Game

Created by New One Studio, the team behind The Invisible Guardian (隐形守护者), the new live-action interactive project Road to Empress (盛世天下) has officially launched worldwide on multiple platforms in September 9. The first installment, "Meiniang's Chapter," focuses on palace survival in an imperial setting. Since the first teaser dropped on June 26, the project has been on the radar of many players. At the time of writing, it sits at 8.7 on TapTap and 8.6 on Hao You Kuai Bao (a Chinese mobile gaming community and rating site). The bundle combining The Invisible Guardian and Road to Empress even peaked at No. 8 on China's top-selling chart. At a recent media event, editors from Chuapp (a Chinese games media outlet) got to try out several chapters ahead of release. Later, producer Demi shared details about the vision, process, and production scale. The story spans two parts: "Meiniang's Chapter" and "The Empress Chapter," with a combined runtime of over 20 hours of live-action footage. The team clearly aims to deliver a large-scale narrative that pulls players into the dangerous dance of imperial politics and survival choices. But the real question is: how exactly does Road to Empress keep players immersed? Entering…

I was keeping an eye on the news from Gamescom, and when Zhong Kui (钟馗) popped up, my first reaction was genuine surprise. It wasn't that I was expecting DLC for Black Myth: Wukong - it was more that the Zhong Kui IP feels like a familiar yet distant figure. The last time I heard this name in mainstream pop culture was probably over a decade ago in a TVB series. Using a traditional cultural IP that has somewhat faded from public memory means there's almost no existing blueprint to follow. They'll have to rebuild public recognition of Zhong Kui almost from scratch. But then again, the first Black Myth game laid a solid foundation. Not only did it turn developer Game Science into an IP with a loyal fanbase, but it also established a framework for using the gaming medium to deconstruct and reimagine traditional culture—a framework Black Myth: Wukong has already proven can effectively break through cultural barriers overseas. For Game Science, an IP like Zhong Kui—rich in meaning and open to reinterpretation—offers tremendous creative freedom. Unlike Sun Wukong, a household name and national-level IP, Zhong Kui lacks a clearly defined canonical narrative or a structure that easily lends…

The landscape of gaming often celebrates the future, yet a bold new title rewinds time with breathtaking artistry. Shenzhou Saga: Three Kingdoms (三国望神州), developed by Kwaiy’s "Flicker Universe," defies modern visual tropes. Instead of hyper-realism or anime vibrancy, it drapes the storied Three Kingdoms era in the ethereal cloak of Chinese ink-wash painting. This isn’t mere nostalgia—it’s a renaissance of Hanfu (traditional Han attire), reimagined through fluid strokes and subtle gradients, challenging players’ perceptions of historical immersion. As warriors stride through misty battlefields and scholars ponder amidst bamboo groves, the game proves tradition can feel revolutionary. Ink-Wash Reimagines History Shenzhou Saga: Three Kingdoms’s visual identity is its manifesto. While competitors favor saturated colors or 3D spectacle, this game embraces monochrome elegance. Mountains dissolve into washes of gray; armor gleams like wet ink on parchment. The Hanfu designs—flowing robes, wide sleeves, intricate sashes—are rendered with deliberate restraint. Shadows bloom like ink blots, and details emerge through negative space, evoking classical scrolls. This aesthetic isn’t decorative; it heightens emotional gravity. A lone general surveying a bloodied ridge feels less like a pixelated avatar and more like a brushstroke of tragedy. Historical fidelity anchors the artistry. Developers pored over Han and Jin Dynasty…

The launch of Honkai: Star Rail's (崩坏：星穹铁道) Version 3.4 coincided with a remarkable celestial event over Shanghai: a stunning solar halo. As players worldwide eagerly pulled for the new playable character, Boothill, whose persona is intrinsically linked to the sun within the game's narrative, the timing felt uncanny. Social media erupted globally. International players joined Chinese fans in marveling at the synchronicity, half-jokingly questioning if developer miHoYo had somehow orchestrated the weather or if Boothill's legendary wrath had truly shattered the barrier between fiction and reality. This serendipitous alignment wasn't just a viral moment; it became an organic, powerful validation of Boothill's meticulously crafted character arc, amplifying the update's impact far beyond the game's servers. Version 3.4 didn't just introduce a character; it delivered a narrative earthquake, redefining player perception and dominating revenue charts across multiple regions for days. Solar Halo Sparks Global Frenzy The appearance of the solar halo over Shanghai became an instant phenomenon within the Honkai: Star Rail community. Players drew an immediate, visceral connection between the real-world spectacle and Boothill's defining line from the Penacony storyline: "I am the rising sun!" Images and videos flooded platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Chinese social media. International players expressed…

