COLOGNE, Germany – The atmosphere at Gamescom 2025 was electric as gamers lined up to experience the thrilling world of Chinese gaming. Among them was Tim, whose fingers gripped his PS5 controller tightly as the ominous phrase "game over" flashed repeatedly on the screen, a testament to the challenges of guiding his martial-arts hero through intense combat in the highly anticipated game, Phantom Blade Zero. With over 6 million views for its latest gameplay footage on YouTube, it’s clear that this action RPG is capturing attention.

Chinese Exhibitors Take Center Stage

Halfway through the five-day gaming extravaganza, an unprecedented 50 Chinese exhibitors stood out, their booths buzzing with activity at the world's largest gaming fair. The event showcased not just engaging games but also the rapidly evolving landscape of Chinese gaming.

Black Myth: Zhong Kui Leaves Audiences in Awe

The highlight of Gamescom's Opening Night Live was undoubtedly the reveal of Black Myth: Zhong Kui, introduced by a host as the "last surprise before saying good night." The two-minute trailer left the audience roaring with excitement both in Cologne and through global livestreams. This game follows the phenomenal success of Black Myth: Wukong, which debuted a year ago and has enchanted gamers worldwide with its unique take on the classic "Journey to the West".

A New Wave of Creativity

Grace Pan, a senior project manager at Koelnmesse, noted that Chinese developers have emerged as "true content creators," comparable to their peers in Europe, Japan, and the US. With a rich array of titles and innovative production techniques, these developers are infusing games with vibrant elements of Chinese culture, mythology, and martial arts.

Chinese Games Gain Popularity in Germany

Recent reports highlight the surging interest in Chinese mobile games within Germany, which boasts Europe’s largest gaming market with 37.5 million players. Among the top 10 most-downloaded mobile games in 2024, four were developed in China, and at this year's Gamescom, three Chinese titles were nominated for Best Mobile Game, ultimately awarded to the romantic sci-fi adventure Love and Deepspace by Infold Games.

Building Bridges Across Continents

The thriving collaboration between Chinese studios and their European counterparts signifies a promising future for gaming partnerships. Felix Falk, managing director of the German Games Industry Association, remarked on the increasing frequency of these collaborations, which help both sides navigate and benefit from each other's markets.

Tencent Leads the Charge

Tencent, a titan in the gaming industry, exemplifies this collaboration strategy, introducing over 10 new titles at Gamescom, including much-anticipated projects like Dune: Awakening and Dying Light: The Beast. The company also showcased an AI-powered tool aimed at enhancing game art production, furthering technical partnerships.

As the global gaming landscape continues to evolve, the future looks promising for Sino-European collaborations, suggesting a more interconnected world of digital interaction and entertainment.