Ancient civilization joins digital ecosystem

In Tao's view, skin design is an intensely collaborative effort. Her team focuses on storylines and thematic insights, while artists translate those ideas into visuals. Animation teams bring them to life through movement, narrative, effects, and world-building. Audio teams add further depth by sometimes incorporating distinctive musical instrument samples.

"Behind every step, there are countless reflections and interpretations from different teams," she says.

"As a game with such a massive player base, Honor of Kings carries an invisible responsibility," Tao adds. "It's about making that hour of gameplay more meaningful. The simplest way is to ensure that the heroes players control — and the skins they use — carry cultural substance and heritage."

This, she explains, is why the game has consistently released culture-themed skins over the past decade. The aim is that, beyond the thrill of competition, players might also gain a spark of curiosity or interest in culture while playing the game.

"If someone learns about Sanxingdui through a skin, then feels inspired to search for it or ask why the masks look the way they do, that's when Honor of Kings truly functions as a bridge," Tao says.