Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving landscape of AI in the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by major players like Tencent and NetEase in integrating AI into game development, while also noting the rise of independent teams exploring native AI games [2][32]. Group 1: AI Game Development Landscape - The gaming industry is currently in a phase of "self-discovery" regarding AI games, with significant discussions focused on defining what constitutes a true "AI game" [2]. - Investment in both gaming and AI has cooled significantly over the past two years, leading to a challenging environment for AI game development [2][3]. - By the end of 2025, numerous AI game products have emerged, showcasing a shift from basic AI implementations to more sophisticated independent games [2][3]. Group 2: Tencent's Approach - Tencent's strategy primarily focuses on efficiency improvements through AI, rather than developing native AI games independently [4][5]. - The company has made significant advancements in AI technology, particularly in enhancing existing game projects with AI features, rather than creating entirely new AI-driven games [6][8]. - Tencent's "Hunyuan" platform, launched in May, aims to streamline game art design processes, leveraging years of accumulated data to enhance development efficiency [9][12]. Group 3: NetEase's Strategy - NetEase's approach differs from Tencent's, opting for a tighter integration of AI within its studio teams, particularly through the Fuxi Lab, which closely collaborates with project teams [16][17]. - The Fuxi Lab focuses on practical AI applications that directly support game development, allowing for a more flexible and responsive development process [18][20]. - NetEase's AI initiatives are designed to enhance player engagement and interaction, rather than fundamentally altering core gameplay mechanics [20][21]. Group 4: Independent Teams and Native AI Games - Independent teams are exploring the potential of native AI games, which are defined as games that could not exist without AI [23][24]. - Examples like "Maggie's Garden" illustrate how small teams are leveraging AI to create unique gameplay experiences, with significant portions of the team dedicated to AI development [26][30]. - The article emphasizes that while AI can enhance game development efficiency, it does not replace the creative input of human designers, highlighting the need for a balance between AI capabilities and traditional game design [30][32]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The future of AI in gaming is uncertain, with major companies prioritizing efficiency over radical gameplay innovations, leaving the exploration of native AI games to independent developers [32][33]. - The article concludes that for AI to truly enhance gaming experiences, it must be integrated as a tool for game design rather than a fleeting trend, suggesting a need for deeper integration of AI into the gaming development process [32][33].