The 2024 Cologne Game Show, the world's largest gaming exhibition, has concluded with record-breaking statistics. This year's event drew over 1,400 exhibitors and attracted more than 300,000 gaming enthusiasts from around the globe, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
The 2024 edition of the Cologne Game Show marked a historic milestone with the largest-ever contingent of Chinese gaming companies showcasing their latest creations. Among the 37 Chinese exhibitors were major players like Tencent, miHoYo, Paper Games, Xishanju, and Lingyou Technology, presenting a slew of influential titles such as "Delta Force" (三角洲行动), "Arena Breakout: Infinite", "Honkai: Star Rail", "Nikki: Dress Up Queen" (胜利女神：妮姬), and "Shadow Blade Zero". This impressive lineup drew considerable international attention and crowds eager to experience these games firsthand.
Tencent's showcase was particularly noteworthy, featuring over 20 products from its global studios. One of the standout titles was "Delta Force", a cross-platform tactical shooter developed by Tencent's Timi Studio. The game saw significant buzz, topping Twitch's live-streaming charts and climbing to eighth place on Steam's wishlist rankings. With a staggering 30 million pre-registrations and a domestic release slated for September, "Delta Force" is poised for major success.
Tencent's Level Infinite also unveiled "Dune: Awakening", an eagerly anticipated open-world MMO that will soon enter its PC early access phase. This sci-fi adventure, first revealed at the 2022 Cologne Game Show, currently holds a top-ten spot on Steam's wishlist. Additionally, Tencent's Grinding Gear Games, acquired in 2018, brought "Path of Exile 2", which generated excitement with its always-busy demo area and is set to enter early access in November.
Further, Tencent's Stunlock Studios presented "V Rising", which has been well-received since its official release earlier this year, earning a high rating of 9.0 from IGN and surpassing 4 million sales on Steam.
Expanding Horizons for Chinese Developers
Beyond Tencent, other Chinese developers made significant impressions. NetEase showcased "7 Days World", "Marvel Clash", and "Shadow Curse: Hell Rebirth", alongside the lifestyle simulation game "Floatopia". "7 Days World" achieved over ten million global downloads since its July launch, while "Marvel Clash" saw its Steam wishlist numbers exceed one million.
miHoYo's presence was equally notable, featuring "Honkai: Star Rail", "Genshin Impact", and the new title "Zero Zone". "Zero Zone" particularly stood out, topping the download charts in multiple regions upon its release. Xishanju's "Mecha Limit" received positive feedback from attendees and was announced for Xbox next year, further expanding its reach.
Paper Games' global debut of "Nikki: Dress Up Queen", a new open-world fashion adventure, and Lingyou Technology's "Shadow Blade Zero", blending Chinese martial arts with steampunk and mysticism, also captured significant attention.
The presence and success of Chinese gaming companies at the Cologne Game Show highlight their growing influence in the global market. The quality and quantity of Chinese games have seen impressive advancements, with Chinese developers expanding their reach into 91 countries and regions worldwide. According to the 2023 China Gaming Outbound Report, the expansion into North American and European markets has accelerated, marking Chinese firms as formidable players in the global gaming industry.
Additionally, Tencent was awarded the Sustainable Development Award at this year's show. This accolade recognizes companies committed to sustainability, highlighting Tencent's efforts in carbon accounting and environmental impact. The award underscores the company's dedication to integrating sustainable practices within its operations, reflecting a broader industry trend towards environmental responsibility.
The 2024 Cologne Game Show has set a new precedent, showcasing the burgeoning global presence of Chinese gaming companies. With a diverse range of innovative games and a strong emphasis on sustainability, Chinese developers are not only shaping the future of gaming but also influencing global industry trends. As these companies continue to expand their international footprint, the next few years promise even greater developments in the world of gaming.
