What Tencent's 'North Star' Strategy Means for Future RPGs
Tencent's long-term commitment could give studios the stability to iterate and eventually produce genre-defining hits, but recent closures and deal cancellations show the strategy isn't without risks.
Tencent's long-term commitment could give studios the stability to iterate and eventually produce genre-defining hits, but recent closures and deal cancellations show the strategy isn't without risks.
Key points - Tencent Games VP Yong-yi Zhu says Baldur's Gate 3 and Elden Ring are 'North Stars' for the company. - Tencent owns minority stakes in Larian and Kadokawa, FromSoftware's parent company. - Zhu emphasizes a long-term approach, citing Larian's and FromSoftware's multi-game evolution. - Tencent focuses on evergreen live service titles to weather industry fluctuations. - Tencent closed TiMi Montreal and backed out of multiple studio deals this year.
Timeline - Recent years: Tencent increases ownership in Kadokawa and FromSoftware. - 2023: Baldur's Gate 3 releases to massive success; Larian later splits with Wizards of the Coast. - 2022: Elden Ring launches, becoming a generational hit for FromSoftware. - 2024: Tencent closes TiMi Montreal and backs out of multiple studio deals.
FAQ
Q: What does Tencent mean by 'North Stars'? A: Tencent uses the term to describe games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Elden Ring as guiding examples of high-quality, genre-defining hits it hopes its studios can achieve.
Q: Does Tencent own Larian or FromSoftware? A: Tencent holds minority but significant shares in Larian and in Kadokawa, FromSoftware's parent company. It does not own them outright.
Q: How does Tencent plan to create the next big RPG? A: By investing in talented developers with unique visions, supporting them over multiple games, and focusing on evergreen live service titles to reduce risk.
📰 Related Articles
What Fire Tower Means for Players: Fast Strategy Without the…
Fire Tower fills a niche for quick, accessible strategy games that appeal to both gamers and families, making it a great choice for casual game nights.
What Anime Ball Duels Codes Mean for Your Spin Strategy
These codes give players a quick boost to coins, gems, and spins, helping them progress faster and compete against tougher opponents in Anime Ball Duels.
What Meta's VR Strategy Shift Means for Quest Fans and Gamer…
This shift means gamers may see fewer new VR headsets and exclusive games from Meta, as the company prioritizes AI wearables and profitability over affordable consumer VR.
Modding Your Way Into Game Dev: CDPR's Hiring Strategy
This highlights a direct pipeline from modding communities to professional game development, potentially inspiring more players to try creating mods and pursue careers in the industry.
What GTA 6's TV Ads Reveal About Its Launch Strategy
These TV spot changes suggest Rockstar is carefully tailoring its marketing, possibly favoring PlayStation, while hype continues to build for the biggest game launch ever.
What Lucasfilm's AA Strategy Means for Future Star Wars Game…
Players can expect a wider variety of Star Wars games across genres, as Lucasfilm embraces smaller studios and experimental projects alongside blockbuster releases.