About seven years ago, NetEase launched its mobile game “Rules of Survival.”
At that time, PUBG on PC was a phenomenal success, becoming the gateway for many into Steam and prompting a significant upgrade in computer hardware. Advertisements in numerous internet cafes were geared towards attracting customers with the slogan “smooth gameplay for chicken dinners.”
However, many individuals lacked access to computers or owned devices that were not adequately equipped, leaving those unable to play PUBG feeling very anxious. In this crucial moment, NetEase introduced what Xiaofa remembers as the first PUBG mobile game – Knives Out.
In fact, at that time, news had already leaked that Tencent was set to launch its mobile version of PUBG. But NetEase prioritized speed, securing a leading position in the market ahead of Tencent. Consequently, within months, Knives Out amassed hundreds of millions of users. Even when Peace Elite debuted as the official mobile battle royale game, the two titles found themselves in direct competition.
However, over time, Knives Out became noticeably inferior in both graphics and gameplay, and its popularity in China declined gradually. I can’t recall the last time I heard about this game, but I do know it achieved considerable success in Japan, becoming a national mobile game there.
The reason we’re discussing Knives Out again today is solely due to its connection with Death Note.
A battle royale shooting game, connected to Death Note? Xiaofa was curious about how these two elements would intertwine, but he couldn’t help but burst out laughing when he read the following paragraph. Death Notes will randomly spawn on the map, and the player who collects one will gain the Eye of Death.
Simply aim the crosshairs at an enemy to discover their name. Then, activate the note-taking ability to initiate a countdown on the enemy’s life, leading to their immediate demise once the countdown concludes.
??? Has the chicken-eating game developed to this extent now?
Besides the gameplay changes, various character skins from Death Note have been introduced through card draws. Let’s not get into how glitchy the Death Note on the battlefield appears; suffice it to say that Light Yagami’s model looks somewhat disappointing.
Moreover, one would never imagine that the Shinigami Ryuk was turned into a parachute…
What?
? No, who even remembers that this is a tactical shooting game? Can you believe it? I finally equipped myself with a full set of level 3 armor and helmet, wielding an airdrop AUG and 8x AWM, feeling confident and ready for a fierce battle with the opponents. But suddenly, a high school student appeared, muttering something like “I am the god of the new world,” and then I was taken out by the Shinigami… My lord, times have changed.
After seeing Bo play so much, Xiaofa felt compelled to revisit the old game and see what it’s like now. Unfortunately, upon entering, he realized he was still too naive. Recently, Black Myth was released, and Knives Out has been linked to Journey to the West.
Moreover, the Tang Monk in the lower right corner is clearly not illustrated in the same style as the others, appearing as if he originated from the 1999 Journey to the West animated series.
Upon entering the game, Xiaofa found that he could no longer retrieve his old account and had to register again.
Next, he experienced the familiar face customization of internet celebrities… The detail in character customization felt ever more removed from the term “battle royale”. Especially after changing into different outfits, Xiaofa almost thought he had opened NetEase’s own Ni Shui Han.
Upon reaching the main page, there was nothing remarkable—just the familiar character display filled with red dots. Yet, there was one particularly conspicuous logo for “Peninsula Breakout” encouraging players to click.
Upon clicking, Xiaofa discovered that he had entered another lobby. The gameplay here turned out to be a Tarkov-like extraction mode.
Based on its popularity, this gameplay has become one of the most favored sections, almost rivaling traditional battle royale gameplay.
However, Xiaofa didn’t revisit Knives Out to examine the gameplay; rather, he aimed to broaden his horizons. True to expectations, when he opened the event page, he was greeted by a monkey soaring through the sky on a cloud. The probability of “Journey to the West 99: Wukong” was UP, ensuring that fifty draws would definitely yield a golden item and two hundred draws would unlock a hidden item. This familiar card-drawing experience felt just right.
Later, Xiaofa discovered that this was not Knives Out’s first collaboration with Journey to the West.
Strictly speaking, this event is just a rehash. The items players must draw consist of skins for individual characters, weapons, or vehicles.
Thus, you can even find Tang Seng wielding an AK, with the 7.62 magazine filled with Amitabha.
