■中华神话，这个拥有数千年历史积淀的文化宝库，正通过《黑神话》系列这样的数字内容走向世 界舞台 ■在信息过载的时代，同质化的产品很难在激烈的竞争中脱颖而出，只有那些具有独特价值主张和 鲜明文化特色的产品，才能在消费者心中留下深刻的印象 当《黑神话：钟馗》在2025年的科隆游戏展上以先导预告片的形式正式公开时，许多人尚沉浸于 《黑神话：悟空》带来的视觉盛宴之中。从七十二变美猴王到驱魔判官钟馗，游戏科学的这次选择显然 带着深层的定位与文化考量。钟馗，这一在中华民间信仰中占据重要地位的神祇，既不如孙悟空那般耳 熟能详，也不像哪吒、杨戬等神话人物那样拥有丰富的故事脉络。这种"熟悉的陌生感"似乎为创作者与 玩家留下了广阔的想象空间。 在全球文创产业激烈的竞争中，中华神话体系的价值正在被重新发现和阐释。从古希腊神话支撑起 的漫威宇宙，到北欧神话催生的雷神系列，西方神话体系早已在今天的创意内容中建立起成熟的商业模 式和文化输出体系。而中华神话，这个拥有数千年历史积淀的文化宝库，眼下正通过《黑神话》系列这 样的数字内容走向世界舞台。 为什么是钟馗 钟馗这一人物选择的巧妙之处，在于文化深度与创作空间的平衡——既具备足够的文化辨 ...

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "Souls-like" games in the Chinese gaming industry reflects a shift in development strategies, with many developers adopting this genre as a safe entry point to attract investment and audience attention [3][11][30]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of "Souls-like" Games - "Souls-like" games refer to a genre pioneered by FromSoftware, characterized by high difficulty, death penalties, and fragmented storytelling [5][21]. - The genre has become a style symbol within the gaming community, with many players associating it with specific gameplay mechanics and aesthetics [21][24]. Group 2: Development Trends in China - The Chinese gaming market has seen an increase in "Souls-like" titles, as developers seek to replicate the success of established games like "Dark Souls" and "Elden Ring" [21][24]. - Developers often prioritize gameplay mechanics over narrative depth, leading to a focus on combat and visual spectacle in their projects [8][11]. Group 3: Investment and Market Dynamics - The success of titles like "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" has shifted investor perceptions, making them more willing to fund "Souls-like" projects due to their proven market appeal [16][17]. - The Chinese player base has shown a strong preference for "Souls-like" games, with significant sales figures indicating a lucrative market for this genre [21][23]. Group 4: Challenges and Community Expectations - The proliferation of "Souls-like" games has led to a saturated market, where players may become fatigued with the genre, raising expectations for innovation [24][28]. - Developers face pressure to meet high standards set by the community, which can stifle creativity and lead to a cycle of imitation rather than innovation [28][35]. Group 5: Future Directions - There is a growing recognition among developers that while "Souls-like" games provide a solid foundation, there is a need to explore and innovate beyond this genre to create unique gaming experiences [30][34]. - Successful titles may emerge from blending "Souls-like" elements with other genres or cultural narratives, potentially leading to a new wave of creativity in the industry [30][34].