Against expectations, an audacious Chinese game set in the neglected late Tang Dynasty period has ignited international fervor. Blood Message (归唐), developed by NetEase’s Lin’an 24 Studio, defied industry skepticism about its niche historical backdrop. Its debut trailer soared past a million YouTube views, sparking fervent demands from players worldwide for localized versions in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Portuguese. This surge highlights a potent convergence of meticulous historical recreation, cutting-edge technical execution, and resonant storytelling ambition, positioning Blood Message as a potential milestone for Chinese AAA development. Authenticity Fuels Fascination The game’s foundation lies in the tumultuous era following the An Lushan Rebellion, specifically focusing on the Guiyi Army’s desperate struggle to reclaim lost territories in the Hexi Corridor. Choosing this lesser-known chapter of Tang history was initially seen as commercial folly. However, Blood Message leverages this specificity to immerse players in a richly textured world. Authenticity permeates every visual element, from the intricate designs of Tang-era armor and weaponry to the stark, sweeping landscapes of the northwest frontier. Collaboration with Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism underscores this commitment. Developers utilized advanced scanning technology to digitally preserve real-world historical sites, artifacts, and geological formations. This data directly informs…

64 Monkeys Herald a Legend's Return The internet erupted. A single image - 64 spectral monkeys locked in furious combat across a roiling cloud sea - instantly reignited decades of collective memory. This wasn't just concept art; it was a clarion call. After a staggering ten years in development limbo, the cinematic adaptation of Journey to the West's (西游记) most enigmatic chapter, "The True and False Monkey King," finally has tangible form, aiming for a 2026 release. At its heart lies the unparalleled legacy of Liu Xiao Ling Tong, the actor whose portrayal of Sun Wukong in the seminal 1986 TV series remains the undisputed gold standard, etched into the DNA of Chinese popular culture. Liu Xiao Ling Tong (六小龄童), now 64, embodies the Monkey King like no other. His iconic silhouette - the phoenix-feather crown, the shimmering golden staff - transcends mere performance; it is Sun Wukong for generations. His famous, often-misunderstood declaration - "Adaptation is not random fabrication; dramatic interpretation is not nonsensical chatter" - resonates with newfound weight today. Once perceived as artistic arrogance, it now reads as fierce cultural custodianship, a shield forged from deep reverence against decades of derivative, often disrespectful, commercial exploitation of the…

A whirlwind of vibrant wigs, intricate armor, and unnaturally colored eyes swirls through crowded convention halls. This isn’t Halloween; it’s the daily reality of a global subculture evolving into a colossal economic engine. Forget niche hobbies - cosplay (costume play) is now a $4.8 billion global powerhouse, fueled by 10 million passionate fans spending an average of $480 annually to bring their favorite characters to life. The days of cardboard props and makeshift outfits are fading, replaced by a sophisticated, IP-driven ecosystem mirroring the explosive growth of its anime, gaming, and comic roots. How IP and Passion Forged a Billion-Dollar Cosplay Juggernaut The transformation is staggering. What began in the underground scenes of 1980s Japan has matured into a structured, three-tiered commercial ecosystem: The IP Wellspring: At the source lies a torrent of compelling characters. Global hits like Genshin Impact (原神) and Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福), alongside breakout phenomena like Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空), provide an endless reservoir of visually distinct, emotionally resonant personas. These aren't just drawings or pixels; they're blueprints for a multi-million dollar costume industry. The explosive popularity of characters like Genshin's Zhongli (钟离) or Wukong's titular Monkey King translates directly into soaring demand for meticulously crafted replicas of their attire…

