Chinese tech giant Tencent has been facing challenges in the gaming industry amid increased competition and government intervention. However, Pony Ma, the company’s CEO, has revealed a strategic plan to overcome these difficulties by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their business.
During Tencent’s annual meeting, Ma acknowledged the setbacks the company has encountered but also expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Gaming is our flagship business…But in the past year, we have faced significant challenges. We have found ourselves at a loss, as our competitors continue to produce new products, leaving us feeling having achieved nothing.”
Despite the tough competition, Ma emphasized the potential of AI in revitalizing Tencent’s gaming business. He stated, “We can finally follow the pace of the first-tier companies. We don’t count ourselves as the most leading but at least we are not too behind.”
Recognizing the potential of AI, Tencent is focusing on integrating its own Hunyuan AI model across its business operations to enhance efficiency rather than developing outward-facing AI products. Additionally, Ma highlighted the need to innovate and evolve WeChat, Tencent’s popular social network platform, declaring, “Now how we can find new sprouts from the old tree that is WeChat is the big question for us.”
