Core Viewpoint - Century Huatong has emerged as a significant player in the gaming industry, with its subsidiary, Diandian Interactive, surpassing major competitors like NetEase and miHoYo in global mobile game revenue, primarily due to its unique game offerings and strategic market positioning [1][6]. Group 1: Company Performance - Diandian Interactive distributed approximately 600 million yuan among 27 employees this year, showcasing its financial success [1]. - From June 2023, Diandian Interactive's global mobile game revenue exceeded that of NetEase, securing the second position in the industry, only behind Tencent [1]. - The flagship games, "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot," have generated cumulative revenues of over $3.3 billion and $300 million, respectively [5]. Group 2: Market Strategy - Diandian Interactive has focused on niche markets, developing games in less competitive segments, such as survival strategy and shooting card games, which has allowed it to capture player interest without facing intense competition [4][7]. - The company has successfully localized its games to cater to regional player preferences, enhancing user engagement and retention [4][5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The gaming industry is witnessing an influx of competitors attempting to replicate Diandian Interactive's success, particularly in the survival strategy genre, which may increase customer acquisition costs for the company [7][10]. - Major players like Tencent are also entering the same market segments, intensifying competition and potentially impacting Diandian Interactive's market share [10][8]. Group 4: Future Initiatives - Diandian Interactive is actively working on retaining existing players through updates and enhancements to current games, while also exploring new game genres and integrating AI technologies to improve game development efficiency [11][12]. - The company is expanding its workforce, particularly targeting experienced talent from larger firms, indicating a commitment to growth and innovation [12].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant presence of Chinese anime games at TGS 2025, indicating a potential boom in the industry for 2026 with major titles like "Infinite," "Eternal Ring," and "Blue Star: Journey" set to launch [1][16] - The closure of the GiGO 1 building, previously a prominent advertising space for miHoYo, marks a shift in the landscape of the Akihabara area, contrasting sharply with the past dominance of "Genshin Impact" [1][29] - Despite the visible decline of miHoYo's advertising presence, its products remain popular in local stores, suggesting a change in strategy rather than a complete withdrawal from the market [6][11] Industry Dynamics - The surrounding business of merchandise, or "Gaozi economy," is increasingly seen as a marketing tool rather than a primary revenue source for game developers, with companies focusing more on enhancing user engagement [9][31] - MiHoYo's recent strategy reflects a shift towards cost-effective marketing, as evidenced by its absence from TGS this year, contrasting with its previous aggressive promotional tactics [11][15] - The rise of new Chinese titles at TGS indicates a growing recognition among Japanese players of these products, suggesting a shift in market dynamics and consumer preferences [13][16] Market Trends - The article notes a distinct difference in the types of games showcased at TGS compared to those in Akihabara, with a focus on new Chinese titles that are actively engaging players through innovative marketing strategies [16][22] - The upcoming release of several high-profile Chinese games is expected to revitalize the Akihabara area, which has seen a decline in its anime culture prominence [29][36] - The competitive landscape for 2024 is anticipated to be intense, with over ten major titles expected to launch, challenging the current market structure and consumer engagement strategies [38][39]

Core Viewpoint - MiHoYo has taken significant legal action against game content leaks, reflecting its challenges in maintaining growth despite the success of its flagship games, Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail [1][8]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Industry Impact - MiHoYo's "Special Action Against Game Leaks" has resulted in criminal measures against leakers and court orders to cease infringement activities [1][3]. - The leaked content includes unreleased game characters and software testing packages, with over 260 leakers held accountable [3][5]. - Industry experts warn that leaks can lead to competitors mimicking content, potentially damaging MiHoYo's reputation as an original creator [5][6]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Challenges - Genshin Impact has been a major revenue source, contributing over 70% of MiHoYo's income since its launch in 2020 [3][8]. - MiHoYo has faced declining rankings among mobile game publishers, often falling out of the top three in revenue [8][11]. - The player base for Genshin Impact is showing signs of fatigue, with some long-term players considering quitting due to repetitive gameplay and high costs associated with character acquisition [11][12]. Group 3: New Game Releases and Market Reception - MiHoYo's new title, Honkai: Star Rail, has become the second-largest revenue contributor since its release in 2023 [3][8]. - The new IP, Zenless Zone Zero, has underperformed, generating only one-third of Honkai: Star Rail's first-month revenue and dropping out of the iOS top 100 within 41 days [12]. - MiHoYo is attempting to diversify its game offerings, as seen with the upcoming release of Honkai: Star Rail's new game, Honkai: Inheritance Spirits, to compete in various genres [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - MiHoYo's recent "rights protection storm" reflects its growth bottleneck after rapid development, despite still relying on "Genshin Impact" and "Honkai: Star Rail" for revenue [3][12]. Group 1: Leak Management and Impact - MiHoYo has taken criminal measures against leakers of unreleased content from "Genshin Impact" and "Honkai: Star Rail," with over 260 leakers held accountable [4][6]. - Leaked content can lead to competitors mimicking features, potentially damaging MiHoYo's reputation as an original creator [6][7]. - The leaks disrupt the marketing strategy, causing user traffic to shift to unofficial channels, increasing revenue-sharing costs [7][9]. Group 2: Revenue and Market Position - MiHoYo has faced challenges in maintaining its position among the top mobile game publishers in China, frequently dropping out of the top three in revenue rankings [3][9]. - "Genshin Impact" has been a significant revenue source, contributing over 70% of MiHoYo's income since its launch in 2020, but is now facing player fatigue as it enters its fifth year [4][10]. - "Honkai: Star Rail," launched in 2023, has become the second major revenue pillar, but its performance has not met expectations [12]. Group 3: Player Engagement and Retention - Players are expressing dissatisfaction with the game's monetization mechanics, particularly the high costs associated with obtaining rare characters [11]. - The rapid consumption of game content by players outpaces MiHoYo's update schedule, leading to a decline in player engagement [10][11]. - New IP "Zhongli" has underperformed, with its first-month revenue only one-third of "Honkai: Star Rail," indicating challenges in replicating past successes [12]. Group 4: Internal Management and Future Strategies - The leaks highlight potential weaknesses in MiHoYo's internal confidentiality management and the need for better training and restrictions on employees and partners [7][8]. - MiHoYo is exploring new game genres, as seen with the upcoming "Honkai: Inheritance Spirits," to diversify its offerings and compete with other major players like Tencent [12].

