TuSimple's Transformation: From Trucks to Traditional IPs

Nobody saw this coming: a leading player in autonomous driving is now betting on video games.

CreateAI, the rebranded incarnation of the once-prominent autonomous trucking company TuSimple, has officially made its bold pivot into the gaming industry. In early February, the studio unveiled its first gameplay preview for an open-world RPG adaptation of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," a classic Chinese literary work. The shift from self-driving trucks to game development signals a significant transformation not just for the company but for the broader landscape of China's gaming industry, which has been revitalized by successful projects like "Black Myth: Wukong."

The gameplay footage, which showcases real-time combat and immersive environments, is a crucial milestone for CreateAI. Producer Chen Mo, a co-founder of TuSimple, expressed that this project is not merely a business venture but a personal passion. The enthusiasm around this adaptation of Jin Yong's iconic work reflects a larger trend in the Chinese gaming sector, where studios are increasingly leaning on traditional cultural intellectual properties (IPs) to resonate with domestic and international audiences.

This decision comes on the heels of TuSimple's official exit from the autonomous driving space in 2024, a move that surprised many industry observers. The company had previously garnered attention for its ambitious plans to revolutionize freight logistics with self-driving technology. However, as competition intensified and regulatory challenges mounted, the pivot to gaming was likely seen as a more viable path forward.

CreateAI's ambitions are noteworthy; the company aims to tap into the vast potential of gaming and film, especially with valuable IPs like "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "The Three-Body Problem." Yet, the transition has not been without its challenges. In an interview with Jiemian News, Chen revealed that the game development team has grown to around 200 people, but the process of building effective teams across different cities has faced significant hurdles. For instance, a Guangzhou-based art team was reportedly disbanded early in the year, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining cohesion and direction during such a radical company overhaul.

This shift raises important questions about the sustainability of CreateAI's new direction. While the gaming industry in China is booming, it is also highly competitive. The successful launch of "Black Myth: Wukong" has set a high bar, and CreateAI will need to navigate a landscape filled with both emerging studios and established giants. Furthermore, attracting top talent will be crucial; as Chen noted, the recent gameplay PV is intended to help lure skilled developers who can bring creative visions to life.

There’s also the question of funding and resources. Transitioning from a tech-centric focus to a creative industry often requires different types of investment and management expertise. Investors familiar with the autonomous vehicle space may view this pivot with skepticism, as the metrics for success in gaming differ vastly from those in logistics technology.

For supply chain managers and executives considering engagement with Chinese companies, CreateAI’s evolution illustrates a broader trend: companies are increasingly diversifying their operations to mitigate risks associated with specific sectors. This could lead to shifting supply chain dynamics, especially for those involved in components that support gaming technology, such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and other hardware.

As CreateAI navigates this transition, its future will likely reflect broader changes in China's approach to innovation and cultural production. The success or failure of this pivot could serve as a bellwether for similar companies contemplating diversification in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Sources

Former TuSimple Unveils First Gameplay PV After Pivot to Gaming