Beijing’s gaming landscape just received a monumental power-up. The announcement of 11 sweeping measures to boost game and esports development isn’t just local news - it’s a strategic salvo reshaping global competition. By streamlining approvals, funding innovation labs, and explicitly backing AI and AIGC integration, China’s capital is positioning itself as the next-gen gaming nexus. This isn’t merely policy; it’s rocket fuel for domestic giants eyeing global domination. Tencent and NetEase? Watch your six. New players now have state-sanctioned runways. Simultaneously, Perfect World answered fan fervor with Jade Dynasty 2’s (诛仙2) August 7th mobile debut. More than nostalgia, this Unreal Engine 4-powered revival showcases China’s technical ambition - touting "full-device ray tracing" and console-grade visuals. It’s a declaration: Chinese studios won’t just compete on volume but visual firepower. Early trailers promise cinematic cutscenes rivaling Genshin Impact（原神）, while reimagined Bai Yiqing storylines suggest deep, meta-narrative risks. Perfect World isn’t playing safe; they’re betting Jade Dynasty can become China’s Elder Scrolls (上古卷轴). While hardcore RPGs push boundaries, LeElement took a sharp left turn. Their new tactical-RPG Back to the Blue Sky (溯回青空) flips the hero script entirely - casting players as the antagonists. This "villain protagonist" angle, layered with base-building and idle…

The digital battlegrounds of Arena of Valor (王者荣耀) underwent a seismic shift on June 19th, 2025. Without prior announcement, Tencent dropped a bombshell collaboration with the legendary anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (BLEACH 境·界千年血战篇), sending shockwaves through both gaming and anime communities. This surprise crossover - leveraging the final arc of the iconic Shinigami saga - introduced four meticulously crafted character skins, merging the spiritual realms of Soul Society with the strategic chaos of the MOBA arena. The Crossover Champions: Anime Icons Reimagined Miyamoto Musashi as Kurosaki Ichigo (Legendary Skin) Draped in Ichigo’s signature black-and-orange Shinigami robes, Musashi wields dual blades mirroring Ichigo’s reforged Zangetsu from the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War . The synergy is uncanny: Musashi’s swift strikes emulate Ichigo’s Bankai-enhanced speed, while his ultimate ability erupts in a golden “Getsuga Tenshō” crescent , slicing through enemies like Hollows. Subtle nods include the Substitute Shinigami Badge materializing during idle animations and a dramatic recall sequence showing Ichigo leaping from the Soul King’s palace - a direct homage to his anime entrance. The inclusion of Kon (referred to as "Soul-san" by fans) in random movements adds levity to the high-stakes combat. Fei as Kuchiki Byakuya (Legendary Skin) Fei embodies the…

With whispers of Shenhe's (申鹤) rerun banner circulating through Teyvat (纳塔) in version 5.7, a surprising narrative has emerged among some Travelers: the belief that this elegant Liyue (璃月) Cryo character has faded into obsolescence. Critics point to her origins in an older chapter of the game, suggesting her "primordial" status renders her incompatible with the fiery challenges of the Natlan era. Yet, declaring Shenhe obsolete is a profound misjudgment of her unique value. Far from being left behind, Shenhe retains a potent and surprisingly accessible niche, offering advantages many newer characters struggle to match. Her strengths lie not in raw, flashy power, but in exceptional versatility, low investment requirements, and enduring synergy within the ever-evolving meta. Why Shenhe Remains a Top-Tier Investment The most compelling argument for Shenhe’s continued relevance is her remarkably accessible power curve. In an era dominated by characters demanding high constellations to unlock their core potential - often labeled as "constellation-dependent" or "whale-bait" units - Shenhe stands apart. She delivers exceptional value straight out of the box at Constellation. Her core functionality as a premier Cryo buffer is fully intact without needing duplicate pulls. While her first constellation offers a quality-of-life improvement and a modest…

