Tencent Holdings‘ latest mobile game “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” has swiftly become the top-selling app on Apple’s App Store in China, surpassing the company’s other flagship games. Launched on May 21, the game quickly claimed the number one spot and has remained there, according to app tracking platform Appmagic. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Tencent, which had been searching for a new marquee title for years.
The side-scrolling action game, developed by South Korea’s Nexon (3659.T) and published by Tencent, has captivated the Chinese gaming audience. It surged to the top of the charts within hours of its release and has maintained its position since then. This rapid success demonstrates the game’s strong appeal and Tencent’s effective marketing strategies.
Key Performance Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 21, 2024 |
| Top-Selling App Rank in China | 1st |
| Global Rank (Last Week) | 2nd |
| Revenue on Apple Devices | $40 million |
| Downloads | 2.4 million+ |
| Expected Gross Billings (1st Month) | 3 billion yuan (~$206.95 million) |
- Developed by South Korea’s Nexon and published by Tencent.
- Became top-selling app in China within hours of launch.
- Estimated $40 million in revenue from Apple devices.
- Over 2.4 million downloads.
- Ranked as the second top-selling app globally last week.
For years, Tencent’s “Honor of Kings” and “Peacekeeper Elites” have dominated China’s gaming market. However, these titles have recently shown signs of declining revenue, prompting Tencent to seek new successful ventures. “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” appears to be the solution, offering a fresh and engaging gaming experience that has resonated well with players.
Globally, “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” ranked as the world’s second top-selling app last week, only trailing behind the popular short video platform TikTok. It outperformed other major apps such as Honor of Kings and YouTube, which ranked third and fourth, respectively, according to Appmagic. This global success underscores the game’s broad appeal and Tencent’s ability to produce internationally competitive titles.
The game has achieved remarkable financial success in a short period. According to Appmagic, “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” is estimated to have earned more than $40 million in revenue on Apple devices alone, with over 2.4 million downloads. Robin Zhu, a senior analyst at Bernstein, corroborates these figures, noting that Appmagic’s data aligns with those recorded by another app tracking firm, Sensor Tower.
Zhu emphasizes that the actual revenue generated by the game is even higher, as the $40 million figure only represents Tencent’s and Nexon’s share, excluding Apple’s portion of the revenue. He estimates that the gross billings, which refer to the total amount spent by users on the game, range between 1.2 to 1.5 billion yuan ($206.95 million) since its launch. This robust performance aligns with Nexon’s expectations of achieving 3 billion yuan in gross billings during the game’s first month.
“Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” is a mobile adaptation of the highly successful “Dungeon and Fighter” computer game, which is among the world’s most profitable computer games. Tencent also publishes the computer version, highlighting its long-standing partnership with Nexon.
The mobile game has been in development for seven years and was first released in South Korea in 2022, where it quickly became a hit. However, its release in China faced delays due to regulatory challenges. Between 2018 and 2022, the Chinese government imposed strict regulations on the gaming industry, which affected the game’s launch timeline.
The strong performance of “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” suggests a promising future for Tencent’s gaming division. As the company continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, it is likely to maintain its position as a leading player in the global gaming market. The game’s success also reflects the growing demand for high-quality, engaging mobile games in China and beyond.
Tencent’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and deliver successful titles like “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” demonstrates its resilience and strategic acumen. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Tencent is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and maintain its competitive edge.
The launch of “Dungeon and Fighter: Origin” marks a significant achievement for Tencent, reaffirming its status as a dominant force in the gaming industry. The game’s rapid ascent to the top of the charts and its substantial revenue generation highlight the effectiveness of Tencent’s strategies and the enduring appeal of its games. As Tencent continues to innovate and expand its gaming portfolio, it is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
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