Why combat-driven ARPGs are failing

This is the audio version of the Naavik Digest newsletter published on May 3rd, 2026. This week, we examine what direction China’s gaming giants are taking following the decline of the traditional Anime-Gacha ARPG model.

You can read the newsletter (with even more sections and visual detail) here: https://www.naavik.co/digest/beyond-gacha-why-chinas-gaming-giants-are-pivoting-to-lifestyle-sims 

Meet with Naavik at the Nordic Game 2026: https://naavik.typeform.com/to/Jc5cl7eY 

Our most recent AI x Gaming newsletter: https://naavik.substack.com/p/kraftons-radical-ai-transformation 

Let us know what you think by sending us a note at podcast@naavik.co.

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Sound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.