Investing.com-- Bernstein analysts have hailed December 2024 as a transformative moment for Chinese video game developers, highlighting the global successes of Tencent Holdings (OTC:TCEHY) Ltd's (HK:0700) 'Path of Exile 2' and NetEase Inc's (HK:9999) 'Marvel Rivals'.
These games represent a major step forward in China’s push to capture a larger share of the $165 billion global gaming market beyond its $45 billion domestic sector, analysts said in a note.
Tencent's 'Path of Exile 2' has emerged as a noteworthy rival to Blizzard's 'Diablo II', boasting polished gameplay and a dedicated fan base. Early access alone saw over a million players spending $30–$60, a testament to its strong appeal, according to Bernstein analysts.
Meanwhile, NetEase (NASDAQ:NTES)'s 'Marvel Rivals' broke records, attracting 20 million players shortly after launch. This success signals a strategic pivot for NetEase, which now targets a user base comparable to the 40 million achieved by its earlier hit, 'Naraka Bladepoint'.
Both titles have gained significant traction on platforms like Steam, with peak concurrent users reaching 579,000 for 'Path of Exile 2' and 481,000 for 'Marvel Rivals'. Analysts at Bernstein emphasize that these games are well-positioned as live-service titles, capable of generating revenue for years to come.
The success of these launches also underscores the strategic advantages of Chinese developers, which are cost-efficient R&D, innovative intellectual property, and freedom from Western gaming’s contentious cultural debates.
Bernstein maintains "Outperform" ratings on Tencent and NetEase, citing their ability to challenge Western competitors like Blizzard and Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:EA) in the lucrative live-service gaming space.