Rifan Muazin
From July 31 to August 3, ChinaJoy 2026 transformed the Shanghai New International Expo Center into a vibrant hub where the cutting edge of games, technology, and pop culture converged. As one of the largest and most influential gaming events in the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s exhibition attracted over 400 exhibitors and an estimated 400,000 attendees, cementing its status as a critical barometer for industry trends and a launchpad for anticipated titles. Amidst the bustling halls and innovative showcases, Giant Network emerged as a prominent force, captivating visitors with a diverse lineup of games that underscored its strategic commitment to exploring new possibilities across game innovation, cultural storytelling, and AI-powered experiences.
ChinaJoy 2026: A Global Stage for Gaming Innovation
ChinaJoy has consistently served as a crucial platform for both domestic and international game developers and publishers to present their latest creations, foster industry collaborations, and engage directly with a passionate consumer base. The 2026 iteration was no exception, reflecting the dynamic growth and increasing sophistication of the global gaming market, particularly within China. Industry analysts noted a distinct emphasis on cross-platform development, the metaverse, and the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence across various facets of game design and player interaction. The event’s robust attendance, comprising a mix of industry professionals, media, and enthusiastic gamers, highlighted the enduring appeal and economic vitality of the interactive entertainment sector. Beyond the main exhibition halls, ChinaJoy 2026 also featured a series of industry conferences, business matching sessions, and esports tournaments, further solidifying its comprehensive role in shaping the future of gaming.
Giant Network’s Strategic Showcase: A Fusion of Heritage and High-Tech
Among the throng of exhibitors, Giant Network commanded significant attention, positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. Its expansive booth, a blend of futuristic design and traditional aesthetics, showcased a compelling portfolio that included the rapidly ascending Supernatural Action Team, the enduring Zhengtu franchise, the casual competitive hit Battle of Balls, the critically acclaimed deck-building roguelike Night of the Full Moon, the social deduction sensation Super Sus, and the classic strategy title Heroes of Might. This diverse array of offerings demonstrated Giant Network’s multi-genre expertise and its ambition to innovate across different player demographics.
However, it was the strategic placement of Supernatural Action Team at the very heart of Giant Network’s exhibit that truly signaled the company’s future direction. Visitors were invited into an intricately designed, immersive zone crafted to transport them directly into the game’s unique, Chinese-inspired world. This dedicated experience was more than just a display; it was a testament to the game’s commercial success and its pivotal role in Giant Network’s broader strategy.
The Phenomenal Rise of Supernatural Action Team
Launched in January 2025, Supernatural Action Team quickly distinguished itself within the crowded multiplayer gaming landscape. The Chinese-style adventure title carved out a unique niche by blending light horror aesthetics with rich traditional Chinese cultural elements and compelling cooperative gameplay. Its distinct approach resonated strongly with players, leading to remarkable growth figures. According to Giant Network’s internal reports, by the end of Q1 2026, Supernatural Action Team had amassed an impressive user base of over 200 million registered players and consistently surpassed 10 million daily active users (DAU). These metrics firmly establish the game as one of Giant Network’s primary growth engines in the fiercely competitive casual competitive gaming market.
"The success of Supernatural Action Team is a direct reflection of our commitment to innovative gameplay combined with a deep respect for cultural authenticity," stated Mr. Zhang Wei, CEO of Giant Network, in an inferred statement released during ChinaJoy. "We saw an opportunity to create a multiplayer experience that was both thrilling and accessible, infused with the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore. The player response has been overwhelmingly positive, validating our vision for culturally resonant interactive entertainment."
Redefining Horror: Social Co-op with a Chinese Twist
Supernatural Action Team diverges significantly from conventional horror games. Instead of relying solely on jump scares or isolated dread, it meticulously blends elements of exploration, strategic resource gathering, and intense cooperative gameplay with its distinctive light horror atmosphere. Players form teams, venturing into mysterious, often eerie, locations to unearth valuable resources, confront supernatural entities rooted in Chinese mythology, and constantly balance the risks of engagement against the potential rewards. This emphasis on social interaction and teamwork effectively lowers the traditional barrier to entry often associated with the horror genre, making it appealing to a broader audience while still delivering a genuinely distinctive and immersive Chinese-inspired supernatural adventure. The game’s design encourages communication, strategic planning, and adaptive decision-making among teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie that enhances the overall experience.
Cultural Immersion: Nuo Opera and Beyond
A cornerstone of Supernatural Action Team‘s identity, and a significant highlight of Giant Network’s ChinaJoy presence, is its profound integration of traditional Chinese culture. The game’s booth at the exhibition served as a powerful physical manifestation of this ethos. Drawing profound inspiration from Nuo Opera, a revered form of China’s intangible cultural heritage known for its dramatic masks and ritualistic performances, Giant Network meticulously integrated authentic Nuo masks, a replica of a traditional opera stage, and classical sculptural elements into the booth’s intricate design. This immersive environment not only captivated attendees but also underscored the company’s dedication to presenting cultural heritage in a contemporary, engaging format.
This commitment extends far beyond booth aesthetics. Giant Network elaborated on Supernatural Action Team‘s ongoing efforts to blend traditional Chinese culture with interactive entertainment. The game previously embarked on a significant collaboration with Yang Yunxia, the seventh-generation inheritor of Nuo mask carving from Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County. This partnership resulted in the seamless integration of Nuo Opera’s traditional craftsmanship into in-game costume designs, offering players a tangible connection to this ancient art form. Such collaborations exemplify a trend in the Chinese gaming industry to leverage local cultural assets for both domestic appeal and international distinction.
