Since MiHoYo’s release of Genshin Impact in 2020, there has been a notable shift in how free-to-play mobile games are perceived within the gaming industry. This title demonstrated that mobile games could offer high production values and AAA-like experiences, setting a new standard for the genre.
Genshin Impact introduced an expansive open-world environment, rich storytelling, and visually appealing art, all while incorporating gacha elements. It showcased that free-to-play mobile games could match the quality of traditional console and PC titles, changing the industry’s expectations.
The success of Genshin Impact led MiHoYo to apply the same successful formula to other ambitious titles, such as 2023’s Honkai: Star Rail and the recently released Zenless Zone Zero. This trend of producing high-quality free-to-play games with expansive worlds and rich gameplay mechanics has influenced other developers.
Chinese game studios have begun to follow suit, leading to the emergence of new titles like Wuthering Waves and the recently announced Neverness to Everness.
Neverness to Everness (NTE), developed by Suzhou-based Hotta Studio, demonstrates the ongoing evolution of free-to-play games. The title, which has been compared to “anime GTA 6 before GTA 6,” offers a sprawling open-world experience with a mix of fantastical and futuristic elements.
This ambitious project, featuring gameplay inspired by a variety of genres, aims to capture the interest of players across different platforms, including mobile, PC, and consoles.
The rise of these high-quality free-to-play titles is putting pressure on traditional $70 AAA console games. Gamers are increasingly questioning the value of premium-priced games when free alternatives offer comparable or even superior experiences.
The success of titles like Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero is drawing attention away from the more expensive options, making developers and publishers reevaluate their pricing strategies.
The trend of releasing free-to-play games across multiple platforms is broadening the reach of these titles beyond mobile audiences. By targeting both PC and console gamers, these new titles are encouraging a crossover of traditional gamers into the mobile space. The full impact of this strategy remains to be seen, but it suggests that future iterations of these games could achieve even greater success.
The rapid development and release cycle of Chinese games, often referred to as “China Speed,” highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of Chinese studios. In contrast to the longer development times typical of Western AAA projects, Chinese developers often complete high-quality games within shorter periods.
This efficiency is supported by the adoption of new technologies and tools, contributing to the rapid growth and influence of Chinese games in the global market.
Despite the success, there is a growing concern about the visual and thematic similarities among many of these new Chinese games. The reliance on a similar anime art style and gacha mechanics could lead to a saturation of the market and an identity crisis.
As the industry evolves, Chinese developers may need to diversify their offerings to avoid oversaturation and continue to captivate global audiences. The future will likely see a mix of both increased market share for these games and a push towards greater variety in their designs.
