Andy Zhong's vision for the Year of the Snake

FunPlus CEO Andy Zhong’s Vision for 2025, the Year of the Snake

Ambitions Unveiled: Setting Transformative Goals for FunPlus in 2025

Hello everyone, and welcome back to our exclusive “Insiders Info” interview series, where we share with you unique insights into FunPlus, FunPlus People, and our Worlds!

In this special edition, we’re honored to sit down with the CEO and co-founder of FunPlus, Andy Zhong!

With the Year of the Snake already here, bringing with it a time for transformation and renewal, Andy also shares how these themes resonate with both his leadership philosophy and the collective ethos of FunPlus.

Let’s not wait any longer! Are you ready? Let’s press play on this conversation!

“We anticipate launching new titles, including collaborations with DC Comics (DC: Dark Legion), and Skydance (Foundation) for both mobile and PC platforms.”  – Andy Zhong”

Question: Can you share how you personally plan to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake, and what this new zodiac year means to you?

I plan to celebrate the Year of the Snake by embracing its themes of transformation and innovation. The arrival of the Snake Year inspires me to reflect on personal growth and encourages innovation and strategic thinking about the future. I feel so excited about our new games launching in 2025.

This year, known as the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolizes growth and adaptability, qualities I value in leadership. I believe we will grow our business significantly in 2025 by adapting to the needs of players in a post-IDFA world and by focusing on combining unique gameplay and deep social community elements.

Q: How do you incorporate the spirit of the Chinese New Year into your home? Are there any special decorations, foods, or activities you and your family enjoy during the festival? And how do you incorporate these into the company culture at FunPlus?

We decorate our home with red banners and paper cuttings featuring auspicious symbols and characters such as 福 (fu), which means good fortune. Hanging these decorations upside down is a tradition that signifies that good luck is “pouring out” into our home.

We also have a reunion dinner, where families gather to enjoy traditional dishes such as whole fish (symbolizing abundance), and dumplings (representing wealth).

At FunPlus, we encourage employees to share their family traditions or stories about how they celebrate the New Year, fostering inclusivity and cultural appreciation within the workplace.

Q: Considering the personal growth and reflection associated with the Chinese New Year, what personal milestones do you aim to achieve in the Year of the Snake?

In the Year of the Snake, I aim to build a deeper connection with our colleagues and players by actively listening to their feedback and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Additionally, I plan to foster a global mindset and strengthen critical thinking within our company, as well as encourage innovative problem-solving approaches.

Q: As the Year of the Snake symbolizes transformation, what transformative goals do you have for FunPlus in 2025, and how do they align with your personal vision for growth and innovation?

As we enter the transformative Year of the Snake, FunPlus is poised to undergo significant growth and innovation that reflect both our corporate objectives and my personal vision for the company.

Here are the key transformative goals we have set for 2025:

• Expanding our Game Portfolio: FunPlus aims to diversify its game offerings by developing new genres and innovative gameplay experiences. This strategy involves enhancing existing titles and launching new projects that leverage cutting-edge technology, such as AI, to foster more engaging player interactions.
• Strengthening Global Presence and Expanding More Platforms: With its headquarters in Switzerland and Studios in various countries around the world, FunPlus is dedicated to further expanding its international reach.We announced our new IP and PC-first Studio in Lisbon in 2024 (Studio Ellipsis). In 2025, we anticipate launching new titles, including collaborations with DC Comics (DC: Dark Legion), and Skydance (Foundation) for both mobile and PC platforms.
• Embracing Changes: Just as the Year of the Snake encourages individuals to shed old habits, my personal vision involves embracing changes and stepping out of comfort zones. This aligns with FunPlus’s commitment to innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Q: In light of the gaming industry’s rapid evolution, what are your predictions for the most significant trends we will see in 2025? And how do you see FunPlus contributing to these aspirations?