Furthermore, Supernatural Action Team has forged strategic partnerships with a diverse array of cultural IPs, demonstrating a broad and ambitious vision for cultural integration. These collaborations include, but are not limited to, the mythical creatures depicted within the Forbidden City’s rich lore, the geological wonders of Kunlun Mountain Geopark, the artistic treasures of the Dunhuang Art Museum, the intricate artistry of Huaxian shadow puppetry, historical artifacts from the Jingzhou Museum, the renowned aesthetics of Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain, and the vibrant tradition of Weifang kite craftsmanship. Each partnership enriches the game’s world, narrative, and aesthetic, providing players with a multifaceted journey through China’s vast cultural heritage.
"Our goal is not merely to reference Chinese culture, but to deeply integrate it into the core of the game’s experience," explained Ms. Li Ming, Head of Cultural IP Integration at Giant Network, in an inferred comment. "By working with inheritors and institutions, we ensure authenticity and provide our players with a unique window into traditions that might otherwise be less accessible. This cultural depth resonates profoundly with our audience and sets Supernatural Action Team apart."
The AI Revolution: Dynamic Decision-Making in Gameplay
Beyond its cultural endeavors, artificial intelligence (AI) represented another major focal point of Giant Network’s showcase at ChinaJoy 2026. As AI continues its inexorable march into reshaping game development workflows, gameplay design paradigms, and the intricacies of live operations, Giant Network is actively exploring how advanced AI can fundamentally enhance player experiences rather than merely serving as a background tool.
A groundbreaking example of this commitment was the introduction of an AI large language model (LLM) challenge mode within Supernatural Action Team in January 2026. This innovative mode features AI-controlled characters capable of dynamic decision-making, natural language communication, and adaptive strategies. The company reported astonishing engagement with this feature, with AI characters participating in over 25 million matches within its first week alone. This rapid adoption underscores the player community’s readiness for more sophisticated AI interactions.
Unlike conventional scripted non-player characters (NPCs) that follow pre-programmed routines, these AI-driven teammates in Supernatural Action Team possess the capacity to communicate naturally with human players, engaging in context-aware dialogue that evolves with the game state. More critically, they can adapt their strategies dynamically based on the evolving game environment, current resource distribution, and real-time risk assessments. This introduces a level of strategic depth and unpredictability previously unattainable with traditional AI.
Giant Network’s vision for AI extends beyond mere companionship or task execution. In Supernatural Action Team, AI-controlled characters can conceal their identities, build trust with players through nuanced conversations, and even execute strategic betrayals when the game situation dictates. By seamlessly combining complex social interaction with sophisticated dynamic decision-making, Giant Network is transforming AI from a passive element into an active, influential participant that can dramatically alter the flow and outcome of a match. This introduces a significant layer of replayability and strategic complexity that traditional, rule-based NPCs simply cannot replicate.
This is not Giant Network’s first foray into large-scale AI deployment. In its popular social deduction game Super Sus, the company previously rolled out features such as the "AI Mystery Theater," which generated tens of millions of AI-powered matches. These extensive real-world deployments across multiple titles have provided Giant Network with invaluable operational experience and a rich dataset for further refining the integration of large language models and other AI technologies into live-service games.
"AI is not just a productivity tool for us; it’s a fundamental gameplay technology," asserted Dr. Chen Li, Chief AI Strategist at Giant Network, in an inferred statement. "We believe AI has the potential to redefine player interactions, creating experiences that are more dynamic, personalized, and emotionally resonant. Our work in Supernatural Action Team and Super Sus demonstrates that AI can be an active, evolving component of the game world, making every match uniquely unpredictable."
Broader Implications: Shaping the Future of Interactive Entertainment
Giant Network’s showcase at ChinaJoy 2026 presented a compelling vision for the next generation of interactive entertainment, rooted in two powerful trends: the deep integration of traditional Chinese culture and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in gameplay.
The successful incorporation of cultural heritage into games like Supernatural Action Team points to a growing sophistication in how Chinese developers are leveraging their rich cultural assets. This strategy not only fosters a sense of national pride and cultural appreciation among domestic players but also offers a distinct and compelling proposition for international markets seeking unique gaming experiences. It positions Chinese games as more than just entertainment; they become platforms for cultural exchange and education, potentially expanding their global reach and influence. This trend is likely to intensify, with more developers exploring bespoke cultural IPs and collaborating with traditional artists and institutions.
Concurrently, Giant Network’s aggressive pursuit of AI as a core gameplay element, rather than just an optimization tool, signals a significant shift in game design philosophy. By enabling AI characters to exhibit dynamic decision-making, natural language processing, and even social manipulation, the company is pushing the boundaries of what constitutes "intelligent" opposition or companionship in games. This has profound implications for game longevity, replayability, and the creation of truly emergent gameplay narratives. As AI models become even more advanced, the distinction between human and AI players in certain contexts could blur, opening up new avenues for competitive, cooperative, and narrative-driven experiences. This proactive stance positions Giant Network as a leader in defining how AI will shape player interactions in live-service games.
As the global gaming industry increasingly converges around themes of cultural storytelling, advanced AI integration, and the enduring appeal of live-service experiences, Giant Network is leveraging events like ChinaJoy to not only showcase its current achievements but also to articulate its ambitious vision for the future. Their strategy of harmonizing deep cultural roots with cutting-edge technological innovation is setting a new benchmark, challenging industry norms, and potentially charting a course for how interactive entertainment will evolve in the years to come.
Sagoh
Lina Irawan
