Shanghai, China – A man identified as Xu Yao has been executed by Chinese authorities for the murder of Lin Qi, the billionaire founder of Yoozoo Games. The execution, reportedly carried out on May 21st and confirmed by the company on Tuesday, brings a close to the high-profile case that sent shockwaves through the global gaming and entertainment industries.
Background of the Tragedy
Lin Qi, a pivotal figure in China’s gaming landscape and the visionary behind the film adaptation rights for the acclaimed science fiction trilogy “Remembrance of Earth’s Past,” was poisoned in December 2020. His company, Yoozoo Games, is renowned for its popular strategy game, “Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming.” The science fiction trilogy, authored by Liu Cixin, gained international fame with its Netflix adaptation, “3 Body Problem,” released in 2024, for which Lin was posthumously credited as an executive producer.
The Dispute and the Crime
The motive for the murder stemmed from a professional dispute. In 2018, Lin Qi appointed Xu Yao to lead Three-Body Universe, a subsidiary established to manage projects related to the “3 Body Problem” franchise. However, their working relationship deteriorated in 2020 when Lin decided to reassign key business operations to other executives. This decision reportedly led to Xu Yao’s “extreme[ly] despicable” plot.
According to reports from local media, Xu Yao disguised lethal substances as probiotic pills and administered them to Lin Qi. Following Lin’s hospitalization after falling ill, he passed away nine days later at the age of 39. At the time of his death, Lin Qi’s net worth was estimated to be around 6.8 billion yuan (approximately $941 million USD), according to the Hurun China Rich List.
Investigation and Conviction
Chinese police apprehended Xu Yao days after Lin’s hospitalization. The investigation revealed that Xu’s poisoning plot had also sickened several other individuals. In 2024, Xu was formally convicted of Lin Qi’s murder.
Corporate Response and Public Sentiment
Yoozoo Games released a statement on Tuesday confirming the execution, declaring that “justice has ultimately been served.” The company expressed deep mourning for Mr. Lin and extended condolences to his family. “As colleagues who fought alongside him, all members of the company are grateful for the impartiality of the judicial process,” the statement read.
One of Xu’s other victims, according to the Chinese newspaper Economic Observer, shared on social media, “Justice comes in the end, even if it’s late.” The sentiment reflects the broader public reaction to the resolution of a case that highlighted the high stakes and personal rivalries within China’s rapidly growing tech and entertainment sectors.
Broader Industry Implications
The murder of Lin Qi and the subsequent execution of his killer underscore the intense competition and pressures within the global gaming and intellectual property adaptation industries. The success of “3 Body Problem” on Netflix, a project deeply tied to Lin’s vision, highlights the immense value and potential of transmedia storytelling. The case serves as a stark reminder of the personal and professional conflicts that can arise in pursuit of lucrative ventures.
Looking Ahead
As the industry moves forward, the focus will likely remain on the continued development and monetization of major intellectual properties like “3 Body Problem.” The legal and corporate ramifications of such high-profile cases may influence future business practices and dispute resolution mechanisms. Observers will be watching to see how Yoozoo Games and other companies navigate leadership transitions and protect their assets in a competitive global market.
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