Shanghai’s Ambition: Elevating its Game Development Industry to Global Standards
Summary:
- Liu Wei, president of MiHoYo, advocates for Shanghai to transition from a content provider to a global digital culture architect.
- He emphasizes the importance of developing "root technology" and participating in global digital cultural rule-making.
- MiHoYo’s contribution to the local economy was recognized with a significant award, reflecting the city’s supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
On February 5th, Liu Wei, a deputy at the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress and the founder and president of the prominent game development company MiHoYo, shared groundbreaking insights regarding the future of Shanghai’s gaming industry. His views, articulated during a recent report, underscore the city’s unparalleled potential in the global digital landscape.
Liu Wei emphasized that Shanghai’s game industry boasts world-class capabilities and should aspire to elevate its role beyond merely being a "content provider." He advocates transforming the city into an "architect" of the global digital cultural ecosystem. This vision is not just about expanding local capabilities; it reflects a larger ambition for Shanghai to be at the forefront of digital innovation and cultural exchange.
The Pursuit of Root Technologies
In his remarks, Liu Wei underscored the necessity for policy support for sectors like integrated circuits and biomedicine, pivotal for propelling digital cultural creation. He urged the city to focus efforts on the development of "root technology." This entails mastering critical components such as graphics engines, cloud-native architectures, and generative AI models. By concentrating on these foundational technologies, Shanghai can effectively seize control of global cultural communication, ensuring that it is not merely a participant but a leader in setting trends and standards.
Crafting Global Cultural Standards
Liu Wei believes that Shanghai’s strengths in talent, capital, and its comprehensive industrial chain enable it to play a crucial role in formulating global digital cultural norms. This includes defining standards for digital asset ownership, creating interaction protocols for the metaverse, and establishing ethical guidelines for generative AI. He envisions Shanghai companies, under government guidance, courageously expressing a "Shanghai voice" on the international stage, thereby influencing and shaping the future digital landscape.
Recognition and Commitment to Local Development
Recently, MiHoYo was awarded the "14th Five-Year Plan" Outstanding Contribution Award for High-Quality Development by the People’s Government of Xuhui District in Shanghai, recognizing its significant impact on the local economy. Liu Wei expressed gratitude for the innovative and entrepreneurial environment fostered by Xuhui, declaring that MiHoYo will remain committed to rooting its operations in the district while actively contributing to economic and social progress.
The Future of Game Development
In a related discussion, Cai Haoyu, another founder and former chairman of MiHoYo, shared his reflections on the transformative impact of AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generated Content) on the gaming industry via his LinkedIn profile. He posits that the future of game development will feature a bifurcation into two distinct categories: top-tier geniuses and amateurs. This evolution may signal a paradigm shift requiring ordinary to professional game developers to reconsider their career trajectories.
Conclusion
The insights presented by Liu Wei and the recognition of MiHoYo’s achievements mark a significant moment for Shanghai’s aspirations in the global digital sector. By striving to develop essential technological frameworks and establishing Shanghai as a cultural thought leader, the city is poised to redefine its role on the international stage.
As Shanghai propels itself into the future of digital culture, it is not just about innovation in game development; it is about harnessing this innovation to create a rich and interconnected global cultural tapestry. Through collaboration, visionary leadership, and a commitment to technological excellence, Shanghai can indeed fashion itself into a premier digital culture architect.
