Core Viewpoint - The trend of "anti-involution" is emerging in ancient costume dramas, with characters adopting a more relaxed and carefree attitude, moving away from traditional heroic narratives towards a "lying flat" philosophy [1][3][4]. Group 1: Character Evolution - The protagonists in recent ancient costume dramas are increasingly portrayed as "not striving," reflecting a shift from ambitious characters to those who embrace a laid-back lifestyle [5][9]. - This new character archetype, often referred to as "lazy fish," embodies a paradox where they appear unmotivated but possess hidden strengths, akin to a seemingly carefree student who excels academically [5][8]. - The "lazy fish" narrative allows for low-energy storytelling that emphasizes sudden bursts of capability rather than a long, arduous journey [8][9]. Group 2: Emotional Resonance - The rise of "lazy fish" characters aligns with contemporary societal pressures, providing audiences with a form of emotional release and self-reflection [3][12]. - Viewers are increasingly drawn to stories that offer a sense of comfort and happiness, moving away from heavy themes towards narratives that celebrate individual experiences and emotional fulfillment [15][19]. - The shift in audience preferences is evident in the success of light-hearted and relatable ancient dramas, which resonate with the current desire for positive emotional experiences [13][15]. Group 3: Narrative Structure - The narrative structure of ancient costume dramas is evolving to focus on individual experiences rather than grand heroic quests, allowing for a more grounded and relatable storytelling approach [19]. - The concept of "returning home" in narratives reflects a broader cultural questioning of traditional success metrics, paralleling the characters' journeys in ancient settings [12][19]. - The balance between relaxation and character growth is crucial, as creators seek to explore themes of self-discovery and personal choice within the context of ancient narratives [18][19].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of "段评" (paragraph reviews) in online literature, highlighting their role in enhancing reader engagement and interaction, akin to video bullet comments [1][10] - It emphasizes the dual nature of段评 as both a tool for community building and a potential source of negative experiences due to poor-quality comments [9][10] Group 1: Impact of段评 on Reading Experience -段评 significantly increases reading time, sometimes surpassing the enjoyment derived from the original text, as seen with popular works like "探花" [1][2] - The interactive nature of段评 allows readers to engage deeply with the narrative, creating a social atmosphere that enhances the reading experience [10][13] -段评 can also serve educational purposes, providing insights and explanations that enrich the understanding of the text [6][10] Group 2: Popularity of Specific Works - "探花" is highlighted as a leading example of a novel that benefits from段评, achieving over 330,000 collections and topping the charts on 晋江文学城 [2][3] - The unique character dynamics and humor in "探花" resonate well with readers, leading to a vibrant段评 community that contributes to the novel's popularity [3][13] Group 3: Challenges and Limitations - Not all段评 are beneficial; some can spoil key plot points or contribute to a negative reading atmosphere through aggressive or repetitive comments [9][10] - The quality of段评 varies, and platforms must balance creativity with maintaining a positive user experience [9][10] Group 4: Strategies for User Retention -段评 has become a crucial tool for legitimate platforms to retain users in the face of rampant piracy, offering a unique social experience that cannot be replicated by pirated content [10][13] - Novel platforms are exploring additional features like audio storytelling and gamification to enhance user engagement and retention [14][20] Group 5: Future Trends in Online Literature - The industry is shifting towards integrating video and gaming elements into the reading experience, aiming to create a more immersive environment for users [20] - The evolution of段评 and other interactive features reflects a broader trend of adapting to the fragmented attention spans of modern readers [20]

Core Insights - The long video platforms are facing challenges with revenue growth slowing down and profitability becoming more difficult, prompting a shift towards optimizing content costs and exploring new revenue sources like micro-short dramas, AIGC, IP derivatives, and content globalization [37] Industry Overview - Long video platforms are entering a new phase of project reduction and AI efficiency improvements due to stagnation in membership growth and weak advertising revenue [1][5] - The rise of short videos has significantly impacted the user base of long video platforms, with monthly active users (MAU) for Tencent Video, iQIYI, and Youku projected to drop from 5.3 billion, 5.65 billion, and 4.7 billion in August 2018 to 3.63 billion, 3.56 billion, and 2.01 billion by June 2025, respectively [3] Company-Specific Insights iQIYI - iQIYI reported a decline in revenue and net profit in the first two quarters, with major business segments like membership services and online advertising also experiencing downturns, although other income streams showed growth [7] - The platform is focusing on a balanced approach between long and short content, emphasizing high-quality productions to enhance user engagement and attract advertisers [15] - iQIYI's international membership revenue grew by 35% year-on-year, and