Chapter 1812: Sudden Enemy

The development of online games in China has, up to now, entered a very unfavorable vicious cycle.

In fact, ever since online games officially landed in China at the turn of the millennium, the domestic online game industry has been moving forward in a fast but monolithic mode.

The entire market suffers from severe product imitation, high substitutability, and low quality. In other words, the online game industry at that time almost had no brand effect, yet having a complete, unique, and widely accepted game culture atmosphere is the foundation for the birth of classic brands.

At the same time, the emergence of a classic game inevitably influences and promotes the better progress and maturity of this cultural atmosphere.

Online games such as "Westward Journey" and "Swordsman Love" are touted as national online games, but it must be admitted that their so-called exquisite and quaint Chinese painting style, touching storylines, rich connotations, and good gameplay are more like boasting.

The reason is simple: it can be seen from the market share.

Online games across China are either Korean or American products, and the proportion of domestic games is actually not large.

Having been exposed to relevant materials, Wu Sijie understood why Zhao Fusheng valued the development of domestic online games.

After all, the licensing fees for foreign games have been increasing in recent years, and the revenue sharing ratio has also been expanding.

Under such harsh external conditions, if the development of domestic games is not started, then sooner or later this market will be encroached upon.

But unfortunately, the vast majority have failed.

That is also why Wu Sijie is not optimistic about domestic online games.

Yet he did not expect that Zhao Fusheng was very optimistic about this industry, even considering it a sunrise industry.

"What, don't you understand?"

Seeing Wu Sijie's bewildered expression, Zhao Fusheng laughed, guessing that this guy didn't understand.

Wu Sijie had no choice but to nod obediently: "Go ahead, tell me."

That was just how he was—if he didn't understand something, he wanted to figure it out. If Zhao Fusheng happened to be in a good mood, he would clear up his doubts.

"From agency to R&D, this is an inevitable process."

Zhao Fusheng said slowly: "The authorities have also begun to support the domestic game industry, offering plenty of policy support. Under these circumstances, how to develop online games with our own national characteristics is a crucial issue."

"I understand what you're saying," Wu Sijie shook his head and said. "But things are different now from before. From a few games launching tests per month back then to dozens of games hitting the market every week now, the market scale has expanded, and at the same time, players' tastes have become increasingly picky. Among the hundreds and thousands of online games, how many can truly survive?"

In fact, what he said was indeed a problem that online games had to face.

How to retain players?

How to make a game attractive?

This question, I'm afraid, is something all online game developers need to consider.

"Very simple."

Zhao Fusheng looked at Wu Sijie and said slowly: "First, ensure game quality, adhere to a player-centric R&D philosophy, patiently listen to players' opinions and suggestions—for example, organize player forums where players can decide the future of the game."

"At the same time, constantly revise and improve the game, with weekly updates and new expansion packs every year, always maintaining the game's appeal and freshness, keeping the game's vitality strong."

He paused, thought for a moment, recalling the games he had played in his previous life, and then continued: "Also, while generating revenue, don't forget to give back to players. Launch events every holiday, whether online or offline, so players can truly feel that the official team is sincerely serving them and giving back to them. After all, the most important thing in online games is the experience. Only by emotionally engaging players and giving them a sense of belonging can you truly win their recognition."

"Huh?"

Wu Sijie stared blankly as Zhao Fusheng spoke with ease, and after a long while, he suddenly said, "Chairman, your words sound too official, don't they?"

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback, then laughed.

What he had just said did indeed sound somewhat official, but upon careful thought, it was the very foundation for a game's survival.

Of course, there were some things he couldn't explain too clearly to Wu Sijie.

But he felt that his meaning had been conveyed.

"According to what you're saying, the future direction of domestic online games should be user-centric?" Wu Sijie thought for a moment and asked Zhao Fusheng.

"In online games, from start to finish, no matter when, users are the most important."

Zhao Fusheng's expression turned slightly serious, but he still said to Wu Sijie, "You must remember this."

Wu Sijie nodded and didn't dwell on the previous question.

In fact, he had already understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning in his heart.

It seemed that the main future direction of the Future Group would still focus on internet-related industries.

And Zhao Fusheng's intention in telling him this was self-evident.

…

…

"By the way, do you know a host named Fan Deng?"

When he got home, Zhao Fusheng received a call from Zheng Yao.

Zhao Fusheng was a bit surprised: "What's up?"

"That guy was giving an interview today, ranting about the issue of domestic capital outflow, saying that large enterprise groups like Future Group invest funds abroad instead of supporting domestic development, even speculating in foreign stocks instead of supporting domestic financial development..."

Zheng Yao said a lot, and finally added, "Dong Chenxi is furious, shouting that she wants to go to CCTV and kill that bastard!"

"Haha..."

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "Why bother with that idiot? Tell Dong Chenxi not to worry, and later have someone investigate whether that guy took someone's payoff to deliberately mess with us."

"Okay, I understand."

Zheng Yao nodded.

She knew very well that what Zhao Fusheng said was the correct response strategy.

"Also, investigate why CCTV allowed such an interview to air." Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Zheng Yao, "I have a feeling there's more to this."

"Okay."

Zheng Yao smiled: "I'll arrange it right away."

The purpose of her call was just to alert Zhao Fusheng; the company's think tanks had already prepared contingency plans for how to respond.

After hanging up, Zhao Fusheng's expression turned serious.

This Fan Deng appeared out of nowhere, and intuition told Zhao Fusheng that there was definitely more to come.

As it turned out, Zhao Fusheng was right.