Tencent's AI game companion 'ge ci yuan' in secret testing

Tencent is currently conducting a secret internal test of an AI game companion product called 'Ge Ci Yuan,' which features digital human AI companions capable of voice dialogue, real-time visual recognition, and game companionship. The product includes a variety of male and female virtual characters with distinct personalities, allowing players to engage in casual conversations or activate dedicated game companion modes compatible with multiple mainstream online games. All features are temporarily free, with a framework for paying with star coins to unlock energy, hinting at future monetization strategies. According to IT Home, the 'Game Vocational Skills Certification Platform,' guided by the China Communications Industry Association's Electronic Sports Branch, launched in November 2024, offering certifications for game coaches and game companions. The 2025 China Game Industry Report indicated that domestic game revenue reached 350.789 billion yuan, a 7.68% increase from the previous year, with a user base of 683 million, up 1.35%. The game industry's downstream services, including game coaching and esports guidance, are growing rapidly and creating new opportunities for flexible employment among young workers.