Blood Message: NetEase Bets on AAA Single-Player

NetEase has revealed Blood Message, its first AAA title focused on single-player. The game, set in the Tang Dynasty around 900 AD, promises brutal sword combat in third person and cinematic sequences. This move by NetEase signals an expansion into the narrative-focused gaming market, unlike its service titles.

The trailer shows an anonymous messenger searching for his son Ning, traversing various scenarios. The premise of "ordinary people driven by extraordinary resolve" seeks a more focused narrative.

The community reacted with comparisons to established titles, indicating a demand for this type of experience. "Finally we have Uncharted 5," commented one user. Others described the game as a "Tang Dynasty version of Uncharted."

Zhipeng Hu, producer and executive vice president of NetEase, highlighted the goal of "taking players to a new generation of high adventure." He stated that, after two decades in the industry, NetEase is ready to deliver a "truly epic and cinematic experience."

Developed by 24 Entertainment, the same team behind Naraka: Bladepoint, Blood Message does not yet have a release window, but is confirmed for consoles and PC. This move reinforces the Chinese industry's attempt to attract PC and console audiences with cinematic adventures.

Do you believe that NetEase can consolidate its presence in the AAA single-player gaming market with Blood Message, given the company's history focused on online and mobile titles?