The hidden depths of esports players

Insider documentary reveals a side of gamers that may surprise many.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, China's 201 gold medals included one that, while seemingly inconsequential, represented a milestone for its esports industry: a gold medal in the first Arena of Valor Asian Games Version.

The team behind the win was equally distinctive: six players, aged 22 on average, who, after months of rigorous training, reached the pinnacle of Asian esports. It was both their debut on the national stage, and most likely, their last appearance.

Esports careers tend to be brief, often lasting just six or seven years, with players peaking quickly. It is a rapidly evolving discipline, one in which new stars emerge constantly, and the Asian Games — held once every four years — is a rare opportunity for players to represent their country at the highest level.

The six contestants, from five different clubs at that time competing in the King Pro League, a professional esports league in China dedicated to the mobile multiplayer online battle arena game Honor of Kings, and one of the most prestigious mobile gaming competitions in the country featuring top teams and players, came together for a moment that is unlikely to be repeated.

The months leading up to the Asian Games were precious to the players. Their shared journey — marked by intense training, passion and uncertainty — was carefully documented on film.

Now, a year later, 32-year-old director Ni Meng has brought their story to the big screen in More Than a Game. Released nationwide on Dec 6, the documentary invites viewers to relive the triumph, the camaraderie, and the youthful vigor that defined this historic moment.

"This is a film without gaming barriers. I wanted to create an esports documentary that parents could understand," Ni says.

Duan Xiaoxiong, a teacher at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts and a film critic, admitted that as someone who isn't an esports fan, he hesitated before watching the film, concerned it might be too specialized for someone like him who has never played video games.

"After seeing it, I realized this is a film for anyone with a dream," Duan says. "As the director aptly put it, this is a movie about people. The title has a dual meaning, reminding us that its significance extends far beyond the competition or the film itself."

It begins with 22 young players selected to take part in a rigorous 15-day training camp to compete for one of six spots on the national team for the Asian Games.

At the heart of the camp are Chen Zhengzheng and Peng Yunfei, both strong contenders, neither of whom made the final cut despite giving it their all.

At 26, Chen was particularly eager to represent his country. He had been a torchbearer at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, an experience that left a lasting impact. His wish for success, fueled by that memory, didn't come true.

Peng, who was 23 at the time, made a concerted effort to support the emotional well-being of his teammates, but struggled to perform at his best during the selection trials.

"Peng is from Chongqing and was raised by his grandmother. He worked in a hotpot kitchen to save the 2,000 yuan ($275.8) he needed to buy his first smartphone, and start his esports career," Ni says.

"He was determined," she continues. "After facing failure or emotional setback, many people struggle to bounce back, and their negativity affects others, but Peng didn't let that happen. When he was cut from the national team, he said, 'It's OK. I did my best. I'll try again next time.' Chen and Peng's stories are relatable — they poured everything into something they care about. There's no such thing as a perfect life, but they give it their all, every time."

The two share a parallel career path, both entering the professional esports world in the same year — one as a film director, the other as a King Pro League player.

Ni worked on shows for the Olympics, World Cup, and the UEFA Champions League and began creating esports content in 2017.

Like many others, she initially thought of the players as little more than talented gamers, but after seven years, she came to realize they display aspects that the outside world often overlooks, from their resilience in the face of youthful tribulations to their transformative journeys.