the company is leveraging AI to reduce costs and enhance efficiency [13] Youku - Youku's strategy centers on content quality, series development, and cross-industry integration, with successful shows like "藏海传" achieving significant viewership and advertising revenue [16][19] - The platform is expanding its talent pool by recruiting notable industry figures to enhance content creation capabilities [19] Tencent Video - Tencent Video reported a paid membership count of 111.4 million, the only platform to disclose such figures, and is focusing on high-quality content to improve viewer retention [22] - The platform is shifting its strategy to prioritize A+ and S+ level projects, aiming to enhance the return on investment and avoid resource wastage [25] Mango TV - Mango TV's revenue for the first half of 2025 was 5.964 billion yuan, a decline of 14.31%, with significant drops in its content e-commerce segment [29][32] - The platform is increasing its investment in content, particularly in short dramas, with a reported 1179 micro-short dramas set to launch, marking a nearly sevenfold increase from the previous year [36]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of short video platforms has enabled various fields, including meteorology, literature, and classical music, to cultivate internet influencers and generate significant traffic, with Shanghai emerging as a hub for quality content creation following the implementation of supportive policies [1][3]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "Reading New Shanghai" salon, held on August 15, was organized by the Shanghai Municipal Cyberspace Administration and featured discussions among internet influencers from cultural and artistic backgrounds [1][3]. - The event highlighted the importance of transforming professional cultural content into engaging formats that resonate with the audience, emphasizing the need for authenticity and relatability in content creation [3][8]. Group 2: Influencer Insights - Influencers like Song Yingjie and Zhu Tingting have successfully combined expertise with engaging presentation styles, attracting diverse audiences by making complex topics accessible and enjoyable [5][7]. - The concept of "living feeling" is crucial for internet influencers, as it reflects their genuine personalities and everyday experiences, which helps in building a connection with the audience [8][10]. Group 3: Cultural Impact - The salon served as a platform for sharing insights on the significance of literature and art in contemporary society, with discussions on how personal experiences and emotions can enhance storytelling and content creation [11][13]. - The event underscored the potential of internet influencers to foster a sense of community and support among their followers, emphasizing the intrinsic value of reading and cultural engagement beyond mere commercial success [7][23]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The rise of quality content in internet literature has been notable, with a shift towards realistic themes and relatable characters, reflecting broader societal changes and audience preferences [25]. - The collaboration between traditional media and internet platforms is seen as a way to reach younger audiences, with initiatives like "Youth Shanghai" successfully engaging millions through innovative content strategies [19][21].

Core Viewpoint - The company continues to strengthen its content creation and IP operation capabilities, despite a decline in revenue, showcasing growth in net profit and advancements in AI integration with its IP ecosystem [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company reported total revenue of 3.19 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 23.9%, while net profit reached 850 million yuan, an increase of 68.5% [2][3]. - Online business revenue amounted to 1.99 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.3%, driven by increased income from self-owned and third-party platforms [2][3]. IP Operation and Content Ecosystem - The company’s IP operation business demonstrated strong performance, with a GMV of 480 million yuan in IP derivative products, nearing the total of 500 million yuan for the entire year of 2024 [5]. - The online reading platform added 200,000 new authors and 410,000 novels, with a total word count increase of approximately 20 billion [3]. User Engagement and Growth - The average monthly paying user count reached 9.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%, with significant growth in the number of works receiving high monthly ticket sales [3]. - The company has established a sustainable development model characterized by high-quality content supply and loyal user engagement [3]. AI Integration and International Expansion - The integration of AI technology has significantly enhanced the company's IP ecosystem, with AI translation revenue on the overseas platform WebNovel growing by 38% year-on-year, accounting for over 35% of total revenue [5][6]. - The company has launched innovative AI features, such as the "Miaobi Tongjian" knowledge base, which has increased author interaction with AI by 40% [5]. Market Position and Future Outlook - The company maintains a leading position in the market with successful adaptations of its IP into various media formats, including popular series and animations [4]. - Industry experts believe that the combination of web literature, web series, and online games represents a new wave of cultural export, with the potential for higher valuations in overseas markets [6].

