New Game Blood Message Channels Assassin’s Creed and Ghost of Tsushima in Ancient China
- Sagar Mankar
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
NetEase has officially announced Blood Message, a new single-player, story-driven action-adventure game currently in development for PC and consoles. Developed by 24 Entertainment, the studio best known for Naraka: Bladepoint, this title marks NetEase’s first major push into AAA solo experiences.
Set against the backdrop of the Dunhuang Uprising in 848 AD during the late Tang Dynasty, Blood Message follows the perilous journey of a nameless messenger and his young son. Their mission? Deliver a crucial message that could alter the fate of their homeland—all while navigating a brutal 3,000-li (roughly 1,000-mile) journey through enemy-infested territories and unforgiving landscapes.
While no release date has been confirmed yet, Blood Message is already drawing attention for its stunning visuals and cinematic presentation. The reveal trailer, clocking in at around five minutes, blends action-packed sequences with dramatic storytelling, showcasing the game’s heavy emphasis on atmosphere and emotional depth. Though it’s still unclear how much of the footage represents actual gameplay, the overall tone has sparked comparisons to Uncharted, Tomb Raider, and Ghost of Tsushima.
According to NetEase, the game will feature “visceral, realistic combat blending stealth and survival mechanics,” alongside expansive terrains inspired by the diverse landscapes of East and Central Asia. In a press statement, NetEase executive vice president Zhipeng Hu described Blood Message as a new generation of high adventure, promising a “truly epic and cinematic experience” rooted in Eastern storytelling.
In terms of gameplay, Blood Message is not being pitched as a Soulslike or an open-world RPG. Instead, the focus lies on a tightly crafted, linear experience with high production value. That said, the environments appear to be richly detailed and varied—expect everything from arid deserts to dense forests and ancient cityscapes.
Thematically, the game is all about unsung heroes. The blurb released by the developers emphasizes that this isn’t a tale of emperors and generals, but of ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances. The central narrative revolves around loyalty—both familial and national—and how far one is willing to go to honor it.
What also stands out is how Blood Message contributes to a growing trend: big-budget, narrative-rich games emerging from China. Following the buzz around Black Myth: Wukong, a wave of ambitious Chinese-developed titles such as Phantom Blade Zero, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Tides of Annihilation, and Lost Soul Aside are now getting more attention in Western markets. While many of these titles are still in development, the bar is clearly rising, and Blood Message seems poised to be part of this cultural shift.
Social media buzz has been overwhelmingly positive since the announcement. Fans on platforms like YouTube and X have expressed excitement, with many pointing out the game’s similarities to fan-favorite titles like Assassin’s Creed, The Last of Us, Hellblade II, and even God of War—particularly due to its father-son dynamic, moody tone, and intense close-quarters combat.
Still, there are plenty of unanswered questions. For one, the exact platforms haven’t been specified, though PC and “consoles” are confirmed. The development team has also remained tight-lipped about a release window, suggesting it may still be some time before players get their hands on it. Even so, Blood Message has successfully planted its flag as one of the most promising new IPs on the horizon.
Watch the "Blood Message" trailer below:
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