Game

​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…