Gamescom 2025 has wrapped up with plenty of surprises, but one of the most talked-about trends from this year’s massive event was the undeniable rise of Chinese video game studios. With visually stunning trailers, innovative gameplay mechanics, and world-class production quality, developers from China not only drew massive attention from attendees but also reshaped the global conversation around who’s leading the future of video games.
Among the standout titles were Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Zhong Kui, both of which were met with widespread praise for their cinematic presentation and culturally rich storytelling. These games, along with several other projects from Chinese developers, showcased a new level of artistic and technical maturity, positioning China as a powerhouse not just in mobile or free-to-play spaces, but in premium, narrative-driven gaming.
Phantom Blade Zero, developed by S-GAME, made a strong impression with its fluid swordplay and dark wuxia aesthetic. The gameplay reveal featured a protagonist moving seamlessly through fast-paced combat, reminiscent of classic samurai titles but layered with gothic Chinese mythology. Attendees were wowed by the smooth animations, stunning visuals, and a combat system that strikes a balance between accessibility and depth.
Meanwhile, Game Science’s Black Myth: Zhong Kui—a spiritual successor to the much-anticipated Black Myth: Wukong—continued to impress with its breathtaking environments and use of Unreal Engine 5. The game’s protagonist, based on a legendary demon hunter from Chinese folklore, battles supernatural forces across beautifully rendered realms that blend myth with modern fantasy. Critics at the event praised its visual fidelity and the immersive scale of its boss fights, calling it one of the most promising new IPs of the show.
These titles were not alone. Smaller studios like Papergames and NetEase’s new creative branches brought original projects focused on narrative exploration, strategy, and character-driven design. Some featured genre blends rarely seen in Western markets, such as romantic adventure simulators crossed with life management gameplay, which generated buzz for their uniqueness and production value.
The presence of these developers at Gamescom was not only significant in size—with Chinese companies making up a record percentage of this year’s exhibitors—but also in impact. Many booths had long lines, while media outlets from Europe and North America rushed to cover demos and interviews. Localization efforts were also clearly a priority, with fully translated demos and international marketing materials signaling a more global focus.
Industry analysts say this surge reflects years of investment, talent development, and international collaboration. Chinese studios are no longer simply outsourcing or developing for domestic consumption—they’re building globally competitive, prestige titles that are capable of rivalling the best from the US, Japan, and Europe.
With major game engines, publishing partners, and even platform holders paying closer attention, the rise of Chinese developers at Gamescom 2025 may mark a turning point. It’s no longer a question of if these studios will break through globally—but how soon they’ll start leading from the front. The world is watching, and China’s game developers are ready to deliver.
