Chen Mo – the man behind Heroes of Jin Yong – on AI and making a blockbuster game
South China Morning Post
by Shi HuangFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chen Mo, the founder of CreateAI, has sparked widespread interest and controversy with his ambitious project: a new incarnation of *Heroes of Jin Yong*, a high-budget video game based on the martial arts universe created by the legendary novelist Jin Yong. The game, featuring iconic characters from 14 of Jin Yong’s wuxia novels, is poised to become China’s next blockbuster role-playing game. However, its trailer release in late January has drawn criticism from fans who questioned elements of the storyline and speculated about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its creation—an issue seen as akin to plagiarism in the gaming world.
The game aims to bring together beloved characters like Eastern Heretic, Western Venom, Southern Emperor, Northern Beggar, and Dongfang Bubai, each depicted in intricately crafted martial arts duels. Set against a backdrop of betrayal and power struggles, the trailer showcased a sinister yet charismatic Dongfang Bubai, whose backstory includes self-castration to master the secrets of the Sunflower Manual—a central plot device in Jin Yong’s works. The game’s ambitious scope and billion-yuan budget have already positioned it as one of China’s most expensive productions.
Despite the backlash, Chen Mo has defended his project, clarifying that while AI is part of CreateAI’s name and plays a role in other aspects of the company’s operations, it was not used in the animation process. He emphasized that the connection to *Heroes of Jin Yong* is deeply personal, reflecting a passion for preserving Jin Yong’s legacy rather than purely commercial interests.
The controversy surrounding *Heroes of Jin Yong* highlights the challenges of adapting beloved literary works into modern digital media. Fans’ skepticism underscores the high stakes involved in bringing iconic characters to life while maintaining authenticity and honoring the source material. As the game continues its development, it will be closely watched not only by Chinese gaming enthusiasts but also by global audiences interested in the intersection of AI technology, cultural preservation, and entertainment.
Ultimately, *Heroes of Jin Yong* represents more than just a video game—it is a testament to the enduring influence of Jin Yong’s wuxia universe and the creative vision of Chen Mo. Its success or failure could set a precedent for future adaptations of literary works into interactive media, making it a significant project not just for China but for the global gaming industry.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026