Hongqiao town rises as game development hub

The logo of Hit Academy. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Fang Yan, a veteran of the gaming industry, said that video games offer "infinite interactions within a finite lifetime". His passion led him to create game talent cultivation company Hit Academy in Hongqiao town, Minhang district, a place that not only supplies talent for the hit game "Black Myth: Wukong" but also fosters a thriving ecosystem for game development.

At Hit Academy, the environment is designed for creativity and collaboration. Students gather in flexible spaces that serve as both classrooms and inspiration hubs, reflecting the company's mission to be more than just a training center—it's an incubator for game talent.

Hit Academy is designed for creativity and collaboration. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Fang founded Hit Academy after noticing a gap in systematic game design education in Chinese universities. By leveraging his industry experience, he offers professional game development courses and established the University Game Development Alliance Program (UGDAP) to bridge the gap between students and the industry.

The fifth China University Student Game Awards (CUSGA) hosted by UGDAP. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

UGDAP hosts an annual entrepreneurial competition that allows students to showcase their creativity. The event attracts both game design majors and hobbyists, connecting them with top game companies and investors to foster employment and startup opportunities. "I want to bring together students who love making games," Fang said, noting the competition's focused atmosphere.

Students compete in the CUSGA. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]

Hongqiao town was chosen for its strategic advantages: excellent transport links, a strong game industry presence, and abundant opportunities for collaboration. The area is home to major game companies like Moonton and Lilith Games, creating a rich ecosystem. Graduates often find work nearby and return to Hit Academy on weekends to collaborate on projects, enhancing the community spirit.

This proximity to industry leaders enriches Hit Academy's curriculum with real-world insights and technology standards, making internships and job placements smoother for students. The company also runs entrepreneurial competitions and offers free office space for student startups, helping them overcome initial challenges.

This approach of combining skills and experience helps students quickly achieve their career goals. One graduate, who worked on "Black Myth: Wukong", is now contributing to a new project, "Zhong Kui", exemplifying the company's success.

Hit Academy's growth aligns with Hongqiao town's plans to become a national game industry hub. The town's supportive ecosystem strengthens Fang's commitment to expanding his operations and nurturing more talent.

From supplying talent for "Black Myth: Wukong" to supporting young entrepreneurs, Hit Academy is a testament to Hongqiao town's vibrant game industry. This thriving environment encourages young people to pursue their game-making dreams, building a solid foundation for China's gaming future.

The alumni association of the Hit Academy. [Photo/WeChat ID: minhangnews]