The animated version of Tang Monk comes off as even more abstract. I, also known as Jin Chanzi, never engage in pointless banter; I intend to be the most reckless Gangstar amidst intense battles. This M4 far surpasses the tight hoop curse.
Due to the numerous collaborations, cross-promotions are quite common. Recently, Knives Out teamed up with Journey to the West, coinciding with the crossover period of Chainsaw Man. As a result, it’s easy to find something like 1+1>2. For instance, Tang Seng morphing into a chainsaw demon while battling zombies creates such chaos it’s hard to discern whether it’s an East-West combination or a mix of Chinese and Japanese anime. Source: B Station UP: Pigeon Deer By Device
Yet, Xiaofa was still eager to experience the Death Note aspect. He promptly entered the game and played for a while, discovering that the Death Note was genuinely impressive. Its range was akin to a sniper rifle, and it could automatically seek out enemies. As soon as the Death Eye reading bar filled up, it would lock onto foes.
Enemies marked by the Eye of Death enter a countdown phase from which they cannot escape. If you fail to eliminate the Death Note holder before the timer expires, you will be harvested by the sickle. However, the Death Note occupies a weapon slot, with only one available on the map, meaning you must claim it like an airdrop.
Moreover, the casting time is relatively lengthy, allowing the enemy a chance to counterattack. In short, the planner’s creativity is commendable; even L might have to step back a bit in comparison.
With this, Knives Out has now linked up with three IPs in total.
But for the game, this is just a drop in the bucket. Even veteran players might struggle to recall how many collaborations it has undertaken. EVO, often dubbed the collaboration bus, cannot be overlooked.
Ma Cang Ye, I have already entered Knives Out; you are not at all in the Fierce Battle Wilderness.
Bald Cape Man, watch me sever the thread of your cape.
One Piece, Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail, Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaijutsu No. 8—essentially, any notable game or anime work has likely been linked with Knives Out. Case closed, Knives Out has become a second game.
If other games are still experimenting with new mechanics and creating new modes, Knives Out has found its own clear path—utilizing collaborations to extend its lifespan. You might think you’re playing a battle royale game, but it’s really an all-star extravaganza.
In fact, the concept of collaboration isn’t novel. Nowadays, almost every long-running game engages in partnerships to invigorate player emotions and broaden their audience. Some collaborations can be outlandish; for example, Capcom’s Monster Hunter linked with its own Ace Attorney, which surprised many.
However, most collaborations still strive for thematic coherence. This means that the collaborative works should align with the game’s backdrop or at least not contradict it. For instance, the Joker recently joined forces with games like The Witcher 3, which makes sense considering both are card-centric.
Or take Arknights, which is currently partnering with Maze Fans. Regardless of character power, an anime collaboration typically suits a second-tier game like Arknights quite well.
Or consider the exemplary collaboration between NIKKE and NieR: Automata, where both the background and the character depictions sync perfectly.
In conclusion, it shouldn’t be a game that revolves around genuine tactics like PUBG and Death Note, right?
But Knives Out isn’t concerned; it was simply “forced to connect.” Who would have imagined that in the end, it would turn into a hotpot of abstract elements while simultaneously fulfilling the role of seeking novelty? This has led many players, including Xiaofa, to engage just for fun. Source: B station UP: Ace Hunter
Indeed, when you access Knives Out nowadays, the content everyone engages with has evolved from the simple battle royale game it once was into something evermore outrageous. For example, its creative workshop now allows players to design their own maps and gameplay, functioning as an editor—much like ROBLOX and Minecraft…
The diverse skins further reflect the game’s stance—implying that they’re merely here to amuse and have no limits. If we get along, then we can all share the fun.
This may seem absurd, but with chicken dinner gameplay reaching its limits, a new direction is essential. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have introduced a gold-snatching evacuation gameplay.
Regardless of how far-fetched the game has become, it ultimately serves as a source of curiosity for players. After all, when considering the game’s quality, it’s hard to argue that any significant improvements have occurred over the years.
So, if Wilderness collaborates with your favorite IP next time, would you be tempted to give it a try?
