Core Viewpoint - The announcement of the new installment of the "Gu Jian" series, a classic Chinese RPG, signifies a revival of a beloved IP that has successfully transitioned into a AAA game, appealing to both old and new players [1][9][41]. Group 1: Game Development and Features - The development of "Gu Jian" began in 2021, with over two years of formal development leading to its current production phase, aiming to be the first AAA swordplay game in China [10][14]. - The game will focus on linear storytelling and character development, moving away from the recent trend of open-world and souls-like gameplay, which aligns with traditional RPG elements [12][18]. - The narrative will be set in a fictional world based on Chinese mythology, where players will take on the role of a "Di Jie Si Pan," guiding souls and uncovering their stories [15][19]. Group 2: Market Context and Historical Significance - The "Gu Jian" series has been a significant player in the Chinese single-player game market, with its first installment released in 2010 achieving remarkable sales and recognition [31][39]. - The series has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years, with the latest announcement generating significant excitement and engagement, evidenced by over 10 million views on its first trailer within three days [8][20]. - The revival of "Gu Jian" comes at a time when the domestic single-player game market is experiencing a resurgence, with many players yearning for the return of classic RPG elements [41][44]. Group 3: Company Background and Financial Support - The developer, Candle Dragon, has received substantial financial backing from Tencent, which has allowed for team expansion and project development, contributing to the successful revival of the "Gu Jian" series [14][10]. - Candle Dragon was founded in 2007 by a team of experienced developers, including those from the renowned "Xian Jian" series, aiming to create a new standard for Chinese RPGs [23][25]. - The company has faced challenges in a market dominated by online games, yet it has consistently pushed for innovation and quality in single-player experiences [27][29].

Core Points - The new installment of the "Gu Jian Qi Tan" series, titled "Gu Jian," has been announced by Shanghai Zhulong, marking the first new single-player game in the series since "Gu Jian Qi Tan 3" was released in November 2018 [2][3] - The teaser for "Gu Jian" has garnered over 10 million views on Bilibili as of August 21 [2] - The game is set to feature a new protagonist, a "Yin Yang Judge," who uses a "Book of Life and Death" to interact with souls, emphasizing a unique narrative that does not require players to have played previous installments [4][5] Company Overview - Shanghai Zhulong was established in 2007 and is known for its narrative-driven games that draw heavily from Chinese folklore and mythology [2][6] - The company has diversified its portfolio with various game types, including an MMO and a long-term service model game, while maintaining a focus on single-player RPGs [3][6] Investment and Development - "Gu Jian" was initiated in 2021, with Tencent's investment in early 2024 allowing for team expansion and development acceleration, leading to a production phase of approximately two years [6] - Tencent increased its stake in Shanghai Zhulong's parent company, Beijing Wangyuan Shengtang Entertainment Technology Co., from 44.27% to 87.36%, becoming the largest shareholder [6] Market Trends - The announcement of "Gu Jian" coincides with a surge of large single-player games being revealed, indicating a growing interest in this genre within the domestic market [9][10] - The success of "Black Myth: Wukong" has positively influenced consumer spending on other console games, with 66.7% of surveyed users purchasing additional titles alongside it [10]