Group 1 - The tenth Hupu Goddess Contest saw the character Furina from the game "Genshin Impact" win with an overwhelming total of 1.67 million votes, becoming the first two-dimensional "goddess" in the contest's history [1][6][12] - Characters from miHoYo dominated the contest, with eight out of the sixteen finalists being from their games, showcasing the strong influence of two-dimensional characters over three-dimensional celebrities [1][12][21] - The contest's format was modified this year to include four categories: celebrities, two-dimensional characters, games, and internet celebrities, with the game category exclusively featuring characters from 27 games, all of which were from miHoYo [12][19] Group 2 - Furina's design and backstory contributed significantly to her popularity, combining high artistic standards with a compelling narrative that resonates with players, embodying the "beautiful, strong, and tragic" archetype [14][16][24] - The contest results reflect a broader trend of two-dimensional characters gaining commercial potential, as they serve as vehicles for emotional connection and social interaction, transcending traditional fandom boundaries [22][26][28] - The success of two-dimensional characters in this contest may indicate a shift in audience engagement, where players rally together to support their favorite characters, potentially leading to a new era of virtual idols [21][28]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing legal dispute between miHoYo and Tencent has seen new developments, particularly regarding the protection of user privacy and the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the gaming industry [1][3]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Tencent announced that it cannot provide user data requested by miHoYo without a formal judicial process due to privacy laws [1]. - A new civil lawsuit has been filed by miHoYo against Tencent, with the case set to be heard on September 5 in Shenzhen [3][6]. Group 2: Intellectual Property Protection - miHoYo has reported significant progress in its "anti-leakage" initiative, resulting in criminal measures against individuals leaking unpublished game content from titles like "Genshin Impact" and "Honkai: Star Rail" [6]. - The company has identified and taken action against over 260 leakers to date, emphasizing its commitment to protecting its intellectual property [8].

Group 1 - The recent discussions among players have shifted from gameplay mechanics to character aesthetics, indicating a growing emphasis on visual appeal in gaming [2] - The new character designs in the game have faced significant criticism, with players expressing dissatisfaction over the aesthetics and coherence of the designs [4] - The contrast between the criticized character designs and the successful art direction in other games highlights the importance of design serving gameplay [6] Group 2 - The game "Three Kingdoms: Strategize the World" emphasizes social interaction, allowing players to collaborate and share strategies, enhancing the overall gaming experience [8] - The game is particularly welcoming to new players, offering generous rewards and support to help them progress quickly [10] - The focus on both aesthetic quality and gameplay functionality in "Three Kingdoms: Strategize the World" presents a balanced approach that appeals to players seeking both visual and strategic depth [12]

