Summary of Evergreen Games Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference focuses on the evergreen games sector, highlighting the potential for significant revenue growth through effective operations, as demonstrated by Tencent's Supercell game "Clash Royale," which achieved $140 million in revenue in Q2 2025, a 90% quarter-over-quarter increase and over 40% year-over-year growth [2][3] - Companies with evergreen game potential typically possess high Daily Active Users (DAU) and social gameplay attributes, or own classic native IPs that can be continuously iterated and updated, particularly in SLG (Simulation and Strategy Games) and MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) genres, which have high player sunk costs and stronger user retention [2][5] Key Insights and Arguments - Evergreen game companies generally have valuations above the industry average, with companies like Nintendo, Take-Two, and Nexon showing strong forward Price-to-Earnings (PE) ratios, indicating high market expectations for future earnings [2][6] - As of early 2025, Nintendo's forward PE was 36, TikTok's was 27, and Nexon's was 26, averaging 26, which is higher than the average valuation of the A-share and Hong Kong game sectors, which is below 20 [7] - The operational methodology for evergreen games includes simple content updates, seasonal updates, and continuous iteration of core gameplay and monetization strategies, creating a platform that encourages ongoing player engagement and spending [9][10] Company-Specific Strategies - Tencent's strategy for 2025 emphasizes the operation of headlining games while adjusting its organizational structure to enhance producer incentives, focusing on long-term development and middle-tier games like "Crossfire" and "League of Legends" [4][11] - Nintendo aims to maintain user engagement by expanding gameplay on its platforms, creating "infinite" products that encourage continuous player interaction and consumption [12][13] - Tencent's overseas game revenue accounts for approximately 30%, with Supercell, Riot Games, and Miniclip being significant contributors [14] Potential Companies for Evergreen Games - Companies with successful evergreen game potential typically have large DAU advantages and social gameplay attributes, such as Tencent and Giant Network's new title "Supernatural Action Team" [5] - Companies with classic native IPs that can be continuously updated, like Nintendo with its Mario and Pokémon franchises, and Nexon with its Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) IP, also show strong potential [5][29] - SLG and MMO games are identified as having longer lifecycle potential due to their inherent player engagement characteristics [30] Valuation Insights - Evergreen game companies are generally valued significantly higher than the industry average, with stable and continuous revenue growth being a key factor supporting these high valuations [6] - The report highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between hardware and software revenue, with Nintendo's software revenue becoming a more significant contributor as hardware sales plateaued [18][19] Conclusion - The evergreen games sector is characterized by companies that can maintain player engagement through continuous updates and strong IPs, leading to sustained revenue growth and higher valuations compared to the broader gaming industry. The strategies employed by leading companies like Tencent and Nintendo serve as benchmarks for success in this evolving market.

Core Viewpoint - Tencent's strong financial performance in the first half of the year reflects its significant investment in AI technology, which is expected to drive long-term growth despite short-term sacrifices [5][12]. Financial Performance - Tencent's total revenue for the first half reached 364.53 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14% [5]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 103.45 billion yuan, up 16% year-on-year [5]. - In Q2, revenue was 184.5 billion yuan, growing 15% year-on-year, with operating profit at 69.25 billion yuan, an 18% increase [5][6]. Business Segments - The three core business segments showed robust growth in Q2: - Value-added services revenue was 91.4 billion yuan, up 16% [7]. - Marketing services revenue reached 35.8 billion yuan, a 20% increase, marking a historical high [7]. - Financial technology and enterprise services revenue was 55.5 billion yuan, growing 10% [7]. Investment in AI - Tencent invested 20.25 billion yuan in AI research and development in Q2, a 17% increase [8]. - Capital expenditure surged 119% to 19.11 billion yuan, indicating a commitment to long-term growth through AI [8]. User Engagement and AI Integration - Tencent's AI product matrix has deeply penetrated user experiences, with WeChat's monthly active accounts reaching 1.411 billion, a 3% year-on-year increase [8]. - AI applications in gaming have significantly boosted revenue, with total game income in Q2 at 59.2 billion yuan, a 22% increase [9]. Global Strategy and Ecosystem Expansion - Tencent's global strategy leverages its WeChat ecosystem, with 92 countries utilizing WeChat mini-programs [10]. - The payment network has expanded, with 2.6 million merchants in Malaysia using DuitNow QR codes [10]. - Tencent Cloud services have over 10,000 overseas clients, enhancing digital capabilities for international companies [10]. Future Growth Potential - The advertising business has room for growth, driven by improvements in click-through rates, traffic growth, and ad loading rates [12]. - The gaming sector, particularly shooting games, is identified as a key growth area, with significant interest from new-generation players [12]. - AI and ecosystem collaboration will remain central to Tencent's strategy, with ongoing investments expected to yield benefits [12].

