ChinaJoy: The next generation of Chinese video games

Dozens of domestic and international gaming companies set up elaborate booths featuring singers, dancers and actors and actresses dressed in cosplay to showcase their newest and hottest games at ChinaJoy, China’s largest gaming and digital entertainment conference. 

All the big names were there, including Tencent, Shanda, Blizzard and Electronic Arts while MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), a Chinese favorite in the gaming space, dominated the scene. Notably absent were games for social networking sites, which has been a huge moneymaker via sales of virtual goods on social networks across China and the region as a whole. 

CNNGo joined thousands of Chinese gaming fanatics to test the best games expected this year. Here is a sample of what we found.

Black Prophecy

Game developer: gamigo

A sci-fi space MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) that moves towards action-oriented game play from a third person and first person perspective. The game shown at ChinaJoy brings players into outter space while slamming them with hard-hitting action sequences. Using impressive graphics, players travel to just about every corner of the galaxy gamigo could think up where they choose whether to join the genetically altered Genides or the cybernetically enhanced Tyi. Tough one. The game also features real-time battles and a modular system of spaceship construction, meaning if you can imagine a spaceship, you can build it here. 

League of Legends

Game developer: Tencent

League of Legends is similar to the legendary World of Warcraft, only with a single hero setting. From the design to the program itself, the game is a salute to Blizzard, creator of World of Warcraft. However true WoW fans will likely play the original instead of this homegrown Chinese version.

King of Kings III

Game developer: Giant Interactive Group, Inc.

King of Kings III is a free-to-play 2.5D MMORPG. Keeping from blending into the MMORPG is the fact that it includes 27 “ultimate professions” and self developed cities. Gamers are invited to engage in wars and engrave their legends in King of Kings. The story line follows a "mystical tale" of dragons, princes and warriors fighting the God of War, Hama, and his followers. The game was launched in China this spring.

QQ Racing

Game developer: Tencent

Located in a special VIP viewing booth at ChinaJoy, this racing game features NVIDIA 3D technology (hence the blurry screen in the video), immersing players into a high-speed virtual experience on the racetrack. Tencent staff said the game will be released later this year.

Flying a Dragon in the Sky

Game developer: Tencent

Similar to Dynasty Warriors, a game created by Japanese developers Omega Force and Koei, this action-packed fighting game shown at ChinaJoy centers on heroes from the Han Dynasty combined with elements from modern China.

Happy Boom

Game developer: URGamer Network Information Technology Co.

Due out later this summer in China, Shanghai-based URGamer’s Happy Boom combines 3D graphics with the disco -- ideal for the non-gamers to get into the game. The MMOG allows players to buy virtual goods -- trendy clothes and accessories -- and compete in dance-offs to advance to higher levels, which means access to VIP clubs and special events.

Capsule Fighter Online

Game developer: 9You

Developed by the South Korea-based gaming company Softmax, China-based 9You signed a license agreement for this MMOTPS (massively multiplayer online third person) game in 2008 and are revamping it this year. Players can command different eras, including Universal Century, Cosmic Era and Future Century. Check out CNNGo's interview with 9You's co-founder Freddie Yang as he gives us his insights into the Chinese gaming world.

Galaxy (Nvidia)

Game developer: EA