A conceptual image shows the Beijing theme park of Universal Beijing Resort. Photo: Xinhua

A number of Chinese netizens do not buy the story that Universal Beijing Resort said it plans to bring in Tencent Games roles in 2022 into the theme park which will commence operations in May this year.

Announcing the cooperation with Tencent Interactive Entertainment on its official Weibo account on Wednesday, Universal Beijing Resort posted a picture with roles in Tencent Games, including Honor of Kings, Game for Peace and Happy Landlords, standing in front of animated theme park. 

Under the partnership, Universal Beijing Resort will introduce Tencent Games' most popular IP within future seasonal events, marking the first-ever integration between high-profile Chinese IP with a world renowned theme park, the resort said in an announcement on its website on Wednesday. 

"The IP, popular among new generation of Chinese consumers will make its debut in the seasonal activities of Universal Beijing Resort in 2022, to bring a comprehensive and immersive entertainment experience to all guests," read the statement. 

However, such partnership was criticized by many Weibo users who said they don't want to see Tencent gaming IPs in the theme park. 

"Let's make it clear. We go to Universal Beijing Resort for the sake of its own IP!!! There is nothing to do with Tencent!!!" a Weibo user commented under the post. 

"You didn't really think the attraction of magic world is worse than Tencent, did you?" another netizen commented on Wednesday. 

Some Chinese netizens also said their expectation for the world famous theme park in Beijing is falling day by day. A promotional video released in November 2020 by the Universal Beijing Resort was taunted by Chinese netizens due to its perceived poor design. 

But Tencent game lovers said they would love to visit the park. Honor of Kings and Game for Peace are high popular and Tencent is a good fit for Universal Studios to explore the Chinese market, a Weibo user commented. 

Responding to the comments, Universal Beijing Resort said on Wednesday it appreciated the feedback from netizens on its official Weibo account, adding the studios' classic IPs will be introduced during the spring and summer. 

It is not the first time for Universal Studios to introduce gaming IP into one of their parks. The Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan, attracting many Chinese fans, was scheduled to be opened on February 4th, but a state of emergency in Japan postponed the launch date. 

Located in Beijing's eastern district of Tongzhou, Universal Beijing Resort will be the largest Universal Studios in the world. Chinese amusement park lovers will be able to explore seven themed lands including the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Transformers: Metrobase, Minion Land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, Hollywood and WaterWorld.

Global Times