Core Insights - Tencent's Q2 2025 earnings report highlighted the unexpected success of the game "Delta Action," which has rapidly climbed to the top of the industry in terms of daily active users (DAU) and revenue [1][4][10] Game Performance - "Delta Action" launched in September last year and has shown significant growth, entering the top five in industry DAU and top three in revenue [1][4] - The game achieved over 10 billion yuan in revenue in Q4 last year and currently boasts over 20 million daily active users, marking a 66% quarter-on-quarter increase [4][10] - It has become a rare dual-platform evergreen product, performing exceptionally well on both PC and mobile [4][10] Strategic Importance - Tencent's management has consistently highlighted "Delta Action" as a key contributor in every earnings report since Q3 last year, positioning it alongside major titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peace Elite" [2][5] - The game aligns with Tencent's strategy for long-term service-oriented games (GAAS), marking it as the most successful self-developed evergreen product since "Peace Elite" in 2019 [5][20] Market Dynamics - "Delta Action" has reached a peak of nearly 200,000 concurrent users on the Steam platform and ranks among the top three in net bar popularity [6] - On mobile, it competes closely with "Peace Elite," ranking in the top three of both the App Store free and revenue charts [8] - The game has the highest average daily active accounts among new releases in the past three years [9] Revenue Structure - The strong performance of "Delta Action" has shifted Tencent's revenue structure towards self-developed products, directly enhancing the gross margin of Tencent's value-added services, which saw a year-on-year increase of 23% [10] Competitive Landscape - Tencent's management has addressed concerns regarding potential cannibalization among its flagship games, emphasizing that the shooting game genre in China remains underexploited compared to Western markets [15] - The company believes that the introduction of new gameplay modes can expand the user base rather than merely competing for existing users [15] - "Delta Action" and "Peace Elite" currently have low overlap in user demographics, reducing immediate competition [15][18] Future Considerations - Tencent aims for "Delta Action" to complement "Peace Elite," potentially attracting players interested in extraction gameplay [18] - The company holds the IP for "Delta Action," allowing for greater revenue control and operational flexibility compared to "Peace Elite," which is based on an IP controlled by a third party [20] - The competition between Tencent's internal studios could lead to significant shifts in its game development strategy, especially if "Delta Action" continues to outperform "Peace Elite" [20]

Group 1 - The first large-scale professional esports event was held at the newly renovated Shenzhen Sports Center, featuring the 2025 "Crossfire" IP Carnival and Summer Finals [1] - The team "White Shark.Douyu" won the CFPL S26 championship by defeating their rival "Chengdu AG" with a score of 3:0, showcasing a strong performance throughout the season with a record of 13 wins and 5 losses [1] - Tencent Interactive Entertainment announced the official launch of the "Crossfire" IP world, transitioning from a single gameplay shooting game to a multi-mode shooting platform [1] Group 2 - The event also included the draw for the 2025 EWC Esports World Cup, with teams representing China including "White Shark.Douyu" and others that qualified based on their rankings [2] - The finals attracted nearly 10,000 spectators, with tickets selling out within 48 hours, and the upgraded facilities provided an immersive experience for attendees [1][2] - A drone performance illuminated the night sky in Shenzhen, showcasing characters and symbols from "Crossfire," enhancing the event's atmosphere [2]

Market Development - The Chinese esports market is projected to reach approximately 179 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.5%, indicating a robust development trend [1][3][4] - The user base for esports in China is estimated to be around 511 million in 2024, with a slight year-on-year increase of 0.6%, showing a stable user growth [1][6] Industry Dynamics - The current core dynamics of the Chinese esports industry include accelerated internationalization, establishment of standardized systems, diversification of ecosystems, and widespread public participation, all contributing to the market's growth and prosperity [1] - The esports industry is experiencing a shift towards globalization, emphasizing long-term value, diversified business models, and aging-friendly adaptations, which are expected to drive new breakthroughs in the industry [1][38][41] User Characteristics - Esports users are gradually expanding from a younger demographic to a broader age range, with 68.5% of users aged 30 and below, while those aged 30 and above have increased to 31.5% [1][26] - A significant majority of esports users, 79.4%, believe that esports are important to their lives, and 90.5% hold a positive and optimistic view of the industry's future [1][33] Internationalization - China's esports industry has made significant strides in internationalization, becoming a major venue for international esports events and enhancing the global recognition of Chinese esports IPs [1][16] - Major international events like the Esports Olympics and Esports World Cup are pivotal for establishing a cross-national esports ecosystem, laying a solid foundation for the global development of the industry [1][16] Standardization - The esports industry is in a critical phase of sportsification, with the establishment of industry and talent standards becoming a core driver of development [1][19] - National policies and local practices are working together to create stability and replicability in the industry, while dual-track vocational training and education are addressing the talent gap [1][19] Diversification - The diversification of esports