Promotional material for Sword of Justice Photo: Courtesy of NetEase

NetEase Games' open-world MMORPG Sword of Justice (逆水寒) officially launched worldwide on Friday, for PC (Steam and NetEase Launcher) and mobile (iOS and Android) with full cross-platform play. 

The game has won an overwhelming global success. With over 10 million overseas pre-registrations, Sword of Justice is quickly climbing to the top of the free download charts on the App Store in countries such as Japan,Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and maintaining a strong performance across major Western markets. 

"The martial arts-themed open world, deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture, has offered Japanese players a fresh and immersive experience." Praised by major Japanese media outlets, Sword of Justice is being hailed as a new benchmark for games inspired by Chinese aesthetics, highlighting the rising global competitiveness of China's digital entertainment industry.

With its core concept of "a living martial arts world," the game authentically showcases the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), serving as a vital bridge for cross-cultural communication. On social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, Sword of Justice has sparked lively discussions among global players. From intricate tea ceremonies and classical Chinese poetry to grand architectural designs, refined character customization, and graceful traditional dances, the game offers an immersive world where culture and gameplay seamlessly merge - marking a new milestone in cross-cultural exchange.

Technological innovation continues to drive cultural communication to new heights. Powered by cutting-edge graphics technology, Sword of Justice delivers a stunning visual experience featuring panoramic real-time ray tracing - a capability that previously drew praise from Apple CEO Tim Cook during a live demonstration. The game also incorporates an advanced AI-driven NPC system developed by NetEase's Fuxi Lab, allowing hundreds of in-game characters to hold natural conversations, recall player interactions, and respond dynamically. This breakthrough not only enhances immersion but also enables players to craft their own narratives within a truly living, interactive world.

The global launch version upholds the game's long-standing principle of "fair play without pay-to-win mechanics," ensuring an equal and enjoyable experience for players worldwide. Blending profound cultural heritage with modern interactive entertainment, Sword of Justice sets a new model for globally accessible, culturally inspired gaming experiences, highlighting how Chinese creativity continues to reach and resonate with audiences around the world.

Teng Yishu, associate professor at the Institute for Cultural Innovation and Communication, Beijing Normal University, remarked, "The global success of Sword of Justice demonstrates that China's digital creative industry has developed its strength to compete on the international cultural stage. By merging cutting-edge technology with traditional cultural heritage, Sword of Justice has opened new frontiers for the global reach of Chinese culture."

As Sword of Justice continues to captivate players around the world, its success not only represents a breakthrough for Chinese-developed MMORPGs but also signals a major step forward for China's digital cultural exports - underscoring the nation's growing influence as a leader in technological innovation and cultural exchange within the global gaming industry.