NetEase Games and 24 Entertainment have released a new trailer for Blood Message during Summer Game Fest, offering a deeper look at the upcoming narrative-driven action-adventure. Titled “Hold Till Dawn,” the trailer showcases new story details, combat mechanics, and environments from NetEase’s first AAA single-player title.
Currently in development for PC and consoles, Blood Message is powered by Unreal Engine 5 and combines cinematic storytelling with survival-focused action combat.
A Journey Across the Late Tang Dynasty
Set in 848 AD during the final years of the Tang Dynasty, Blood Message follows a nameless messenger tasked with delivering a message that could determine the fate of his homeland. Accompanied by his son, he must survive a dangerous journey across more than 1,000 miles while enemy forces close in around them.
Their goal is to return to Chang’an, the heart of the Tang Dynasty, while enduring sieges, hostile landscapes, and impossible odds. The game’s story places a strong emphasis on ordinary people caught in historic events rather than famous rulers or military leaders.
NetEase describes Blood Message as “an ode to the unsung heroes,” focusing on loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming hardship.
Brutal Combat and Survival Mechanics
The new trailer highlights several combat sequences that blend melee action, stealth, and survival mechanics.
According to NetEase, Blood Message is built around visceral and realistic combat encounters that force players to adapt to changing situations. The game combines action gameplay with cinematic presentation, creating a more focused, story-driven experience than the publisher’s multiplayer-focused projects.
The trailer also introduces new combat mechanics while showcasing large-scale battles, tense survival moments, and encounters across a variety of environments.
Inspired by the Landscapes of East and Central Asia
Blood Message’s journey spans deserts, wilderness regions, and historical locations inspired by East and Central Asia.
The development team cites Dunhuang as one of its influences, with environments designed to capture the era’s diverse geography and cultural heritage. Players will cross harsh terrain while uncovering a story rooted in Chinese history, customs, and traditions.
NetEase’s First AAA Single-Player Game
While NetEase Games is best known for online and multiplayer experiences, Blood Message marks a major shift toward premium single-player development.
Developed by 24 Entertainment, part of NetEase Games’ ThunderFire division, the project is positioned as the company’s first AAA single-player release, blending Eastern storytelling with modern action-adventure design.
Blood Message is currently in development for PC and consoles. A release date has not yet been announced.
