Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the declining popularity of esports events, particularly focusing on the LPL (League of Legends Pro League), highlighting the drop in viewership and sponsorship as key indicators of this trend [5][6][14]. Group 1: Decline in Viewership - The LPL experienced a significant drop in viewership after its peak years, with the 2023 Spring Finals recording only 1.338 million views, a decrease of nearly 70% compared to 3.654 million views in the 2022 Spring Finals [9]. - In 2024, the peak viewership for the LPL Spring season was 290,000, but it fell to 208,000 during the Summer season, returning to 2023's low levels [9][11]. - Despite a slight recovery in 2025, the viewership numbers remained low, with peaks of 189,000, 207,000, and 192,000 for the first three segments of the season [11]. Group 2: Ticket Sales and Attendance Issues - There has been a noticeable decline in ticket sales for live events, with reports indicating that venues like the Suzhou LNG arena struggled to sell tickets even at reduced prices [12]. - Attendance at events has also been poor, with instances of sparse crowds reported during matches, indicating a lack of interest from fans [12]. Group 3: Sponsorship Withdrawal - The number of sponsors for the LPL has drastically decreased, from 16 in 2021 to only three by 2024, as major brands like Nike and Mercedes-Benz withdrew their support [13]. - The decline in sponsorship is attributed to the LPL's poor performance in international competitions, leading to a loss of confidence from sponsors [13][14]. Group 4: Changes in Player Engagement - The player base for games like League of Legends has seen a decline, with monthly active users dropping from 143 million in early 2024 to 128 million by January 2025, a decrease of approximately 10.5% [16]. - The introduction of new game modes has led to a shift in player engagement, with many players gravitating towards more casual gaming experiences rather than traditional competitive formats [17][18]. Group 5: Industry Challenges - The esports industry is facing challenges related to talent development, with a lack of emerging stars to replace aging veterans, which is impacting the competitive landscape [20][21]. - The operational model of esports leagues has been criticized for focusing on short-term returns rather than sustainable growth, leading to a lack of investment in youth training programs [21]. Group 6: Changing Perceptions of Gaming - The value of gaming is evolving, with players seeking diverse experiences beyond competitive play, such as social and casual gaming, which diminishes the focus on esports events [26]. - The rise of streaming platforms has shifted the way players engage with games, allowing them to discover new titles without relying on esports events for exposure [23][24].

Core Insights - The gaming industry is facing significant employee turnover and dissatisfaction due to high pressure and unrealistic expectations from management [4][8][20] - Employees often experience a disconnect between their passion for gaming and the harsh realities of working in the industry, leading to burnout and a loss of interest in gaming [28][29] Group 1: Employee Experiences - Employees like Xiao Bei and Lin Zhuo report extreme work pressure, with long hours and high expectations leading to mental and physical health issues [7][23] - The work environment is characterized by a lack of clear communication and support from management, resulting in confusion and frustration among team members [4][21] - High turnover rates are common, with many employees leaving due to the inability to cope with the stress and pressure of their roles [4][8][20] Group 2: Industry Challenges - The gaming industry is experiencing a downturn, with companies becoming more cautious in hiring and project development, leading to fewer job opportunities [24][29] - Employees are often required to work under tight deadlines and with increased workloads, which exacerbates stress and leads to a decline in job satisfaction [20][21] - The industry's culture often prioritizes output over employee well-being, creating an environment where passion for gaming is overshadowed by the demands of the job [28][29] Group 3: Career Transitions - Many former employees are seeking to transition out of the gaming industry into more stable and less stressful careers, such as public service or psychological counseling [8][27][29] - The shift in career focus is often driven by a desire for a healthier work-life balance and a more supportive work environment [29] - Employees report feeling a sense of relief and improved mental health after leaving the gaming industry, highlighting the negative impact of the work culture on their overall well-being [28][29]

Core Insights - ChinaJoy, known as the "Eastern E3," is a significant annual event for young people globally, celebrating its 22nd edition this year [1] - The event showcases the rapid growth of the Chinese gaming industry, evolving from a single gaming exhibition to a comprehensive digital interactive entertainment fair covering various sectors [3] Industry Overview - ChinaJoy features multiple thematic areas, attracting over 37 countries and regions, with foreign companies accounting for more than 30% of exhibitors [3] - The BTOB (business-to-business) section includes over 460 companies, occupying 25,000 square meters, while the BTOC (business-to-consumer) interactive entertainment area spans 110,000 square meters with over 280 exhibitors [3] Major Participants - Major domestic gaming companies such as Tencent, NetEase, and Century Huatong are prominently featured, showcasing multiple high-profile games [4] - Tencent presents 17 products occupying nearly half of its exhibition area, while Century Huatong has reduced its booth size to enhance player interaction [6][4] Interactive Experience - The event emphasizes immersive experiences, with various booths designed to facilitate deep player engagement rather than passive observation [6] - AI elements are prevalent, with companies like Baidu and Orange篇 showcasing AI-driven features that enhance user interaction and content creation [11][12] AI Integration - The integration of AI in gaming is a focal point, with companies exploring AI's potential to reshape the gaming landscape, enhancing both development efficiency and player experience [14] - AI technologies are being applied across the gaming industry, from automated translation to personalized player interactions, significantly improving operational efficiency [15][16]