Ex-Papergames and Happy Elements Members Form Team, Betting on a Genre Big Studios Avoid

Summary

Yishi zhi Mao is a buy-to-play action RPG that is expected to feature 15-20 hours of gameplay, with combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving each accounting for roughly one-third of the experience. In the first-reveal PV from the recent showcase, the black cat Mio can shrink to perch on the shoulder of the heroine Molly, or transform into a huge beast that can carry her across wilderness, ruins, and the remains of giants while battling mechanical sentinels. The team said the game is inspired by Outer Wilds and TUNIC, embracing a knowledge-driven experience where players acquire information through observation and logical deduction to progress, rather than relying on conventional quest markers. This design is quite rare in the current Chinese 3D action game scene, which has become highly competitive. By carving out this niche, the studio is betting on a path that big companies are reluctant to take, and it could offer players a refreshing 'explore-and-learn' loop. For the industry, the project is a test of whether small teams can win with creative design innovations rather than high production scale. Released information indicates the game is planned to launch in about two years, with platforms not yet specified, though a PC release is widely anticipated. The studio, founded by veterans from Papergames and Happy Elements, has already attracted attention due to its pedigree and…