NetEase Games to Compete in 2026 Asian Games, China Eyes Esports Medals
NetEase's games Naraka: Bladepoint and Identity V are set to debut at the 2026 Asian Games. China's national teams aim for gold medals in both titles, with competition schedules now released.
The 2026 Asian Games, which commenced on September 19, will feature two NetEase-developed esports titles, Naraka: Bladepoint and Identity V, marking their debut on the continental stage. Both games are seen as key opportunities for China to secure esports medals.
Naraka: Bladepoint, the only esports title at the games based on traditional Chinese martial arts, will begin competition on September 23, with China's team scheduled to take the first shot at an esports gold medal. Identity V, which enters the games as the first asymmetric competition title in its history, will hold its matches from September 28 to 30.
Both Chinese national teams achieved perfect records in the qualification rounds for their respective games, advancing to the main tournament. The released schedules and confirmed rosters indicate the teams are prepared to compete for the highest honors.
Naraka: Bladepoint integrates martial arts moves and spirit into competitive gameplay with unique mechanics like "Zhen Dao" (blade-fanning counter) and grappling hook mobility. Identity V is noted as the first asymmetric competitive game to be included in the Asian Games program.
The esports events at the 2026 Asian Games run from September 22 to October 2. Naraka: Bladepoint competitions are slated for September 23-24, and Identity V matches are scheduled for September 28-30.