NetEase's New Game 'Chi Da Che' Beta, Two miHoYo Titles May Test, 2026 Layoffs Exceed 10K: Industry Weekly

Summary

This week’s industry highlights include the first beta test of NetEase’s new title “Chi Da Che”, two likely upcoming tests from miHoYo, and reports that game industry layoffs exceeded 10,000 in 2026. Meanwhile, Lu Hongyan, chairman of G-bits, shared his view at an earnings call: the future of gaming may consist of numerous “super individuals” and a few “super companies”, squeezing mid-tier studios out of new opportunities. With AI becoming more capable, more all-round developers will emerge and produce high-quality products. These events matter because they signal intensifying competition and a reshaping of talent structures. Players can expect more new titles and more choices; professionals should adapt by leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity. The industry is shifting from large-team collaboration toward extreme individual capability and resource concentration, creating both challenges and possibilities. The moves by major players like NetEase and miHoYo show that big companies continue to invest, while layoff reports remind the market of uncertainty. Lu’s comments highlight how AI is transforming game production, enabling smaller teams to do work that once required many people. The gaming landscape in 2026 may become more polarized, a trend worth watching.