Core Viewpoint - In the first half of 2025, Yuewen Group reported strong financial performance with a revenue of 3.19 billion yuan and a net profit of 850 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 68.5% [1] Financial Performance - Yuewen's online business revenue reached 1.99 billion yuan, while copyright operations and other revenues amounted to 1.21 billion yuan [1] - The average monthly paying user count (MPU) increased by 4.5% year-on-year, reaching 9.2 million [5] - The online business revenue grew by 2.3% year-on-year [6] IP Ecosystem Growth - The IP ecosystem demonstrated strong growth resilience, with several high-quality IP adaptations such as "The Great Deity" and "The National Color" achieving significant viewership [1][7] - The short drama business experienced explosive growth, with a notable increase in hit rates and the gross merchandise value (GMV) of IP derivative products reaching 480 million yuan, nearing last year's total [11][13] Content Creation and Community Engagement - In the first half of 2025, the platform added 200,000 new authors and 410,000 new novels, with a total of approximately 20 billion new words [2] - The number of new signed authors achieving over 10,000 in average subscriptions increased by 45% year-on-year [2] - The number of works generating over 1 million yuan in revenue rose by 63% [2] Animation and Short Drama Success - Yuewen continued to produce high-quality animated content, with series like "Battle Through the Heavens" and "One Person's Underworld" achieving high popularity [9] - The short drama "Good Luck Sweet Wife" generated over 80 million in revenue and ranked second in the short drama charts, with total views exceeding 3 billion [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article critiques the portrayal of female characters in the drama "The Age of Tempering," highlighting the tension between the concept of independence and the reality of emotional dependence within a patriarchal narrative structure [2][3][6]. Group 1: Female Characterization - The drama features female characters who are economically independent but emotionally dependent, leading to a critique of their supposed independence [3][5][6]. - The character 崔冰冰 exemplifies the struggle between career ambitions and emotional sacrifices, often compromising her own needs for the male protagonist [4][5][9]. - The portrayal of women as "tools" in the narrative serves to reinforce traditional gender roles, where their independence is superficial and ultimately serves male character development [7][8][10]. Group 2: Narrative Structure - The narrative structure of "The Age of Tempering" centers around male characters, with female roles primarily serving to support the male protagonist's journey [7][8][10]. - The article compares this with "female-centric" narratives, suggesting that while female characters in such stories may appear empowered, they often replicate male power dynamics [10][11]. - The lack of depth in female character arcs leads to a failure in portraying genuine independence, as their stories are often overshadowed by male narratives [15][16]. Group 3: Societal Reflection - The article reflects on societal expectations of women, where balancing career and family is seen as a measure of independence, yet this often masks deeper emotional struggles [5][14][16]. - The portrayal of women in the drama is criticized for being unrealistic and catering to male fantasies, rather than presenting authentic female experiences [14][16]. - The article calls for a shift in storytelling that allows for more nuanced and complete representations of female characters, emphasizing their individuality and emotional complexity [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in new game releases during the summer of 2025, driven by the availability of university students and major events like ChinaJoy, which encourages companies to showcase their new titles [3][5]. Game Releases - In June, 20 new games were launched in China, with July seeing over 20 additional titles set to release, including Tencent's "Star Resonance" and NetEase's "Unowned Star Abyss" [4][6]. - Notable games include "Limitless Machine" by Xishanju and "Carbon Island" by Tencent, both released on July 2, marking the start of the summer gaming season [4]. Market Dynamics - The gaming stock market has shown volatility, with significant gains on July 8, as companies like Iceberg Network and Giant Network saw increases of over 10% and 5% respectively [3][8]. - The approval of 757 game licenses in the first half of the year, including a record 158 in June, indicates a stable trend in the gaming industry [8]. Nostalgia and Updates - Established games are also seeing updates and new versions, such as the nostalgic version of "Fantasy Westward Journey," which has attracted significant player interest, leading to server congestion [6][7]. - The strategy of updating older games helps maintain player engagement and ensures stable revenue for gaming companies [7]. Policy Support - Various local governments have introduced supportive policies for the gaming industry, focusing on promoting game exports and integrating AI technology [8]. - The trend of regular game license approvals is expected to continue, fostering a more robust gaming environment [8]. Industry Trends - The gaming industry is witnessing a diversification of genres, with companies exploring new gameplay mechanics and AI integration [9]. - The emergence of party games like "Goose Duck" is expected to intensify competition among major players like NetEase and Tencent [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the varying success rates of authors in adapting their works into films and series, highlighting the concept of "adaptation luck" in the Chinese entertainment industry, particularly in the context of web literature and its transition to screen adaptations [1][4][5]. Group 1: Adaptation Success Stories - The article emphasizes the rise of author Qianshan Chake, whose works have gained significant popularity through successful adaptations, particularly with the web series "Mo Yu Yun Jian" and "Yan Hui Shi," which have achieved high viewership and engagement [6][14][16]. - Qianshan Chake's notable works, such as "Rebirth of the Noble Girl" and "Rebirth of the General's Poisonous Wife," have accumulated millions of views, showcasing her strong presence in the web literature scene [9][10]. - The success of her adaptations is attributed to the compelling female characters and engaging narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences, aligning with current trends in the entertainment industry [18][19][20]. Group 2: Challenges in Adaptation - The article contrasts the success of Qianshan Chake with other authors like Wei Yu, whose adaptations have faced criticism and poor reception, indicating that not all popular web literature translates well to screen [27][30]. - The difficulties faced by authors like Wei Yu stem from the complexity of their narratives, which often do not adapt easily to the visual medium, leading to challenges in maintaining the original story's essence [28][29]. - The article suggests that adaptation success is not solely dependent on the original work's popularity but also on the adaptability of its content and the execution of the adaptation process [30][39]. Group 3: Future of Adaptation - The article posits that authors can enhance their "adaptation luck" by considering the potential for screen adaptation during the writing process, as seen with the author of "Da Feng Da Geng Ren," who tailored his narrative for better compatibility with film and television [31][34]. - It highlights the importance of collaboration between authors and web literature platforms to create works that are more likely to succeed in adaptations, indicating a shift in the industry's approach to content creation [36][37]. - The article concludes with a hopeful outlook for both successful and struggling authors, suggesting that the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry may provide new opportunities for adaptation success in the future [44].

Core Insights - The overall performance of the drama market in the first half of 2025 shows a decline compared to the previous year, with a notable drop in the number of high-performing series and overall viewership [1][3][5] - Despite the challenges, platforms and creators are actively seeking ways to adapt and innovate in content delivery and scheduling strategies [1][18][20] Market Performance - In the first half of 2025, 137 new domestic dramas were launched, an increase of 7 compared to the previous year, while the inventory of dramas decreased by 36 to 71 [3][18] - The effective viewership of top dramas has significantly decreased, with the leading series in 2025 achieving 18 billion fewer views than the top series in 2024 [3][5] - The only series to exceed an average of 50 million views per episode in the first half of 2025 was "漂白" with 54.9 million views, compared to three series achieving this in the same period last year [5][14] Audience Reception - Four domestic dramas scored above 8 points on Douban in the first half of 2025, with the highest being 8.3 for "无尽的尽头" and "异人之下之决战！碧游村" [6][8] - The number of high-scoring dramas has not significantly changed, but the highest ratings and number of ratings have decreased compared to the previous year [8][6] Platform Dynamics - The competitive landscape among major platforms has shifted, with Tencent Video's "大奉打更人" leading in total effective views, while iQIYI's "漂白" excelled in average views per episode [10][13][15] - The proportion of exclusive dramas has increased to 87% in the first half of 2025, up 11 percentage points from the previous year [18][20] Content Trends - Historical dramas continue to dominate the market, accounting for 70% of the top 10 dramas by viewership [22][24] - There is a notable trend towards shorter series, with an increase in the number of episodes ranging from 13 to 23, particularly in the suspense genre [27][24]