Tencent has launched the global version of WeGame

Like most people, you may have missed the fact that Chinese gaming giant Tencent launched the global version of its games distribution platform WeGame, called WeGame X, this week. Players around the world can download and try out an early build of storefront, which currently has 17 Chinese-developed games available. Surprisingly, there’s been very little hype from Tencent to accompany the soft launch. As Abacus reports, Tencent is currently testing the storefront and its global servers, which may mean that a more auspicious official launch is on the way. But as of this week, WeGame X is available for download internationally. Of the 17 titles currently available, about half are by independent Chinese developers, with some of Tencent’s in-house studios accounting for the rest. Abacus notes that WeGame X still lacks a real tentpole title to draw in a large user base, although big games like Fortnite are available on the domestic version of the service. Deep Silver, Larian, and Hello Games are listed on the WeGame X front page, though, so it seems clear more big western titles will be available on the platform soon. It remains to be seen how well WeGame X does with international players. Tencent is viewed with some suspicion by gamers outside of China, and the notion that the company shares user data with the Chinese government has animated a lot of the ire directed toward Epic Games Store exclusivity deals, as Tencent owns a 40% stake in the company.

from PCGamesN http://bit.ly/2YVvVWc