Tencent Tests AI Gaming Companion 'Eciyuan' with Digital Human Features
Tencent is secretly testing an AI gaming companion product called 'Eciyuan,' featuring digital human AI partners that offer voice chat, real-time screen recognition, and gaming companionship. The product includes multiple virtual characters with different personalities. Players can choose a character to chat with or activate a dedicated gaming companion mode compatible with several mainstream online games.
All features are free for a limited time, but the interface already shows a paid framework for exchanging star coins for energy, hinting at future monetization. A 'Gaming Vocational Skill Certification Exam Platform' guided by the Esports Branch of the China Communications Industry Association launched in November 2024, making esports coaching and gaming companion services official vocational exam items.
According to the '2025 China Gaming Industry Report,' China's gaming market revenue reached 350.789 billion yuan in 2025, up 7.68% year-on-year, with 683 million users, up 1.35%—both record highs. Downstream services like gaming coaching and esports guidance are growing rapidly, creating flexible employment and becoming a new driver of youth skill labor value.