Key Trends in the Gaming Industry for 2025

• AI Integration: The use of AI in game development will become more prevalent, streamlining processes such as asset creation, testing, and even storytelling. AI game agents or AI player agents have the potential to provide personalized gaming and social experiences.
• Cross-Platform Play: There will be a strong push towards cross-platform gaming, enabling players to engage with games across different devices. This trend aims to broaden the player base and enhance community interactions.
• Mobile Gaming Growth: The mobile gaming segment is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with a focus on in-app purchases and advertising revenues. Mobile platforms will remain a primary source of revenue with a combination of better content and engaging social experience.
• Transmedia Expansion: Gaming IPs will increasingly cross over into other media formats such as films and TV shows. Major franchises are expected to expand their narratives beyond traditional gaming, tapping into new audiences.
• Market Recovery: Following a period of decline due to economic factors and industry challenges, 2025 is anticipated to witness a rebound in gaming revenues. Companies are adapting to new market realities and shifting their strategies accordingly.

FunPlus is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on these trends:

• Multi-Platform Development: FunPlus has committed to expanding beyond mobile gaming, to embrace a multi-platform approach. This includes developing games for PC and web platforms, which aligns with the industry’s shift towards cross-platform play.
• New Studio Initiatives: The establishment of Studio Ellipsis in Lisbon reflects FunPlus’ ambition to create rich intellectual properties that extend into various entertainment mediums. This studio aims to develop stories that resonate across games, comics, and films, enhancing audience engagement beyond traditional gameplay.
• Focus on AI and Innovation: FunPlus plans to leverage AI technologies not only for game development but also for improving operational efficiencies. This focus on innovation will help the company stay competitive as the industry evolves.
• Community Engagement: By fostering player communities through cross-platform experiences and transmedia storytelling, FunPlus aims to deepen relationships with its audiences, ensuring sustained engagement and loyalty.

In summary, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for the gaming industry, characterized by technological advancements and strategic shifts that FunPlus is well-prepared to navigate.

Q: Lastly, what message or wish would you like to share with your friends, family, and the FunPlus community as we enter the Year of the Snake?

As we prepare to enter the Year of the Snake, a time of wisdom and change, I would like to share a few heartfelt wishes with my dear friends, family, and the vibrant FunPlus community:

• Wishing you prosperity and good health.
• Embrace new beginnings: “Let this new year bring fresh beginnings and new insights. Here’s to a year filled with opportunities and pleasant surprises.”
• Inspiration and growth: “May the wisdom of the Snake guide you to achieve all your dreams in 2025. Wishing you strength, wisdom, and perseverance throughout the year.”
• Joy and laughter: “May happiness shower upon you like blossoms falling from a tree. Wishing you moments that inspire and days that see your goals accomplished.”
• Strengthen bonds: “Happy Lunar New Year! May our bonds grow stronger as we celebrate together. Let’s shed the challenges of the past and embrace a bright 2025 together.

And just like that, we’ve reached the end of our conversation journey with Andy Zhong, CEO and co-founder of FunPlus!

Our deepest gratitude goes out to Andy for granting us this opportunity to navigate his thoughts and experiences. His reflections on leadership, the Year of the Snake, and his dedication to nurturing a culture of joy and innovation have sparked inspiration for us all.

Thank you for joining us in this space. We hope you’ve enjoyed it and learned more about FunPlus and the people behind it.

Until next time, may the spirit of the Snake Year empower you to embrace change, seek growth, and find fun in every moment of your journey!

Welcome to the Year of the Snake! FunPlus – 2025

About FunPlus

FunPlus is a global creator of interactive entertainment experiences powered by technology, with cross-platform game development and IP creation at its core. Founded in 2010, FunPlus is an organization that fosters top industry talent globally, with offices in over 10 cities and 6 countries, and more than 2,000 team members worldwide. FunPlus is home to talented creative teams who are well-known for developing hugely popular mobile strategy titles including State of Survival, King of Avalon, Guns of Glory, Stormshot, and Sea of Conquest.

FunPlus Social Media channels

• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• Spotify

Read our comics online for free! 

📖  👀  🏴‍☠️ ☠️  Access the webpage here: Cradle of the Gods Comic Series!!