoint - Nintendo has confirmed that it will not adopt the "keycard" model for its first-party games on the upcoming Switch 2, maintaining traditional physical game cartridges to ensure players can experience games without additional downloads [1][3]. Group 1: Nintendo's Strategy - Nintendo's official response indicates a commitment to traditional physical game cartridges for first-party titles, ensuring a seamless gaming experience for players [1][3]. - Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, emphasized that physical game cartridges remain a crucial part of the company's business model [4]. - The upcoming Switch 2 games, such as "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," will integrate original games with upgrade packs on a single dedicated cartridge, eliminating the need for download codes [4]. Group 2: Third-Party Game Distribution - Third-party developers may adopt different distribution methods, with some games like "Street Fighter 6" using the keycard model, while others like "Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition" will continue to use traditional full-data cartridges [4][5]. - Nintendo has reportedly provided third-party developers with three distribution formats: pure digital, 64GB capacity physical cartridges, and keycards, with the higher cost of 64GB cartridges leading some smaller developers to opt for keycards [4]. Group 3: Game Ecosystem Clarity - Several confirmed first-party Switch 2 upgrade games will utilize the integrated cartridge format, contributing to a clearer gaming ecosystem as more details emerge [5].

Apple and Epic Games are reportedly sparring over Apple’s denial of Epic Games’ resubmission to place its game Fortnite in the App Store.Epic Games said Friday that its resubmission was denied by Apple, while Apple responded that it did not remove the game from alternative distribution marketplaces, CNBC reported Friday (May 16).The Fortnite account said in a post on X: “Apple has blocked our Fortnite submission so we cannot release to the US App Store or to the Epic Games Store for iOS in the European Unio ...

Total revenue grew +7% YoY to RMB28.8bn, 1% above consensus. Core onlinegame grew 15% YoY to RMB23.4bn, 5%/ 2% beat consensus/ BOCIe. PC andmobile game revenue delivered +85% YoY/ -4% YoY respectively, 0%/ 3%ahead of BOCIe. Marvel Rivals, Where Winds Meet, Blizzard games and Naraka:Bladepoint contributed to skyrocketed PC game revenue. GPM expanded bothYoY/ QoQ to 64.1%, 61.8% above consensus. Along with disciplined opexespecially S&M (down -33% YoY/ -4% QoQ), operating profit grew 37% YoYwith 36.2% OPM, si ...