Animated series draws from tradition and plays on game origins

The mobile game Honor of Kings, celebrated for its intuitive gameplay, diverse hero roster and immersive multiplayer experience, has achieved widespread acclaim domestically and internationally.

Recently, a new 3D animated series based on the game's heroic characters and underlying narratives has been released. This four-episode animation centers around the game's hero, Li Bai, who has become immensely popular among young gaming enthusiasts.

Set against the backdrop of a fictional world, the storyline revolves around Li's quest for family and homecoming, through the adventurous journey of the youth in the city of Chang'an.

In the story, the young protagonist, who is brimming with poetic talent and martial skills, leaves his hometown of Suiyue city to venture to the bustling metropolis of Chang'an.

There, he hopes to witness the most beautiful things in the world but becomes ensnared by the opulence and extravagance of the city.

A letter from home prompts Li to return, only for him to discover that his hometown has mysteriously vanished.

In the process of unraveling this enigma, he gradually realizes the importance of his roots and that the most beautiful thing could also be familial bonds.

Li undergoes a spiritual transformation, ultimately growing into a true hero.

The series started to air on Tencent's video-sharing platform on Saturday.

It seeks to portray heroes embodying traditional Chinese culture and values, emphasizing the principles of truth, kindness and beauty inherent in Chinese traditions.

The four episodes use family as a starting point to portray the preciousness of one's hometown, aiming to shed light on reality, according to Lu Keyan, one of the animation's producers.

"In the present context, where many young individuals leave their hometowns for urban areas, the series seeks to resonate with the homesickness experienced by contemporary youth who are working in places away from their roots," he adds.