Core Insights - The 2025 Cologne International Game Show will take place in Cologne, Germany, from August 20 to 24, and is recognized as Europe's largest and most authoritative interactive entertainment exhibition, focusing on game hardware, software, technology, and related content [1][3] Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The event attracted 1,500 exhibitors from 72 countries and regions, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, setting a historical record for the Cologne International Game Show [4] - The exhibition area reached a record 233,000 square meters, featuring various segments including interactive gaming experiences, cosplay performances, independent games, card games, artist zones, and merchandise sales [9] Group 2: Chinese Participation - Over 50 Chinese exhibitors participated, a 32% increase from last year, showcasing new titles such as Tencent's "Honor of Kings World," "Delta Action," and "Crossfire: Rainbow" [13] - The presence of Chinese games in Europe has significantly increased, with Germany being the largest game market in Europe, housing approximately 37.5 million gamers [17] Group 3: Awards and Recognitions - The mobile game "Love and Deep Space" by Paper Games won the Best Mobile Game award, becoming the first female-oriented game to achieve this honor at the Cologne Game Show [19] - Other notable nominations included "Genshin Impact" and "Tomorrow's Ark" for Best Mobile Game, and "Shadow Blade Zero" for Best Sound Effects [24][26] Group 4: Major Game Releases and Innovations - Tencent's TiMi Studio Group showcased several titles, including "Delta Action," which announced cross-platform support for PC, mobile, and console [26] - The new game "Black Myth: Zhong Kui" was unexpectedly revealed, focusing on a new hero and gameplay, although its release is projected to be three years away [29] Group 5: Japanese Dominance - Japanese companies excelled at the event, with Capcom winning multiple awards for "Resident Evil 9: Requiem," including Best Visual Effects and Best PlayStation Game [42] - Nintendo also received accolades for innovative gameplay with "Donkey Kong: Banana Power" and topped the Switch 2 sales chart with "Mario Kart: World" [46]

Core Insights - Shanghai has become a central hub for various gaming and anime events, indicating its prominence in the industry [1][3] - The rise of the "二次元" (two-dimensional) culture in Shanghai reflects its growing cultural influence and economic impact within the gaming sector [3][4] Industry Events - Numerous events are scheduled in Shanghai throughout the year, including major gaming and anime conventions such as CCG EXPO and ChinaJoy [3][14] - The first Shanghai International Anime Month was held, featuring a collaboration of multiple major events, showcasing the city's commitment to the industry [14][16] Cultural Influence - The integration of 二次元 culture into urban life is evident, with dedicated spaces like the 元界 Neo World and themed events enhancing the cultural landscape [9][10] - The collaboration between local brands and gaming IPs, such as the partnership between "明日方舟" and "大白兔奶糖," illustrates the blending of traditional and modern cultural elements [18][20] Economic Impact - The gaming industry in Shanghai is not only thriving but also contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism and cultural events [16][17] - The establishment of incubators and service centers for the gaming industry indicates a supportive ecosystem for growth and innovation [11][22] Corporate Responsibility - Companies like 鹰角 and 米哈游 are actively engaging in social responsibility initiatives, contributing to various charitable causes and community support [22][23] - The recognition of these companies at international events, such as the "Shanghai Day" in New York, highlights their role in cultural exchange and representation [25][29] Government Support - The Shanghai government is actively promoting the gaming industry through policies and initiatives aimed at fostering growth and collaboration [20][36] - The establishment of a "次元地图" connecting various cultural hotspots demonstrates the city's strategic approach to enhancing its gaming and cultural landscape [17][31]

Core Insights - The mobile game "Whiteout Survival" and "Gossip Harbor" continue to dominate the revenue charts, maintaining strong performance [2] - "Kingshot" saw a 56% revenue increase in June, entering the top three [2][10] - "Genshin Impact" experienced a 55% revenue surge, moving up to the top six [2][20] - "Ningchao" achieved a record high daily revenue, with a 48% increase in June, returning to the top nine [2][26] - "Zero Zone" reached a historical high in overseas revenue, climbing 13 spots to the top ten [2][22] Revenue Performance - "Whiteout Survival" has surpassed $2.8 billion in global revenue, demonstrating its strong market presence [8] - "Kingshot" has accumulated over $135 million in revenue within four months of launch, indicating its rapid growth potential [10] - Century Huatong's revenue forecast for the first half of 2025 is approximately RMB 17 billion, reflecting an 83.27% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by the success of "Whiteout Survival" and "Kingshot" [12][14] Game Launches and Updates - "Wittle Defender," "Crystal of Atlan," and "Persona 5X" have shown promising performances in overseas markets, entering the revenue growth rankings [2][31][39] - "Gossip Harbor" maintained its lead in the merge genre, with an 11% revenue increase in June due to new content updates [16] - "Flambé: Merge & Cook" has exhibited significant growth, with revenue increasing by 62% in June [18] Market Trends - The two-dimensional game market is experiencing a surge, with companies like miHoYo and Kuro demonstrating strong performances [20][24] - Continuous content updates and new character introductions have helped maintain the popularity of established titles like "Genshin Impact" and "Zero Zone" [20][22] - The competitive landscape for mobile games is intensifying as more domestic companies expand into overseas markets [40]