Tencent, the Chinese technology conglomerate, is developing a new AAA single-player action-adventure game internally codenamed “Project T,” according to recent recruitment postings. The game, built using Unreal Engine 5, aims to capture the cinematic scope and engaging gameplay of established franchises like The Last of Us, Uncharted and Tomb Raider.
The recruitment drive, first reported by TechNode, indicates Tencent is actively assembling a core development team. Open positions span multiple disciplines, including lead planner, senior level designer, 3D artist, level artist, 2D environment designer, lead programmer, combat designer, and roles in animation and visual effects. This broad range of positions suggests a significant investment in the project and a commitment to delivering a high-quality, visually impressive experience.
Tencent’s move into this space is notable. While the company is a dominant force in the mobile gaming market – exemplified by the success of Valorant Mobile in China in 2025 – and a major investor in other game studios globally, it has historically focused less on large-scale, single-player AAA titles for PC and consoles. Project T represents a deliberate expansion into this segment, potentially signaling a shift in Tencent’s overall gaming strategy.
The choice of Unreal Engine 5 is significant. Epic Games’ engine has become the industry standard for visually demanding games, powering titles like Black Myth: Wukong, a critically acclaimed action RPG released in by Game Science. Black Myth: Wukong, also built on Unreal Engine 5, demonstrated the engine’s capability to deliver stunning graphics and complex gameplay, setting a high bar for visual fidelity. The engine’s advanced features, including Nanite virtualized geometry and Lumen global illumination, allow developers to create incredibly detailed and realistic environments.
The reference to The Last of Us, Uncharted, and Tomb Raider provides insight into Tencent’s ambitions for Project T. These franchises are known for their compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and cinematic presentation. Uncharted and Tomb Raider, in particular, are renowned for their action-adventure gameplay, emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and thrilling set pieces. The Last of Us distinguishes itself with a more grounded, emotionally resonant story and a focus on survival. Tencent’s stated inspiration suggests Project T will aim for a similar blend of action, adventure, and narrative depth.
Tencent’s broader involvement in the gaming industry extends beyond direct game development. The company holds significant stakes in numerous game studios worldwide, including Riot Games (creator of League of Legends and Valorant) and Epic Games itself. This extensive network provides Tencent with access to a wealth of expertise and resources, which could be leveraged in the development of Project T.
Tencent is heavily invested in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly in the realm of 3D rendering. A report highlighted Tencent’s rapid advancements in 3D AI through its gaming empire. This suggests the company may be exploring the use of AI-powered tools to accelerate development, enhance graphics, or create more realistic and dynamic game worlds. While the extent to which AI will be integrated into Project T remains unclear, it’s a likely area of focus given Tencent’s strategic priorities.
The emergence of Project T also coincides with a broader trend of Chinese game developers aiming for international recognition. Black Myth: Wukong, for example, garnered significant attention globally for its impressive visuals and faithful adaptation of Chinese mythology. The success of Black Myth: Wukong – selling 20 million units in its first month – demonstrates a growing appetite for high-quality games originating from China. Project T could represent another step in this direction, potentially showcasing Chinese storytelling and game design to a wider audience.
Hideaki Itsuno, the director of the critically acclaimed Dragon’s Dogma 2, recently joined LightSpeed Studios, a Tencent subsidiary. While not directly involved with Project T (as far as publicly known), Itsuno’s arrival signals Tencent’s commitment to attracting top talent and building a world-class game development organization. Itsuno will lead Lightspeed Japan Studio, focusing on creating original AAA action game titles.
The development of Project T is still in its early stages, and details remain scarce. However, the recruitment postings and Tencent’s stated ambitions suggest a significant undertaking with the potential to deliver a compelling and visually stunning action-adventure experience. The game’s success will likely depend on Tencent’s ability to execute its vision and create a unique identity within a crowded genre.