Core Insights - The "Gamescom" event, one of the world's three major gaming exhibitions, recently concluded in Cologne, Germany, attracting over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, with a record 50 companies from China participating [1] Group 1: Chinese Game Companies - The Chinese game company "Game Science" showcased its new title "Black Myth: Zhong Kui," which became a highlight of the opening night, generating significant buzz on domestic social media [3] - "Game Science" previously released "Black Myth: Wukong," recognized as China's first "AAA" game, achieving both critical acclaim and strong sales, thus building a substantial fanbase [3] - The global influence of the "Black Myth" series is growing, with international gamers beginning to pay attention to China's "AAA" single-player games, as evidenced by the overseas interest in another upcoming title, "Shadow Blade Zero" [7] Group 2: Cultural Elements and Industry Reception - Many Chinese single-player games showcased at the event incorporate traditional Chinese cultural elements, reflecting a rich Eastern aesthetic in both art style and gameplay mechanics [9] - Industry professionals have praised Chinese games for developing a unique style, contributing fresh vitality to the gaming sector, with specific mention of inspiration drawn from Chinese mythology [11] - Approximately one-third of the companies at the event were from Germany, with a quarter from other European countries, while the presence of American and Japanese firms was notable; in contrast, Chinese gaming companies are still at the early stages of internationalization, indicating significant growth potential ahead [13]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of domestic "AAA" games in the international market is significantly influenced by unique Chinese cultural elements, with game developers leveraging advanced technology to integrate these cultural aspects into modeling, actions, and overall gaming experience [1]. Group 1: Game Development and Cultural Integration - Three domestic "AAA" games showcased at the Cologne Game Show highlight the use of advanced gaming technology to present Eastern aesthetics and tell Chinese stories, including "Black Myth: Wukong," "Shadow Blade Zero," and the new installment of "Gu Jian" [3]. - The development of "Gu Jian" has taken nearly two years and has now entered the mass production phase, with extensive testing conducted to vividly present Chinese elements in the game, such as the grass dragon inspired by traditional folk activities [5]. - The latest game engines and motion capture technologies have become standard for domestic "AAA" game developers, resulting in significant improvements in modeling precision and action effects [7]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Market Dynamics - The "AAA" game sector is characterized by long development cycles and substantial financial investments, with a surge in domestic "AAA" games reflecting a rapid influx of funding and adjustments within the industry chain since the "project boom" began in 2021 [9]. - The success of "Black Myth: Wukong" has attracted more attention to domestic "AAA" games, leading to a quick integration of the industry chain, with many companies previously engaged in foreign "AAA" game outsourcing now actively participating in domestic game production [9]. - At the recent Cologne Game Show, various "AAA" titles featuring local Chinese elements garnered significant interest from overseas players, indicating that domestic "AAA" games attract global audiences through solid content and unique cultural expressions rather than by deliberately catering to foreign markets [11].

Core Insights - The 2025 Cologne Game Show highlighted a significant shift in the gaming industry, particularly showcasing the rising prominence of Chinese games despite ongoing global market challenges [1][3][32] - The event demonstrated a strong presence of Chinese developers, with notable titles like "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" and "Shadow Blade Zero" receiving international acclaim, indicating a growing recognition of Chinese gaming quality [4][6][31] Industry Trends - The gaming industry continues to face a downturn, with discussions at the Devcom conference reflecting concerns over mental health and industry failures, yet positive changes are emerging [3][16] - Chinese game developers are increasingly taking bold steps by introducing original titles rather than relying solely on sequels, contrasting with the cautious strategies of many Western developers [17][22] Market Dynamics - The Cologne Game Show attracted over 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries, emphasizing the global scale of the event and the competitive landscape for game developers [4][10] - Chinese companies like Tencent showcased their extensive portfolios, with significant foot traffic at their booths, indicating a robust engagement with international audiences [8][12] Cultural Impact - The success of titles like "Shadow Blade Zero" and "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" reflects a shift in cultural perception, with international players expressing excitement about Chinese mythology and storytelling [24][26] - The proactive cultural output from Chinese games is reshaping global perceptions, moving from passive reception to active exploration of new themes and gameplay experiences [22][27] Future Outlook - The increasing presence and success of Chinese games at international events suggest a potential shift in the global gaming market, with Chinese developers poised to lead in innovation and creativity [32][35] - The industry's evolution indicates a growing recognition of the Chinese market's importance, prompting international developers to adapt their strategies and engage more deeply with Chinese players [35][37]

Core Insights - The 2025 Cologne International Game Show showcased a significant increase in the presence and influence of Chinese gaming companies, reflecting their growing confidence in the European market [1][8][12] Group 1: Event Overview - The Cologne International Game Show, established in 2009, is one of the world's three major gaming exhibitions alongside E3 and Tokyo Game Show [2] - This year's event attracted over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, marking a record high [8] - Chinese exhibitors increased to 50, the highest number in history, with many showcasing their products in prominent locations [8] Group 2: Notable Games and Exhibitors - The game "Shadow Blade Zero," developed by Beijing Lingyoufang, drew significant attention with long queues for gameplay, featuring a blend of Chinese martial arts narrative and artistic styles [2][5] - Game Science's new title "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" was highlighted during the event, following the success of "Black Myth: Wukong," and was presented as a major surprise at the opening night [5][7] Group 3: Market Trends and Reception - Chinese gaming companies are increasingly recognized for their high-quality original works, gaining positive feedback from international media and players [8][10] - The popularity of Chinese games in Europe is reflected in market data, with four Chinese-developed products expected to enter the top ten mobile downloads in Germany in 2024 [12] Group 4: Localization and Collaboration - Chinese companies are focusing on localization and community building to better connect with European players, transitioning from merely entering the market to integrating into it [13][15] - Tencent showcased over ten new titles, including collaborations with international IPs and European studios, indicating a trend towards cooperative development [14][15]