​A Digital Muse Comes to Life In the ever-expanding universe of Honor of Kings (王者荣耀), few characters command as much devotion as Xi Shi. With her ethereal design and strategic gameplay appeal, she’s become a cultural icon—both in-game and IRL. But recently, a cosplayer’s jaw-dropping reinterpretation of Xi Shi’s Poetry Rain Over Jiangnan（诗雨江南）skin has blurred the lines between pixels and reality, sparking debates about artistry, fandom, and the power of China-chic（国潮）. ​The Skin That Started a Frenzy Xi Shi’s Poetry Rain Over Jiangnan skin reimagines the mage-hero in Republican-era China aesthetics: a qipao（旗袍）in muted jade, a white lotus cradled delicately in hand, and hairpins echoing 1920s Shanghai（上海）. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take—one that cosplayer @LingXiaolu_ replicated with surgical precision. Her viral photoshoot nails every detail: The qipao’s embroidered cloud patterns, hand-stitched to mirror in-game textures A custom wig dyed to match the skin’s gradient ash-brown tones A lotus prop crafted from resin and silk, glowing under UV light for that “spellcasting” effect But accuracy alone didn’t break the internet. ​The Unreplicable X-Factor What catapulted @LingXiaolu_’s cosplay into the stratosphere was her uncanny embodiment of Xi Shi’s essence. Fans noted how her features—almond-shaped eyes, a porcelain complexion, and lips curved like classical ink paintings—mirrored the…

In recent years, Chinese pop culture has gained significant international attention, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. From video games and web novels to music, movies, and fashion, China's cultural products are increasingly making waves across the globe. This phenomenon is driven by a creative fusion of modern and traditional elements bolstered by the influence of digital platforms and social media. As Chinese content continues to grow in popularity overseas, it's not just a reflection of the country's artistic achievements but also a strategic expansion of its cultural soft power. A New Cultural Renaissance Chinese pop culture's success on the world stage can be attributed to the creative way traditional Chinese elements are integrated with modern technologies and aesthetics. This blending of old and new appeals to audiences within and outside China, especially in countries with shared cultural histories. For instance, video games like "Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空)" have captured the imaginations of international audiences. Developed by Chinese company Game Science, the game draws heavily on the Chinese classic "Journey to the West (西游记)", blending mythological storytelling with cutting-edge gaming technology. The game's release generated immediate global interest, topping sales charts in multiple countries, including the UK and the US.…

Once viewed as a niche subculture, Esports has firmly cemented itself in the global spotlight in recent years. With competitive gaming now regarded as a professional pursuit, the lives of esports athletes are increasingly drawing attention. From rigorous training schedules to the intense pressure of international competitions, these players are redefining what it means to be an athlete in the modern world. The recent documentary "One Battle, All the Way (一竞到底)" shines a light on the lives of top players, offering an intimate look into their world. The Making of a Champion Released in October 2023, "One Battle, All the Way" is the first-ever documentary to focus on competitive esports in China, explicitly highlighting the esports discipline of "Peacekeeper Elite", a popular mobile game that became an official event at the 2022 Asian Games. Directed by Yang Fan, the documentary chronicles the journey of three professional players—Zhu Bocheng (朱伯丞) (Pararboy), Feng Shujie (冯姝杰) (Suk), and Xu Zhuohang (徐舟航) (77H)—who represent the cutting-edge of competitive mobile gaming. The documentary's choice of players is no accident. Zhu Bocheng, who led the "Peacekeeper Elite" team to a gold medal at the Asian Games, epitomizes the excellence esports athletes strive for. Feng Shujie, a…

In recent years, esports has grown from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, particularly in East Asia. The esports ecosystem has grown exponentially, from thrilling international competitions to local gaming communities. This shift has brought about new cultural opportunities, and the integration of esports with tourism and local culture has become a driving force in major cities across Asia. This evolution is being taken to new heights in Chengdu, a city known for its rich heritage and vibrant gaming scene. From November 1 to November 3, Chengdu hosted the Fourth East Asia Esports Championship, marking the first event in a physical venue in China. This year's theme, "Travel with the Tournament," highlighted the competitive gaming spirit and embraced the cultural and tourism opportunities esports events offer local cities. The event was a dazzling showcase of how gaming, culture, and tourism can synergize to attract global attention. A Celebration of Regional Unity and Competition The East Asia Esports Championship is more than just a tournament; it is a platform for regional collaboration between China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. As esports has become a significant part of youth culture in these countries, the championship acts as a bridge for…