NetEase’s Knives Out: A Phenomenal Chicken-Eating Game Linked to Death Note
About 7 years ago, NetEase’s mobile game “Knives Out” was launched amidst the rising popularity of battle royale games, notably PUBG. While PUBG became a phenomenon, dominating PC gameplay and influencing hardware upgrades in gaming, there were many players without high-end PCs. In this niche, Knives Out debuted as a mobile alternative, enabling players to experience the thrill of battle royale gameplay on their phones.
Rise of Knives Out: Seizing the Market
Following the initial success of PUBG, news surfaced that Tencent would be launching a mobile version of the game. However, NetEase quickly established Knives Out, attracting millions of users thanks to its speed and gameplay. Within a few months, Knives Out had accumulated hundreds of millions of users, competing directly with Tencent’s offering, Peace Elite.
Game Evolution: From Battle Royale to Crossover Events
While the game’s graphics and gameplay mechanics initially drew attention, its popularity waned over time in China. However, in Japan, it thrived and gained national acclaim. Recently, a notable collaboration between Knives Out and the famed anime Death Note has rekindled interest in the game.
Death Note Collaboration: A Unique Gameplay Mechanic
This partnership has introduced a significant twist to the gameplay. Players can find Death Notes scattered throughout the game’s map. Upon collecting one, players gain access to the “Eye of Death” ability, allowing them to target enemies by revealing their names and putting them on a countdown to inevitable demise.
The battle royale genre has evolved substantially, prompting players to engage not only in traditional shooting but now with fantastical elements from popular culture.
Visual Appeal: Skins and Customization
In addition to gameplay changes, Knives Out has introduced various character skins inspired by Death Note. Players can customize their in-game avatars with fashions reminiscent of iconic characters, alongside unique weapon skins. The transformation of the god of death, Ryuk, into a parachute adds an amusing layer to the experience.
Gameplay Features of the Death Note Mode
- Eye of Death: Automatically targets enemies within range.
- Countdown Timer: Players have limited time to defeat targets before the consequence of failure sets in.
- Competitive Edge: Adds a tactical layer to traditional battle royale mechanics.
Exploring More Collaborations: Journey to the West
Concurrent with its Death Note event, Knives Out has also linked assets from the classic Chinese tale, Journey to the West. With characters appearing in unexpected situations—like Tang Seng holding an AK-47—players experience a melange of cultural references.
User Engagement: Experiencing New Features
Upon logging back into Knives Out, users are greeted with updates focusing on enhanced graphical interfaces and an option to create custom maps via a creative workshop. This flexibility allows players to dive into various gameplay modes, akin to offerings from ROBLOX or Minecraft.
Benefits of Playing Knives Out
- Accessibility: Available on mobile platforms, enabling a broad audience.
- Continuous Updates: Regularly introduces new collaborations and features to maintain player interest.
- Diverse Gameplay: Offers unique modes to cater to different player preferences.
Case Study: Player Engagement Through Collaborations
Knives Out illustrates a successful case of leveraging popular IP to sustain player interest and engagement. By integrating Death Note and Journey to the West, it attracts fans of both franchises, thereby growing its user base and increasing time spent within the game.
Practical Tips for New Players
For those diving into Knives Out for the first time:
- Explore the map to locate special items like the Death Note.
- Experiment with different skins and character modifications.
- Participate in collaborative events to earn exclusive rewards.
Future Directions: The Evolving Landscape of Mobile Gaming
As Knives Out continues to innovate, integrating more pop culture elements, it will likely set trends in the mobile gaming market. Many new games will observe and adapt similar partnerships to enhance gameplay and player experience.
Table: Collaboration Highlights
| Collaboration | Key Features | Character Skins |
|---|---|---|
| Death Note | Eye of Death, Unique Gameplay | Ryuk, Light Yagami |
| Journey to the West | Classic Character Integration | Tang Seng with Modern Weaponry |
Conclusion
Knives Out skillfully merges elements from beloved franchises to create a continuously engaging experience for players. As the mobile gaming landscape evolves, titles that adapt and innovate will thrive in a competitive market.
