Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of AI-native games, highlighting the upcoming release of "Distant Planet: Builder" by Guangzhou Gedao Technology, which is set to launch a beta version in Q4 2025. The game represents a significant step in the gaming industry's "AI revolution" [2][5]. Group 1: AI in Gaming - The gaming industry is experiencing a dual approach to AI integration: enhancing efficiency and decision-making on the supply side, and exploring gameplay innovations through generative AI models [2]. - Major gaming companies are leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency in game development, transitioning from single models to mature platforms [2]. - Independent game teams are primarily focused on exploring unique gameplay experiences based on AI, as large companies have not yet established successful precedents in this area [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Liu Han, the head of Guangzhou Gedao Technology, has a background in developing popular games like "Invisible Guardian" and "My Hero" while working with Tencent's Aurora Plan before founding Gedao Technology in 2024 [3]. - The parent company, Superparameter Technology, established in 2019, focuses on game AI-related businesses and aims to empower more game developers through AI technology [5]. Group 3: Game Features - "Distant Planet: Builder" is a simulation game centered on space exploration and civilization building, featuring over 600 AI NPCs that interact with players in an AI-generated world [5]. - The AI in the game is designed to have autonomous goals, memory, and emotions, differentiating it from traditional scripted programs [5]. - Liu Han envisions AI transitioning from a "production tool" to a "service tool" in gaming, enhancing gameplay and content to provide new experiences for players [7]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The gaming industry is expected to see multiple AI-native games launched between late 2023 and mid-2024, aiming to replace some manually created gameplay elements and narratives with AI capabilities [7]. - "Distant Planet: Builder" is anticipated to be one of the first AI-driven game projects to launch, marking a new beginning in the exploration of AI-driven gameplay and development paradigms [7].

Core Viewpoint - The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in game approvals and a faster review process, leading to a positive market response, particularly for companies like Icefire Network and Deyun Network, which have seen significant stock price increases following the approval of new game licenses [3][4]. Group 1: Company Performance - Deyun Network's peak performance was in 2020, with total revenue of 1.02 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 47%, and a net profit of 330 million yuan, up 79% [10]. - Since 2021, Deyun Network has faced a continuous decline in revenue and profit for over four years, contrasting with the overall growth of the Chinese gaming market [12][10]. - In 2024, Deyun Network's revenue dropped to 359.26 million yuan, a decrease of 18.46% from 2023, with total revenue of 308.06 million yuan, down 38.47% [16]. Group 2: Product Lifecycle and Market Dynamics - The reliance on a single IP, "Dream of Three Kingdoms," has led to a decline in player engagement and revenue, with the game entering a phase of decline after over 15 years of operation [13][15]. - The company's other products, such as "Barbarian Battle" and "My Hero," have not achieved significant success, contributing to a shrinking revenue base [18]. - The gaming market is increasingly competitive, with major players like Tencent and NetEase dominating, leading to rising customer acquisition costs and pressure on profit margins [68][69]. Group 3: Financial Health and Investment Issues - Deyun Network has seen a significant drop in net profit, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -64.4% from 2020 to 2024, and a projected loss of 12 to 18 million yuan for the first half of 2025 [20][22]. - The company has faced increasing asset impairment losses, reaching 67 million yuan in 2024, accounting for 12.1% of total revenue [27]. - The company's investment strategy has led to a high number of underperforming investments, with six out of ten major investments facing operational crises [58][61]. Group 4: Management and Shareholder Actions - The company's founders have collectively cashed out 850 million yuan, raising concerns about their commitment to the company's future [73]. - The controlling shareholder plans to reduce their stake by 2%, indicating a lack of confidence in the company's long-term prospects [81][83]. - The company has faced regulatory scrutiny due to questionable financial practices related to its acquisition of Youdong Network, raising doubts about the integrity of its financial reporting [41][45][75].