Summary of Key Points
Recently, the interactive game "Sha Song: Return My Rivers and Mountains" has gained attention after launching on Steam. The game is based on a popular historical novel, allowing players to assume the role of Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, and "rewrite history." It reached a peak of over 12,000 concurrent players at the launch, but the number has since declined. Meanwhile, the film and television industry (with companies like Huanrui and Huace) has begun to invest heavily in the interactive game sector. DataEye estimates that the market size for interactive games could reach 1.8 billion yuan by 2026, with a growth rate of 20%. However, "Sha Song" has also exposed some industry challenges, such as the difficulty in balancing the "cinematic" and "gamified" aspects of the gameplay, the limitations of IP adaptation, and the controversy surrounding the use of AI technology. Overall, interactive games represent a new growth opportunity for the cross-industry integration of film, television, and gaming, but they still need to address core issues related to content and user experience.
Why Have Interactive Games Suddenly Become Popular?
In simple terms, this is a result of both film and television companies seeking new revenue sources and players' desire to "rewrite historical regrets":
- New Direction for Film and Television Companies: The growth of the traditional film and television industry has slowed down, and interactive games allow companies to leverage their production expertise (realistic visuals) while tapping into the interactive appeal of games. For example, Huanrui Century's "Jiang Shan Bei Wang" entered the top ten bestseller list within three hours of its release, driving a 40% increase in the company's stock price. Huace and Bainaka Qiancheng have also entered the market, focusing on the entire production and distribution chain.
- Players' Desire for Engagement: Interactive games offer the scenario of "what if history could be different." Games like "Sha Song," where players can choose not to flee as Emperor Zhao Gou, or "Chongzhen Simulator," where players can try to save the Ming Dynasty, resonate with many who feel regret about historical events. The use of real actors adds a sense of authenticity that attracts viewers who usually don't play traditional games.
- Market Data Support: DataEye predicts a market size of 1.8 billion yuan by 2026, with a 20% growth rate, indicating the expansion of the industry and an increasing frequency of successful titles (such as "Sheng Shi Tian Xia Nu Di Pian").
The Controversy Around "Sha Song's" Gameplay: A Clash Between Cinema and Gaming?
The core gameplay of "Sha Song" combines real video with branching choices and strategic combat, but players mainly complain about the disconnect between different elements:
- Disruptive Visual Style: The game transitions from cinematic real footage to a strategic combat interface that resembles a mini-game, with character illustrations similar to those found in mobile games. This sudden shift feels like watching a movie interrupted by a game.
- Misaligned Gameplay: The strategic combat requires players to make active decisions, but the film-like portions of "Sha Song" have already predetermined the battle scenarios, making players feel as if they are managing administrative tasks rather than commanding a war, reducing their sense of immersion.
- Balancing Issues: The development team later modified the combat system (adding options to skip animations and undo moves), but the fundamental question remains unresolved: are interactive games "movies with choices" or "games with visual elements"? If they lean too much towards movies, the gameplay becomes too complex and distracts from the narrative; if they lean too much towards games, the cinematic quality is wasted.
Is IP Adaptation a Blessing or a Curse?
Using an existing IP like "Sha Song" brings its own audience, but it also comes with risks:
- Fan Criticism: The original novel is highly regarded for its historical accuracy and logical complexity. Adaptations often face criticism from fans who feel that the branching options dilute the original story's essence.
- Limited Scope for Adaptation: More detailed original works leave less room for creative variations in games. For example, since the novel's core theme is Zhao Gou's decision not to flee, the game's outcomes are largely predictable, lacking the complexity of multi-line narratives (like "Invisible Guardian").
- Cost Risks: Interactive games are costly (with "Sha Song" requiring over 10 hours of filming). Without an established IP, companies must build the audience from scratch, which is risky. Using an IP, however, exposes them to fan expectations that can be difficult to meet.
The Role of AI Technology: Help or Hindrance?
AI is increasingly being used in interactive games, but players of "Sha Song" are not impressed:
- Disruptive Visual Quality: The mix of real actors and AI-generated battle scenes feels out of place. Players may find the AI-generated scenes lacking in detail and authenticity.
- Two Extreme Approaches in the Industry: There are two main approaches: 1) all-realistic games (like "Invisible Guardian," which cost millions in filming) with good reviews but high costs; 2) fully AI-generated games (like "Min Gu Gui Shi"), which are cheaper and well-received. A mix of the two can be problematic.
- Players' Concerns: The issue is not with AI itself, but with its use in contexts where real actors would be more appropriate. For historical themes, AI-generated scenes that lack authenticity can seem superficial.
The Future of Interactive Games: Towards Shortform Dramas or More Traditional Gaming?
Based on "Sha Song" and industry trends, interactive games may evolve in two directions:
- Shortform Dramas: Regulatory classifications and user preferences (such as "Sheng Shi Tian Xia" on Douyin) suggest a shift towards shorter, more accessible formats.
- Differentiated Development Paths: Games could either focus on high-quality real cinematography and compelling stories (suitable for historical and emotional themes) or on low-cost, creative gameplay (such as fantasy or mystery genres).
- Story as the Core: Regardless of the gameplay, a good story is essential. Elements like the emotional interaction between Yue Fei and Zhao Gou in "Sha Song" show that even with flaws, an engaging story can be successful.
Conclusion
Interactive games hold significant potential, but they are still in the trial and error phase. The challenges faced by "Sha Song" highlight the need for a balance between cinematic and gaming experiences, proper IP adaptation, and cautious use of AI technology. If these issues can be addressed, the industry could produce more successful titles like "Invisible Guardian."