Guangzhou, China and Los Angeles, United States, June 19, 2025 – In a groundbreaking announcement, NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment 临安 (Lin’an) Studio have unveiled their latest project, Blood Message. This cinematic, single-player, linear story-driven action-adventure is currently in development for PC and consoles. Utilizing the power of Unreal 5 Engine, enhanced by proprietary tools from the studio, Blood Message marks NetEase Games’ first foray into AAA single-player titles, combining intense survival combat with rich Eastern storytelling.
Blood Message invites players into a forgotten odyssey of loyalty and survival, set against the backdrop of Dunhuang’s uprising. Players will assume the role of a nameless messenger and his young son, embarking on a perilous journey to deliver a message that could alter the fate of their war-torn homeland. This immersive third-person action-adventure is set during the final years of the Tang Dynasty, offering a cultural landmark of Chinese history as its narrative framework.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The setting of Blood Message during the Tang Dynasty is not merely a backdrop but a vital component of the storytelling. Players will traverse a treacherous 3,000-li (approximately 1,000 miles) journey back to Chang’an, the heart of the Tang Empire. This journey is fraught with challenges, including desolate deserts and the vast wilderness of East and Central Asia, where players must survive brutal sieges and unforgiving terrain.
The Tang Dynasty, known for its cultural, political, and economic achievements, provides a rich tapestry for the game’s narrative. The era’s customs, culture, and history are intricately woven into the gameplay, offering players a deeply immersive experience that goes beyond mere entertainment.
Gameplay Features and Innovations
Blood Message is designed to deliver a narrative-driven gameplay experience anchored in cinematic storytelling. The game features visceral, realistic combat that blends stealth and survival mechanics, offering players a deeply emotional journey that explores themes of family, honor, sacrifice, and cultural identity.
- Narrative-driven gameplay anchored in cinematic storytelling
- Visceral, realistic combat blending stealth and survival mechanics
- A deeply emotional journey exploring themes of family, honor, sacrifice, and cultural identity
- Expansive landscapes inspired by the diverse terrains of East and Central Asia, such as Dunhuang (敦煌)
The development team at 24 Entertainment 临安 (Lin’an) Studio aims to answer the question:
“How can countless ordinary people—smaller than dust—leave a mark on history?”
Their answer is that the remembrance and praise of future generations become their eternal monument. Blood Message invites players to step into the shoes of unsung heroes, ordinary people driven by extraordinary resolve, navigating a collapsing world torn between duty to country and love for family.
Expert Opinions and Industry Impact
According to Zhipeng Hu, Lead Producer and NetEase Executive Vice President,
“We are ushering players into a new generation of high adventure with Blood Message. As our first completely single-player focused experience from NetEase Games, after two decades of deep dedication to the gaming industry, we are prepared to deliver a truly epic and cinematic experience for players around the world.”
The launch of Blood Message represents a significant shift for NetEase Games, traditionally known for its multiplayer and online gaming experiences. This move into the AAA single-player market could signal a broader trend within the industry, as developers seek to diversify their offerings and reach new audiences.
Looking Forward
As Blood Message continues its development, anticipation builds among gamers and industry analysts alike. The game is poised to set a new standard for narrative-driven action-adventures, blending historical depth with cutting-edge technology. Players and critics will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds.
For more information about Blood Message, please visit www.blood-message.com. Follow Blood Message on YouTube and X for the latest updates.
About NetEase Games: NetEase Games, the online games division of NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999), is a leading global developer and publisher of video game IP across a variety of genres and platforms. Their portfolio includes titles such as Marvel Rivals, Knives Out, and Naraka: Bladepoint, and partnerships with major entertainment brands such as Warner Bros and Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary). For more information, please visit neteasegames.com.