content, ecosystem, and collaboration areas is unlocking further growth potential, transitioning from a gaming industry to a broader entertainment industry [1][22] - This diversification enriches the content and forms of esports, injecting innovation and market vitality into the industry [1][22] Popularization - The popularization of esports is breaking traditional user limitations, expanding participation from professional stages to broader public life scenarios [1][24] - This process not only promotes the development of esports culture but also aids in the dissemination of social goodwill and positive energy [1][24] Future Trends - The esports industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with projections indicating that the overall market size may exceed 200 billion yuan by 2027 [3][4] - The emergence of a "silver-haired esports" market is anticipated as the aging population increasingly engages with esports, highlighting the need for an age-friendly esports ecosystem [1][48]

Market Development - The Chinese esports market is projected to reach approximately 179 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.5%, indicating a robust development trend [1][3][4] - The user base for esports in China is expected to stabilize around 511 million people in 2024, with a modest year-on-year growth of 0.6% [1][6] Industry Dynamics - The current core dynamics of the Chinese esports industry include accelerated internationalization, establishment of standardized systems, diversification of ecosystems, and widespread public participation, all contributing to the market's growth and prosperity [1] - The internationalization of the esports industry has progressed significantly, with China becoming a major venue for international esports events and increasing recognition of Chinese esports IP abroad [16] User Characteristics - Esports users are gradually expanding from a younger demographic to a broader age range, with 68.5% of users aged 30 or below and 31.5% aged above 30 [26] - A significant majority of esports users (79.4%) believe that esports are important to their lives, and 90.5% hold a positive outlook on the future development of the industry [33] Development Trends - Future trends in the Chinese esports industry include globalization, a focus on long-term value, diversification of business models, and adaptation for older demographics, which are expected to drive new breakthroughs in the industry [1][38][41] - The esports industry is moving towards sustainable development and long-termism, balancing commercial gains with social value and cultural recognition [41] Diversification - The diversification of the esports industry is enhancing its growth potential through content innovation, ecosystem expansion, and cross-industry collaborations, transitioning from a gaming industry to a broader entertainment sector [22] - The emergence of a "silver-haired esports" market is noted, with an increasing number of older users engaging in esports, highlighting the need for an age-friendly esports ecosystem [48]

Core Viewpoint - Tencent's shooting game "Delta Action," launched in 2025, has rapidly gained popularity, contributing significantly to the growth of domestic game revenue by 24% alongside other major titles like "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite" [4][10]. Group 1: Game Performance and Market Position - "Delta Action" has surpassed long-standing games like "CrossFire" and "Dungeon & Fighter" in popularity, closely competing with "League of Legends" and "Valorant" [5][9]. - The game achieved the highest average daily active user scale among new games in the domestic gaming industry over the past three years [9]. Group 2: Tencent's Strategic Shift - Tencent's success with "Delta Action" reflects a long-term commitment to the shooting game (STG) genre, marking a strategic shift in its gaming approach [10][12]. - The development of "Delta Action" is seen as a culmination of Tencent's efforts in the STG category, which began with the success of "CrossFire" and continued through various self-developed titles [12][14]. Group 3: Innovation in Game Design - "Delta Action" distinguishes itself by simplifying complex mechanics found in other games, making it more accessible for mobile users while maintaining engaging gameplay [39][47]. - The game is notable for being Tencent's first project developed simultaneously for both PC and mobile platforms, showcasing innovation in gameplay design [39][47]. Group 4: Market Trends and Future Implications - The success of "Delta Action" has prompted other companies like NetEase and miHoYo to explore similar "search and escape" gameplay models, indicating a potential new trend in the gaming industry [43][44]. - Tencent's strategic pivot away from merely replicating successful game models to creating unique gameplay experiences is seen as a necessary evolution in response to changing market dynamics [42][46].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of game operation in the current era of stagnant growth in the gaming industry, highlighting that effective player management and engagement are crucial for retaining users and extending the lifecycle of games [8][16][54]. Group 1: Game Operation Challenges - The gaming industry is transitioning into a phase where retaining existing users is more critical than acquiring new ones, as evidenced by a mere 0.94% growth in China's gaming user base in 2024 [15][16]. - The operational strategies of game companies must adapt to the new reality of stagnant user growth, necessitating a focus on player retention and satisfaction [16][54]. - A significant operational incident in the game "绝地潜兵2" illustrates how poor management can lead to player dissatisfaction, despite initial successes [5][7]. Group 2: Player Engagement Strategies - Effective player operation involves understanding user behavior and proactively addressing potential churn risks, with companies employing data-driven strategies to monitor player engagement [27][30]. - Companies are increasingly