Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the matchmaking algorithms in popular games like "Honor of Kings," highlighting player suspicions about manipulated win rates and the implications of such practices on player experience and game longevity [3][19][27]. Group 1: Matchmaking Controversy - Players have raised concerns about the fairness of matchmaking systems, suspecting that algorithms may intentionally manipulate win rates to maintain player engagement [3][19]. - A lawsuit was filed against Tencent, demanding transparency regarding the matchmaking mechanism of "Honor of Kings," citing consumer rights to know the true nature of services [3][5]. - The official defense from Tencent included player win rates as evidence, suggesting that not all players experience the same outcomes, but this did not alleviate widespread skepticism among the gaming community [5][11]. Group 2: Player Experiences - Many players report experiencing streaks of losses after winning several matches, leading to beliefs that the system punishes successful players [7][9]. - Observations indicate that players who perform poorly or return after a long absence are often matched with stronger opponents or weaker enemies, suggesting a potential manipulation of matchmaking to balance player experiences [9][11]. - The article mentions specific players who have exploited the matchmaking system to their advantage, creating strategies that allow them to win consistently by appearing less skilled [13][15]. Group 3: Broader Implications in Gaming - The suspicion of manipulated win rates is not limited to "Honor of Kings" but is a common theme across various PVP games, including "World of Tanks" and "Overwatch," where players feel that their experiences are artificially controlled [19][20][24]. - The article discusses the potential motivations behind such manipulations, including maintaining player engagement and prolonging game life by keeping win rates around 50% [27]. - The lack of transparency in game algorithms contributes to player distrust, as companies often cite proprietary technology as a reason for not disclosing details [27][29]. Group 4: AI and Player Interaction - The introduction of AI-controlled characters in games has raised questions about the authenticity of player interactions, with some players suspecting they are competing against AI rather than real opponents [34][44]. - The article suggests that the use of AI can help balance games by providing less skilled players with easier matches, thus enhancing their gaming experience [46][50]. - As AI technology advances, the line between human and AI players may blur, leading to new challenges in how players perceive competition and fairness in gaming [55][53].

Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview: Gaming Industry Key Points - **Market Dynamics**: The gaming industry is experiencing a shift with mid-tier companies performing well in mini-programs and overseas markets due to lower costs and technical requirements. In contrast, leading companies are facing challenges in transformation due to high costs and complex processes. It is anticipated that by the end of 2026 or 2027, these leading companies will leverage their technological advantages to capture market share with higher quality products [1][2][3]. - **Product Delays**: Major gaming companies have delayed the release of several products originally scheduled for the first half of 2025 due to changes in player preferences and the rise of new game genres. This has led to a reassessment of R&D investments to capture market share in the latter half of the year [1][3][4]. - **Mobile Market Competition**: The competition in the mobile game publishing and operation sector has slowed down in the first half of 2025, with increased costs in a saturated market. Companies are shifting towards private traffic strategies to maintain user engagement and reduce costs [5]. - **User Demographics**: Changes in user age demographics are influencing game genre preferences. Younger users prioritize fairness and freedom, leading to increased customer acquisition costs for traditional games. Games emphasizing fair competition and content, such as "Soda Car" games, are gaining popularity [6]. - **Domestic Two-Dimensional Market**: The domestic two-dimensional market is polarized, with leading products attracting significant user bases while mid-tier products struggle to survive. High-quality and innovative experiences are essential for development, as smaller productions face challenges in gaining market recognition [7][11]. - **Overseas SLG Market**: Companies like Yuanqu and Jiangyu have successfully navigated the overseas SLG market by innovating and focusing on niche segments, surpassing the 10 million user threshold. The challenge remains to attract non-SLG users, as only 30% of users have previously engaged with SLG games [8][9][10]. - **High Investment Trends**: The trend towards high-investment, high-quality products is creating barriers for smaller companies. While some can match investment levels, they struggle with gameplay differentiation, leading to a reliance on quality to outperform competitors [12]. - **Mini-Game Market**: The mini-game market is growing rapidly, but profitability remains low due to high platform costs and user retention challenges. Companies are exploring new business models to adapt to changing user expectations [13]. - **Regulatory Environment**: The normalization of licensing policies has stabilized time and cost expectations, promoting healthier industry development. This stability encourages the production of high-quality cultural products and supports their international expansion [19]. - **Emerging Game Trends**: The end-game market is witnessing a steady rise, driven by high-quality domestic single-player games and independent games. The emergence of interactive film games is also noted, although success rates in this area are low [16][17][18]. Additional Insights - **Community Engagement**: TapTap has become a significant player in the market, benefiting from user migration and changing demographics, with a 50%-60% share in new user acquisition for projects launched [2][15]. - **Market Risks**: Certain games, such as a tomb-raiding themed game, show growth potential but face risks due to content similarities and competition. The need for innovation and differentiation is critical for maintaining market position [21][22]. - **Military Simulation Games**: The potential for military-themed games like "World of Tanks" is limited due to their aging user base and gameplay. Without innovation, these games may struggle to attract new users [23]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and trends within the gaming industry as discussed in the conference call records, highlighting both opportunities and challenges faced by companies in this dynamic market.