On the evening of November 3, 2024, the 4th East Asia Esports Championship concluded with a stunning victory for the Chinese national team, who took home the coveted team champion title. With a total score of 16 points, China topped the overall standings across three fiercely contested esports titles: "Pro Evolution Soccer", "Honor of Kings", and "League of Legends". The tournament, which took place over three days, marked a significant milestone as the first time the prestigious competition had been hosted offline in China, bringing together top esports players from East Asia for intense matches, cultural exchanges, and landmark agreements on future collaborations in the esports and tourism industries. An Intense Battle Across Three Titles The competition saw elite players from China, Japan, Korea, and other regions compete for supremacy in esports. The Chinese team, which included some of the country's most skilled players—like Zhou Yitao (周诣涛), a well-known figure in the Chinese gaming community—dominated much of the competition, securing spots in the finals of all three events. In "Pro Evolution Soccer", the Chinese team faced a fierce battle against Japan's top players but ultimately finished in second place, narrowly missing the gold medal. However, the Chinese team was unbeatable…

Return of the Dragon Tide - Merges Heritage In the bustling heart of Shanghai's Xuhui District, a revolution is brewing. Not on the streets, but in the pixels and code of a highly anticipated mobile game. "Return of the Dragon Tide," (归龙潮) a labor of love four years in the making, is set to make waves in the gaming world and beyond when it launches its public beta on September 13th. With over 10 million pre-registrations, this game isn't just another entry in the crowded mobile market – it's a cultural phenomenon waiting to happen. The game's premise is as ambitious as it is unique. Players step into the shoes of a film director, navigating a cityscape that blends the traditional with the futuristic. This "Nine Dragon District" serves as a microcosm of China itself, with each area meticulously crafted to represent different regions of the country. From the spicy streets of Chongqing to the neon-lit alleys of Shanghai, the game promises a virtual tour of China's diverse cultural landscape. But "Return of the Dragon Tide" is more than just a pretty facade. It's the vanguard of a new movement in Chinese gaming – one that seeks to authentically represent and celebrate Chinese…

Can China's Animation Industry Recapture Its 2023 Magic? As we enter the final quarter of 2024, China's animation industry finds itself at a crossroads. The breakout success of "China Tales" in 2023 set a high bar that this year's offerings have struggled to match. With major platforms like Bilibili, iQiyi, Youku, and Tencent all searching for their next big hit, the landscape of Chinese animation is evolving in unexpected ways. Surprisingly, it's not a traditional animated series or film that's captured the public imagination this year. Instead, the most buzzworthy animated content has come from an unlikely source: the upcoming game "Black Myth: Wukong." (黑神话悟空) This ambitious 3A title, based on the classic novel "Journey to the West," has released several cinematic trailers that have gone viral. Scenes depicting the tragic fate of the character Hong Hai'er (Red Boy) and a poignant love story between Zhu Bajie and the Spider Spirit have sparked widespread discussion and fan creations across social media platforms. The game's success in generating excitement through its animated content highlights a potential new avenue for the animation industry. As traditional platforms struggle to produce breakout hits, could collaborations with the gaming industry provide a fresh source of compelling animated…

How Animated Shorts are Elevating Video Game Narratives In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, a new trend is emerging that blends the immersive world of gaming with the artistic finesse of animation. This fusion is perfectly exemplified in the recent release of "Black Myth: Wukong," (黑神话：悟空) a highly anticipated Chinese game that has captivated players not just with its gameplay, but with its series of animated short films that punctuate the gaming experience. These animated interludes, six in total, have become a talking point among gamers and animation enthusiasts alike. Each short film, crafted in a distinct style ranging from traditional 2D hand-drawn animation to stop-motion and ink-wash painting, serves to enrich the game's narrative while showcasing the diverse talents of China's animation industry. The culmination of this artistic endeavor is "Unfinished," the hidden ending animation that has left players both satisfied and intrigued. Created through a collaboration of renowned Chinese animation studios including Wolf Smoke Studio, Fantasy Animation, Jinghuatang, and Maidong Pictures, "Unfinished" is a testament to the power of collective creativity in the animation field. The production of "Unfinished" began in May 2023, making it the last of the six animated shorts to enter production. Despite the tight…

