Blood Message: China’s Next Big AAA Game After Wukong

Following Black Myth Wukong, developed by Chinese game studio Game Science, China is preparing to launch its next big AAA game, Blood Message. Wukong sold over 10 million copies in the first three days, making it one of the fastest-selling games ever. It sets a high standard and raises expectations for game developers worldwide. Blood Message is created by NetEase Games, and this marks their first AAA project. Last week, they released the game’s world premiere trailer, which many say looks even better than Wukong’s trailer. Let’s explore more about Blood Message below.

Blood Message: NetEase’s First AAA Game

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Blood Message is a third-person action-adventure game developed by NetEase Games. Though NetEase has been developing hit games for over two decades, Bloog Message serves as the first AAA title for NetEase. So far, NetEase has developed and published various games such as Marvel Rivals, Identity V, Naraka: Bladepoint, FragPunk, ANANTA, Sea of Remnants, and many more.

Blood Message is based on the true historical event of Dunhuang’s Uprising. It takes place in ancient China, during the late Tang Dynasty in 848 AD, highlighting the customs, culture, and history of that era. Players will assume the role of a nameless messenger on a crucial mission to deliver a message that could determine their homeland’s future.

Alongside his son, the second protagonist, they must survive relentless enemy sieges across over 1,000 miles. They need to beat impossible odds to reach the heart of the Tang Empire, Chang’an. Furthermore, the game offers a cinematic, single-player, story-driven experience that combines brutal survival combat with deep Eastern storytelling. Unlike tales of emperors and warriors, Blood Message celebrates the unsung heroes.

Blood Message Key Features

The main features include:

Story-Driven Gameplay: The game centers on a compelling, movie-like story that immerses you in every scene.
Realistic, Intense Combat: Fights feel authentic, combining stealth, survival, and action to keep gameplay exciting and dangerous.
Emotional and Deep Narrative: The story explores themes like family, honor, sacrifice, and staying true to one’s roots.
Beautiful, Diverse Environments: Players will explore vast landscapes inspired by the varied regions of East and Central Asia, such as the deserts of Dunhuang.

China’s Next Big AAA Game

Black Myth: Wukong was more than just a hit; it marked a breakthrough for Chinese game development. Its success both domestically and internationally proved that Chinese studios can craft world-class AAA titles that resonate globally. Inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West, it revitalized interest in Chinese mythology and set a high bar for storytelling, world-building, and visual quality within the Wuxia genre.

Now, Blood Message aims to carry that torch. Unlike Wukong’s mythological origins, Blood Message finds its heart in a real, impactful piece of Chinese history, the Dunhuang Uprising. Where a father and son navigate through a collapsing world, forced to choose between family and duty. While Wukong told the story of a legendary figure, the other one celebrates the bravery of everyday people who fight not for fame, but for what they believe in.

The latest trailer offers a first look at the game’s cinematic storytelling, brutal but grounded combat, and stunning landscapes inspired by Dunhuang’s deserts and heritage. We see realistic visuals, intimate character moments, and intense battles that blend stealth, survival, and strategic thinking. If Wukong marked China’s mythological gaming rise, Blood Message might be its historical epic that continues China’s AAA journey.

“We are ushering players into a new generation of high adventure with Blood Message,” said Zhipeng Hu, Lead Producer and NetEase’s Executive Vice President. “As our first fully single-player experience from NetEase Games, after twenty years of dedication to gaming, we are ready to deliver an epic, cinematic experience for players worldwide.”

Blood Message Release Date and Platforms

Currently, there is no official release date for Blood Message. It has been confirmed for PC and next-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. One should keep in mind that Black Myth: Wukong was first announced in 2020 and released in August 2024. Will Blood Message follow the same timeline? We don’t know yet, but there is a possibility of something similar happening as the game is still in development.

Summary

Blood Message is NetEase’s first AAA title, set during the Dunhuang Uprising in ancient China. Building on the success of Black Myth: Wukong, this cinematic, single-player adventure delivers a powerful, emotional story of a father and son caught between duty and family. With stunning visuals, intense survival combat, and a rich historical setting, this action-adventure game is shaping up to be China’s next AAA hit, available on PC and consoles.