Group 1 - Daiwa forecasts that NetEase's gaming business growth momentum will strengthen, driven by a robust product line of new games and the resilience of traditional games [1] - Based on higher gaming revenue projections, Daiwa has raised NetEase's earnings per share forecast for 2025 to 2027 by 2% to 5%, reiterating a "Buy" rating and increasing the 12-month target price from HKD 210 to HKD 235 [1] - NetEase showcased upcoming games at its annual gaming day, including titles like "Marvel Secret Wars" (expected in H2 2025, not yet licensed) and "Fate: Stars" (approved in May 2025) [1] Group 2 - The rising proportion of PC and console games is easing NetEase's profit margin performance, with domestic PC games offering higher gross margins due to lower platform fees [2] - The growth of cross-platform and international games is expected to cause fluctuations in profit margins, but overall profitability should remain stable through strict cost and resource management [2] - Marketing expenditures are projected to rise from Q1 2025 levels, with a renewed focus on brand building in the coming quarters [2]

Core Viewpoint - NetEase held its annual 520 game launch event, unveiling over 40 new products, including key titles like "Yanyun Sixteen Sounds" and "Identity V" [1][30]. Product Announcements - "Wanmin Changge: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player strategy game developed by the team behind "Rate the Land." It received positive feedback during its initial testing [1][4]. - "Marvel Secret War" is a card RPG based on the Marvel IP, which has already opened pre-registration [7]. - "unVEIL the world," a collaboration between NetEase and Shueisha, is a playable manga with details revealed during the event [10]. - "Top Chase" is a fast-paced battle royale game that has received over 90% positive reviews during its overseas early access [13]. - "Uncharted Star Abyss," a space-themed FPS, will undergo its final open testing on Steam [16]. - "Spirit Beast Adventure" is a turn-based strategy mobile game with a focus on Chinese mythology [19]. - "Planet Party Time," a social game similar to Animal Crossing, will begin testing later this year [22]. - "Forgotten Sea," an ocean adventure RPG from the Joker studio, is expected to be significant given its development team's background [25]. Market Trends and Company Strategy - The trend of single-player games is on the rise, and NetEase's focus on this area is seen as a strategic move [4]. - The company has a diverse product matrix, including popular IPs like "Onmyoji" and "Dream Journey to the West," indicating its ability to cater to various gaming genres [33]. - The success of "Yanyun Sixteen Sounds," which surpassed 30 million players, highlights NetEase's potential for long-term growth in the gaming sector [30][31]. - The 520 event reflects NetEase's ongoing strategy of exploring and developing new gaming possibilities rather than rushing to market [28].

Core Insights - The core themes of the recent NetEase conference are "stability" and "transformation," focusing on long-term game development and the introduction of new titles [1]. Group 1: Long-term Strategy - NetEase emphasizes the development of evergreen games, with CEO Ding Lei stating that titles like "Egg Party" and "Marvel Showdown" are expected to operate for at least 10 years [1]. - The company showcased its commitment to long-term projects, highlighting "Yanyun Sixteen Sounds" as a sustainable project for the next 5-10 years [1]. Group 2: New Game Releases - The conference introduced 9 new games, indicating a desire to break out of comfort zones and explore new genres [2]. - The new titles include various genres such as strategy, shooting, card games, and adventure RPGs, with a focus on unique gameplay experiences [2][3]. Group 3: Platform and Quality Breakthroughs - A significant portion of the new games are PC-based, marking a strategic push into the PC gaming market [3]. - The new titles are backed by notable collaborations, including partnerships with Bungie and Marvel, indicating a focus on high-quality game development [3]. Group 4: Game Details - "Ten Thousand People Long Song: Three Kingdoms" is highlighted as NetEase's first standalone PC strategy game, featuring a seamless open world and strategic depth [6][8]. - "Destiny: Rising" is a shooting mobile game developed in collaboration with Bungie, featuring both FPS and TPS perspectives [10][12]. - "Marvel Mystic Mayhem" is a tactical RPG that incorporates dynamic storytelling and card-based gameplay [14][15]. - "unVEIL the world" is a card game developed with Shueisha, featuring character designs by renowned manga artists [17][19]. - "Supervive" is a tactical competition game developed by a studio founded by a former executive of "League of Legends," showcasing a unique gameplay style [20][22]. - "Uncharted Stars" is a team shooting game set in space, developed by a studio founded by Blizzard's co-founder [24][25]. - "Spirit Beast Adventure" is a flagship MMO with a focus on pet mechanics and lightweight gameplay [28]. - "Planet Party Time" is a life simulation game with party elements, expected to launch in the domestic market [29][31]. - "Forgotten Sea" is an ocean adventure RPG that recently revealed its concept trailer and is set for testing [32][34].