Guangzhou is stepping up its support for the burgeoning gaming and esports industry, announcing a list of 35 projects set to receive significant government backing. The initiative, detailed in the city’s official announcement on September 7th, aims to foster innovation and growth across various facets of the industry, from cutting-edge technology development to global market expansion and professional esports.
Key Projects and Technological Advancements
Among the headline recipients is NetEase’s proprietary Messiah game engine, a testament to the region’s commitment to homegrown technology. The engine, developed by NetEase since 2013, has been instrumental in the creation of titles like ‘Justice Mobile’ and ‘Diablo Immortal,’ and is also powering the upcoming ‘Wu Shen’ (or ‘Yan Yun Shi Liu Sheng’). This technological focus is further highlighted by four ‘Technology Innovation’ projects, including advanced AI and 3D platform solutions for virtual scene optimization and VR game interaction technologies.
Spotlight on Original Games and Global Reach
The “Original Boutique Game Development” category shines a light on emerging talent, with seven projects selected. However, it’s the “Game Operation” and “Game Overseas” categories that showcase some of the most anticipated titles. Notably, Kuaiyou Technology’s ‘Wuthering Waves’ (鸣潮) and Guangzhou Dahuang Network Technology’s ‘Tale of Immortal’ (鬼谷八荒) are slated for operational support. The “Game Overseas” section, featuring nine projects, underscores Guangzhou’s ambition to expand its gaming influence internationally, with titles like ‘Adventure Age’ and ‘MapleStory R: Classic Reimagined’ aiming for global audiences.
Esports Ecosystem Gets a Boost
Guangzhou’s commitment extends robustly into the esports arena, with six projects designated for support across esports events, leagues, and clubs. This includes major events like the ‘Honor of Kings International Championship – Guangzhou Esports Culture and Tourism Carnival’ and support for established esports organizations. The inclusion of the Guangzhou TT Peacekeeper Elite division and the Guangzhou TTG Honor of Kings team signals a strong endorsement of professional esports within the city’s development strategy.
Significant Financial Incentives
The financial backing for these projects is substantial. According to the “Eighteen Measures for Supporting the Development of the Game and Esports Industry in Guangzhou City,” technology innovation projects can receive up to 3 million yuan. Original game development projects focusing on key themes can secure up to 2 million yuan, while game operations can be supported with up to 5 million yuan. Projects targeting overseas markets can receive up to 300,000 yuan. Esports events are eligible for up to 5 million yuan, and esports leagues up to 2 million yuan. To ensure balanced growth, individual companies are capped at receiving a maximum of 10 million yuan in financial support annually from this policy.
This comprehensive support package, covering 35 diverse projects across seven key areas, demonstrates Guangzhou’s strategic vision to become a leading hub for the global game and esports industry, fostering both technological innovation and creative content development.
