Root/Wen The second college student in the village has finally appeared

On November 2nd, the domestic 3A game "Blade Zero" released its first report card: global sales exceeded 4 million copies within 72 hours of release, and the highest concurrent online users on Steam (an integrated game download platform) exceeded 830000. Based on the pricing of 268 yuan according to the national standard version, the theoretical sales revenue exceeds 1 billion yuan. Considering the previously estimated R&D costs of 300 million to 400 million yuan, the industry estimates that the game is likely to have recouped its investment within three days of release. After "Black Myth: Wukong", the domestic 3A has once again achieved commercial success.

The joke of 'the second college student' not only brings a knowing smile, but also evokes some emotions. Whenever a domestic masterpiece achieves success, people always compare it to "the first college student in the village" and "Black Myth". Domestic 3A seems to rely on one phenomenal success after another to prove its strength. How many more times does an industry need such proof?

Of course, the significance of the success of 'Black Myth' cannot be underestimated. It proves that domestic 3A can not only win global players, but also earn considerable returns. But if capital and public opinion only focus on continuing to search for the next sales miracle, they may underestimate the significance of this success. The explosive products prove the potential of the market, but it does not mean that the commercial risks of latecomers will also decrease.

An easily overlooked truth is that the gaming market does not necessarily have to have a one size fits all winner.

On October 29th, the day of the release of "Blade of Shadows Zero", the producer of "Black Myth", Feng Ji, congratulated on Weibo, saying that "the single player business model determines that there is no zero sum game in different time slots" and "the supply of high-quality products has been insufficient for a long time". Of course, players have limited time and budget, and there is still competition between games. But high-quality supply may not only divide the existing market, but also bring new demand. Players will not stop buying other single player games just because they have bought 'Black Myth'. A good game may also cultivate more players willing to pay for buyout games.

Since the market can accommodate more good games, why always use the sales of "Black Myth" to measure newcomers? What is worth looking forward to in domestic 3A is not only the top works breaking sales records, but also games with different themes and gameplay, which have the opportunity to gain their own audience. Shadow Blade Zero is just an example. Soul games like "Wolf" have almost become an indispensable reference for 3A action games. Shadow Blade Zero draws inspiration from the exploration and level design of soul games, but producer Liang Qiwei is unwilling to classify it as a pure soul game. It emphasizes active attack and continuous suppression, attempting to hand over the rhythm of seeing and dismantling moves in martial arts movies to players; Incorporating steampunk elements, it forms the so-called 'kung fu punk'. Although it cannot be considered a completely different genre, it has its own creative direction.

Of course, the game also has its shortcomings. Overseas media affirmed its combat design, but criticized the narrative and some levels. Some players also have reservations about the opening rhythm and art style, perhaps due to the aesthetic "time difference" brought about by the long development cycle. A game has its strengths and weaknesses, which is normal. But in the current situation where domestic 3A is still scarce, the sales and reputation of new works are often given meanings beyond the product itself, as if answering for the entire industry: Is domestic 3A really feasible?

If capital is eager to find the 'third college student', it should also be noted that the success of 'Blade of the Shadow' is not easy to replicate.

Liang Qiwei initially independently produced "Rain Blood", but after founding the company, he attempted to buy out single player games and turned to mobile games due to business pressure. As early as 2017, the team had intended to develop a 3A game, but was limited by funding and technological capabilities. It was not until they received support from investors such as Tencent that they officially approved "Blade Zero" in 2022. This journey is not just about persevering through passion, but constantly balancing between creative pursuit and commercial reality. With the support of capital, 'Blade of Shadows Zero' was ultimately realized. But if investors are only willing to bet on projects that are similar to existing bestsellers, then the next batch of teams with different ideas may not necessarily have the same opportunity.

To measure the success of a game, in addition to sales, player reputation is also worth paying attention to. The Steam review rate for Blade Runner has increased from approximately 78% during its initial release to nearly 90% on November 2nd. When Feng Ji reposted the sales report, he specifically mentioned the change in the positive review rate for three consecutive days and sighed, "Games ultimately come down to something that enthusiasts do for their enthusiasts

Feng Ji previously mentioned that he and Liang Qiwei both worked on mobile games in their early years, but found that they didn't usually play such games. Later, both of them chose their favorite single player games. To put it nicely, it's called 'passion'; To put it plainly, it means' being more familiar with what you are doing '. This' familiarity 'comes from the creator's own gaming experience, which also affects their judgment of gameplay and fun. It is not something that can be obtained by investing and copying a popular product after seeing it.

Interestingly, when interviewed in 2025, Liang Qiwei had reservations about the term 'the second college student in the village'. He is more looking forward to being able to 'bloom with a hundred flowers' in the future.

Another college student has emerged in the village, which is certainly worth celebrating. However, if every college student had to prove the strength of the entire 'village' once, the joy would be too heavy.

(Author)