Core Viewpoint - The release of the new game "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" has generated significant excitement and discussion within the gaming community, indicating a strong cultural impact and potential market growth for Chinese video games [3][5][11]. Group 1: Game Release and Reception - The official announcement of "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" has sparked mixed reactions, with some players expressing disappointment over the delay of the DLC for "Black Myth: Wukong," leading to an increase in negative reviews [3][5]. - Despite the initial backlash, the promotional content for "Zhong Kui" has achieved over 12 million views on Bilibili and more than 500,000 shares, showcasing its popularity [5]. - The character Zhong Kui, rooted in Chinese folklore, has attracted interest from international audiences, with overseas gamers actively researching his background during live streams [7][9]. Group 2: Cultural Impact and Market Potential - The surge in online searches for "Zhong Kui" following the game's announcement reflects a growing global interest in Chinese cultural elements [9]. - Analysts believe that if "Zhong Kui" maintains the quality of its predecessor, it could help the domestic single-player game market surpass 10 billion yuan and facilitate the export of Chinese cultural symbols [11]. - The increasing recognition of Chinese games is evident, with multiple titles showcased at the 2025 Cologne Game Show, indicating a trend towards global acceptance of Chinese gaming products [11].

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]

Group 1 - The Cologne International Game Show, the largest gaming exhibition globally, is currently being held in Cologne, Germany, with over 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries, marking an 11% increase from last year [1] - More than 50 Chinese gaming companies are participating, including Tencent, MiHoYo, and others, representing a 32% growth compared to the previous year [1] - Notable Chinese games such as "Honor of Kings World," "Delta Action," and "Arknights: End of the World" have released new promotional materials at the event [1] Group 2 - Tencent's subsidiary, Salors, showcased "Destiny Trigger," introducing new breakthroughs in tactical shooting games [2] - Tencent's international gaming brand, Level Infinite, presented four products, including "Dying Light: The Beast" and "PUBG MOBILE" at the exhibition [2] - The event attracted game developers and technical teams from around the world, with Tencent's AI creative solution, VISVISE, making its debut [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing prominence of Chinese games at international gaming events, particularly at the Cologne Game Show, highlighting the respect and attention they are receiving globally [4][10][39]. Group 1: Event Highlights - The Cologne Game Show featured a notable presence of Chinese games, with titles like "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" being showcased as significant new releases [4][10]. - The event included various Chinese games such as "Arknights: Endfield," "Honor of Kings: World," and "Shadow Blade Zero," indicating a strong representation of Chinese gaming products [4][10]. - The awards nominations for Chinese games, including "Shadow Blade Zero" for Best Sound and multiple nominations for "Arknights: Endfield," reflect the growing recognition of Chinese titles in the international arena [8][10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution - The article contrasts the current state of gaming events with past highlights from E3, emphasizing how major gaming announcements used to create significant buzz and excitement [14][18]. - It notes the shift from physical to digital marketing strategies in the gaming industry due to the pandemic, leading to a decline in traditional events like E3 [21][22]. - Despite the rise of online marketing, there is a renewed interest in physical events, as evidenced by the high attendance at recent gaming conventions in both domestic and international contexts [21][22]. Group 3: Opportunities for Chinese Games - The success of titles like "Black Myth: Wukong" has opened new opportunities for Chinese developers in the single-player market, encouraging participation in global events [24][26]. - The article highlights the necessity for Chinese free-to-play (F2P) games to expand into global markets, especially as the mobile gaming market faces saturation [28]. - It emphasizes that the quality and design of Chinese games are breaking down barriers to international recognition, allowing them to compete on a global stage [28][39]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The article expresses optimism about the future of Chinese games, suggesting that they are on the verge of becoming significant players in the global gaming industry [39]. - It points out that the changing preferences of global gamers may provide further opportunities for Chinese developers to innovate and capture market share [39].