The King's Avatar (全职高手)

The King’s Avatar (全职高手)

The King’s Avatar (全职高手, Quánzhí Gāoshǒu) is a Chinese web novel written by Hu Dielan (蝴蝶蓝). It is a popular work in the eSports genre, combining elements of gaming, competition, and personal growth. The novel, which was first published in 2011, has been highly influential in the world of Chinese web literature and has garnered a massive following. It has been adapted into a manhua (comic), a donghua (animation), and a live-action television drama.

Plot Overview

The story centers around Ye Xiu, a seasoned professional gamer and former champion of the popular online game Glory. After being forced to retire from his professional team due to personal conflicts, Ye Xiu is left without a team or a place in the competitive gaming scene. However, rather than fading away, he starts anew by working in an internet café, where he continues to play Glory under the alias “Lord Grim”.

Despite being at a disadvantage in terms of resources and equipment, Ye Xiu’s exceptional skill, deep understanding of the game, and vast experience allow him to rise to the top once again. He builds a new team of skilled players, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds, and aims to reclaim his place as the best player in Glory. Along the way, he faces intense competition, builds lasting relationships with other gamers, and proves that age and experience are crucial in the world of eSports.

Major Characters

Ye Xiu: The protagonist, a former professional gamer known for his unparalleled skill and tactical brilliance. After his forced retirement, he returns to the world of Glory under the name “Lord Grim” to prove his worth once more.
Su Mucheng: A talented and famous professional player who is a close friend and ally of Ye Xiu. She specializes in the character Battle Mage, and her relationship with Ye Xiu is central to the narrative.
Chen Guo: The owner of the internet café where Ye Xiu works, and a passionate fan of Glory. She supports Ye Xiu’s return to the competitive scene and becomes a key figure in his new team.
Xiao Shiqin: A highly skilled player with a reputation in the competitive gaming world. He later becomes one of the rivals to Ye Xiu’s team.
Tang Rou: A skilled gamer who joins Ye Xiu’s team, known for her potential and determination to improve in the game.
Qiao Yifan: A former professional player who is taken under Ye Xiu’s wing. His growth as a player is a major subplot in the story.

Worldbuilding

The world of The King’s Avatar revolves around the competitive online game Glory, a highly complex multiplayer game that features hundreds of character classes, tactics, and guilds. Key aspects of the game include:

Classes and Characters: Glory features a wide variety of character classes, each with unique abilities, strengths, and roles in battle. These include warriors, mages, healers, and assassins, among others.
Professional Gaming: The competitive scene of Glory is deeply rooted in eSports, with professional teams, tournaments, and sponsorships. The top players in Glory are celebrities in the gaming world.
Guilds and Teams: Guilds and professional teams play a central role in the narrative, with players forming alliances, rivalries, and friendships as they compete in high-stakes tournaments.

Adaptations

Manhua (Comic)

The manhua adaptation of The King’s Avatar was launched in 2015 and follows the original novel’s plot closely. It emphasizes the in-game action, character interactions, and the world of Glory with vibrant illustrations and detailed character designs.

Donghua (Animation)

The donghua adaptation, produced by Bilibili, premiered in 2017 and has received acclaim for its high-quality animation and faithful adaptation of the novel. The animation brings to life the intense in-game battles and personal drama of the story. It has continued for multiple seasons, expanding the storyline and introducing new characters.

Live-Action Series

A live-action television drama was released in 2019, starring Yang Yang as Ye Xiu. The show has received mixed reviews, with praise for the cast and production values but criticism for its pacing and adaptation of the source material. It offers a more humanized portrayal of the characters and their real-life struggles outside the game.

Themes and Appeal

Perseverance and Redemption: A central theme in The King’s Avatar is Ye Xiu’s journey of redemption, as he strives to regain his position at the top of Glory, despite being forced into early retirement. His persistence and resilience in the face of adversity inspire those around him.
Teamwork and Leadership: The novel highlights the importance of teamwork in professional gaming, with Ye Xiu acting as a mentor to the younger players, guiding them toward success.
Gaming Culture and eSports: The novel delves into the world of competitive gaming, portraying the eSports industry in a realistic and immersive way. It resonates with fans of video games and online gaming culture.
Strategy and Tactics: Much of the narrative revolves around the strategic aspects of the game, showcasing Ye Xiu’s brilliant mind in battle and his ability to outmaneuver opponents.

Legacy

The King’s Avatar has been highly influential in the world of Chinese web novels and eSports culture. It has brought attention to the rapidly growing industry of competitive gaming, inspiring countless fans and gamers to pursue careers in eSports. The novel’s focus on skill, intelligence, and the evolving nature of online gaming continues to resonate with audiences, making it one of the most popular works in its genre. Its adaptations across various media have expanded its reach, bringing the world of Glory to a global audience.