In the ever-evolving landscape of global gaming, a new contender has emerged from the East, captivating players worldwide and challenging long-held perceptions of Chinese game development. 'Black Myth: Wukong' (黑神话：悟空), an action role-playing game based on the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West', has not only shattered sales records but has also ignited a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the realm of pixels and polygons. From Legend to Pixels: The Cultural Revolution of Black Myth: Wukong When Game Science Studio unveiled 'Black Myth: Wukong', few could have predicted the seismic impact it would have on the gaming industry and Chinese culture at large. Within just three days of its release, the game sold an astonishing 10 million copies, a feat that has left industry analysts scrambling to update their projections. But the true revolution lies not in the numbers, but in the game's ability to serve as a digital ambassador for Chinese mythology and literature. Across social media platforms and gaming forums, a curious trend has emerged: Western players, enthralled by the game's rich narrative and intricate world-building, are turning to the source material that inspired it. Reddit threads are awash with discussions of 'Journey to the West', as…

In August 2024, the gaming world witnessed a transformative moment with the release of "Black Myth: Wukong," (黑神话：悟空) developed by Game Science. This highly anticipated title, often heralded as China's first AAA game, broke records from day one. Within its initial 24 hours, the game sold over 4.5 million copies and set a new benchmark on Steam for single-player game concurrent user numbers, peaking at 2.2 million. Just three days post-launch, "Black Myth: Wukong" had surpassed 10 million units sold. This unprecedented success not only highlighted the game's exceptional quality but also sparked a broader cultural phenomenon—the "Wukong Effect." The game's influence extends beyond the gaming sphere. Before its release, Luckin Coffee launched a limited edition collaboration with "Black Myth," featuring game-themed merchandise that sold out rapidly, causing system crashes. Additionally, state media like Xinhua News reported on the game’s impact, noting its role in bringing traditional Chinese architecture and culture into the spotlight. Rewriting the Narrative: The Cultural Impact of -Black Myth: Wukong "Black Myth: Wukong" stands out not only for its gameplay but also for its cultural resonance. The game’s appeal is rooted in its innovative design and artistic execution, but its true impact lies in how it intertwines traditional…

How Black Myth: Wukong is Redefining Chinese Soft Power In the vast landscape of global gaming, a new star has risen from the East, captivating players worldwide and challenging perceptions of Chinese game development. 'Black Myth: Wukong' (黑神话：悟空), an action role-playing game steeped in Chinese mythology, has not only shattered sales records but has also ignited a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the realm of entertainment. The game's impact is palpable. Within a week of its release, 'Black Myth: Wukong' sold over 10 million copies, with peak concurrent players on Steam reaching 2.4 million - a record for a single-player game on the platform. But the true revolution lies in the game's role as a digital ambassador for Chinese culture. Across social media platforms and gaming forums, a fascinating trend has emerged: Western players, enthralled by the game's rich narrative and intricate world-building, are turning to the source material that inspired it. Discussion threads about 'Journey to the West' have proliferated, with gamers eagerly sharing interpretations of the classic tale and their newfound appreciation for Chinese folklore. This organic cultural exchange represents a significant soft power triumph for China. As Mganga, editor of the international edition of Tanzania's 'The Guardian',…

As the digital age blurs the boundaries between sports and entertainment, e-sports has emerged as a unique fusion of both, creating a new cultural phenomenon. Among the various e-sports tournaments, the FC Pro Championship, a top-tier football e-sports event, has gained significant attention, particularly in Shanghai, the city striving to become the global hub of e-sports. This year, the championship is not only about the thrill of competition but also about the cultural resonance of music that transcends borders and brings together different nations. The stage is set, not just for the players, but for a symphony that amplifies the spirit of the game, thanks to the creative efforts of Shanghai’s very own music ensemble. Music as a Cultural Bridge: Crafting the Soundtrack of Competition The integration of music into sports events is not a new concept, but Musicore’s (心琉乐团) approach to the FC Pro Championship is groundbreaking. Traditionally, music has been the backdrop, a subtle enhancer of the competitive atmosphere. However, in this championship, music has taken center stage, becoming a vital element that embodies the cultural essence of the participating nations. The Musicore, led by founder and music director Liu Xuejing (柳雪婷), has created a series of anthems…