using personalized communication and incentives to keep players engaged, such as sending tailored messages or rewards to those showing signs of disengagement [28][30]. - The concept of "超预期服务" (exceeding expectations) is highlighted, where companies go beyond standard service to create emotional connections with players, thereby enhancing loyalty [42][45]. Group 3: Historical Context and Evolution - The evolution of game operation practices over the past two decades reflects a shift from basic customer service to sophisticated user lifecycle management, driven by technological advancements and market competition [46][50]. - The rising costs of acquiring new players have made it imperative for companies to invest in retaining existing users, as the cost of acquiring a light user has increased to 35-40 yuan by 2024 [53][54]. - Historical insights reveal that early game companies did not prioritize extensive user engagement, but the current landscape demands a more nuanced approach to player relationships [56][58].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of game operation in the current market, highlighting that success or failure often hinges on effective player engagement and retention strategies in a saturated gaming environment [6][18][56]. Group 1: Game Operation and Player Engagement - The recent incident in "Battlefield 2" illustrates how crucial game operation is, as player dissatisfaction arose from perceived operational flaws despite the game's initial success [3][5]. - Tencent's strategic officer noted that stagnation in a game often points to issues within the operational team rather than the game itself, stressing the need for the right personnel to manage player engagement [15]. - The gaming industry is transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to one focused on retaining existing players, making player operation more critical than ever [17][18][19]. Group 2: Challenges in Player Retention - In 2024, China's gaming user growth was only 0.94%, indicating a shift towards a more competitive landscape where retaining existing players is paramount [17]. - Companies are now tasked with keeping older games engaging for long-term players, which presents unprecedented challenges for player operation roles [19][30]. - Effective player operation involves monitoring user behavior and intervening before players decide to leave, utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance user experience [28][30]. Group 3: Evolution of Game Operation - The evolution of player operation has been significant, moving from basic customer service to a comprehensive lifecycle management approach that addresses user needs at every stage [49][52]. - The cost of acquiring new players has increased dramatically, necessitating a focus on retaining existing users to justify the investment made in acquiring them [55][56]. - Companies are learning from successful long-standing games, implementing strategies to extend their lifecycle and maintain player interest [57][58]. Group 4: The Role of Player Operation Teams - Player operation teams are now expected to provide "exceeding expectations" services, creating emotional connections with players to enhance retention [43][48]. - Successful player operation involves not just addressing complaints but also proactively engaging with players through personalized interactions and community-building activities [43][44][67]. - The emotional aspect of player operation is highlighted, as operators often form bonds with players, which can lead to increased loyalty and reduced churn [66][72].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical importance of game operation in the current market, highlighting that success or failure often hinges on effective player engagement and retention strategies [5][7][9]. Group 1: Game Operation Importance - Game operation has become increasingly vital as the gaming industry transitions into a phase of stagnant user growth, with only a 0.94% increase in China's gaming user base in 2024 [8]. - The era of coarse growth in the gaming industry has ended, necessitating a focus on retaining existing users rather than acquiring new ones [9]. - Effective game operation can lead to significant player retention, as evidenced by the resurgence of player numbers in games like "绝地潜兵2" through strategic operational efforts [4][5]. Group 2: Player Engagement Strategies - Companies are now employing detailed player operation strategies, including personalized communication and proactive engagement to prevent player churn [14][15]. - The use of data analytics allows companies to identify at-risk players and intervene before they decide to leave, with some companies reporting a 70% chance of player loss if no action is taken [15][29]. - The concept of "全用户全生命周期服务" (full user lifecycle service) is being adopted, indicating that engagement starts from the moment a player shows interest in a game [15][28]. Group 3: Challenges in Player Operation - The operational teams face immense pressure to manage player expectations and emotions, often acting as a buffer between the players and the game developers [19][20]. - High turnover rates and the emotional toll of dealing with frustrated players are common challenges faced by game operation staff [20][21]. - Companies are implementing measures to support the mental health of their operational teams, recognizing the need for emotional resilience in high-stress environments [21][23]. Group 4: Historical Context and Evolution - The evolution of game operation practices has been significant over the past two decades, transitioning from basic customer service to sophisticated user engagement strategies [27][29]. - The gaming industry has shifted from a focus on acquiring new players to extending the lifecycle of existing games, driven by increased competition and rising user acquisition costs [29][30]. - Historical practices in player engagement, such as community events and personalized interactions, are being revisited and enhanced with modern technology [30][31].