CHINESE CHARACTERS

玩: The Character That Tempts Both Joy and Danger

Over the centuries, the character 玩 has evolved from encapsulating an appreciation for jade to describing a state of entertainment and even a lack of commitment

ARTS

Before “Black Myth,” Other Games Tapped into Chinese Culture

From almost the very beginning, video games have drawn inspiration from Chinese literature

ENTERTAINMENT

Little Tyrants: A Brief History of Chinese Video Game Consoles

A new generation of researchers and archivists reexamines the underappreciated history of China-made video game consoles, challenging long-held notions about the devices remembered dearly by millions of Chinese

ENTERTAINMENT

Throwing Eggs: How “Guandan” Became China’s Favorite Card Game

The regional card game “guandan,” literally “throwing eggs,” has become one of the country’s most popular social activities

SOCIETY

The Business of Murder: Regulations Hit Role-Playing Murder Mystery Games

Do government regulations mark the death sentence of the role-playing murder game industry?

FEMINISM

EDG’s Epic Win Highlights Misogyny in the Gaming World

Chinese esports team’s victory triggers rape threats and sexual harassment from male fans

SPORTS

On Top of Her Game

Li Xiaomeng is breaking barriers as one of the world’s first female esports champions

ENTERTAINMENT

Game Over?

China may have as many as 459 million gamers, but the industry is plagued with design and regulatory problems—and now a freeze on production

LIFE, TECHNOLOGY

Claw Back

After a 13-year ban, “Crane Game” machines are the latest fad for Chinese shoppers

ENTERTAINMENT

Board to Death

Tabletop gamers gather weekly in bars to strategize—and “slay” each other