NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment’s Lin’an Studio have unveiled Blood Message, a cinematic, single-player action-adventure in development for PC and consoles. Created with Unreal Engine 5 and enhanced by the studio’s proprietary tools, Blood Message is NetEase Games’ first AAA single-player experience, blending brutal survival combat with deep Eastern storytelling.
Check out the official announcement trailer for Blood Message below.
Set during the final years of the Tang Dynasty, Blood Message follows a nameless messenger and his young son as they join Dunhuang’s uprising. Amid shifting sands and brutal landscapes, this father and son must navigate a collapsing world torn between loyalty to family and honor to country. The long journey stretches across 3,000 li (~1,000 miles) from the desert ruins of Dunhuang to the heart of the Tang Empire in Chang’an, challenging players to survive brutal sieges, harsh terrain, and overwhelming odds.
After watching the trailer a few times, it really feels like Blood Message is influenced by other titles such as Assassin’s Creed and Uncharted, with some Chinese flair being sprinkled in, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’ll never say no to a single-player adventure title, and this one seems like it’s going to be epic (pun intended).
Key Features of Blood Message:
- Narrative-driven gameplay: An emotional, cinematic story inspired by Eastern heritage and history.
- Visceral, realistic combat: A blend of stealth and survival mechanics that demands precision and grit.
- Rich cultural experience: Expansive landscapes inspired by the diverse terrains and heritage of East and Central Asia, including Dunhuang.
- Theme of sacrifice and honor: An emotional journey exploring family, loyalty, and the nature of remembrance itself.
With Blood Message, NetEase Games aims to shed light on those often forgotten by history. The development team offers a profound answer to the question: “How can countless ordinary people—smaller than dust—leave a mark on history?” The remembrance and praise of future generations become their eternal monument. This is not a tale of emperors and generals, but of ordinary people rising to extraordinary resolve, making a stand when history forgets and warriors remember.
“We are ushering players into a new generation of high adventure with Blood Message,” said Zhipeng Hu, Lead Producer and NetEase Executive Vice President. “After two decades of deep dedication to the gaming industry, we’re proud to present our first completely single‑player focused experience from NetEase Games — a truly epic and cinematic journey for players around the world.”
I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on this one, and if you enjoy single-player adventure titles, you should, too. And since Blood Message was just announced, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a release date anytime soon.
