Fourteen Years of Flames: A Chinese Call of Duty on the China-Japan War During World War II

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China’s Cinematic FPS: Fenghuo Fourteen – Signal of a Diverse Gaming Landscape

China has become a major player in the global video game industry, and its influence is only expected to grow. While some believe Chinese games are primarily action RPGs in the style of Dark Souls, this perception doesn’t reflect the diversity of the Chinese gaming scene. Many titles that gain Western recognition tend to reinforce existing stereotypes. However, China is also developing games in other genres, such as Fourteen Years of Flames (translated as Fenghuo Fourteen in Chinese), a cinematic military FPS that blends elements of Call of Duty and Battlefield. The game is set during the Sino-Japanese War, a brutal and often overlooked (in the West) conflict within the larger context of World War II, thus earning it the moniker of “Chinese Call of Duty.” The global version of the game, Fourteen Years of Flames, is designed as a single-player narrative FPS. The Chinese title, Fenghuo Fourteen, translates to “Signal Fire,” referencing an ancient warning system that used watchtower fires to signal danger. Many critics find the Chinese title more evocative than its international counterpart.

Fenghuo Fourteen: A Diverse Gaming Take on the Sino-Japanese War Era

The trailer for Fenghuo Fourteen reveals a game that adheres to the classic Call of Duty formula, featuring linear, scripted, and cinematic missions. Players will experience the Sino-Japanese War through the eyes of seven different characters, an angle rarely explored in video games. The story covers 14 years of conflict, highlighting Japan’s alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II, a period when Japan exerted considerable military force in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The single-player campaign will consist of 16 main missions inspired by historical events, underlining the alliance between Japan and Adolf Hitler’s Germany. Developers have promised varied gameplay mechanics, including horseback battles, aerial sequences, and infiltration of fortified military complexes, with the goal of depicting the grim reality of war. According to producer Lao Zhang, the studio is committed to creating a respectful and historically accurate portrayal of the era, honoring those who lived through it by focusing on specific battles and events from Chinese military history, such as Huangtuling, Liulaozhuang, and the defense of Huangyadong.

Title: Unreal Conflict: Fourteen Years of Flames – A Global Debate on the WWII Era Game

Currently, Fourteen Years of Flames is slated for release on PC via Steam. While no release date or engine details have been announced, Unreal Engine 5 is a likely candidate. A Steam page for the game is already available. The announcement of Fourteen Years of Flames has sparked controversy on social media, particularly on Twitter, with some accusing the game of being anti-Japanese propaganda, a recurring reaction to Chinese cultural projects that address sensitive historical periods. The game is generating considerable buzz in China, particularly on Zhihu, where discussions are ongoing. Beacon Fire Studios has been actively engaging with players, addressing concerns from the outset. One user summarized the general sentiment: “Expect some heated reactions both here and abroad,” highlighting the sensitive nature of the game’s subject matter. Globally, opinions are divided. Some Reddit users welcome a war game that moves beyond Western perspectives, while others fear potential bans in countries like the UK or Australia, citing concerns about biased historical representation. Fourteen Years of Flames draws inspiration from franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield. Set during World War II, the game spans 14 years and features 16 main missions based on historical events.

Unveiling Controversy: Dead to Rights – A Modern Gaze on Sino-Japanese War Perspectives

The developers face the challenge of striking a balance between creating an engaging video game, respecting history, and navigating the complex reactions it will likely elicit, given the sensitive nature of the Sino-Japanese War in East Asia. For those interested in exploring this historical period further, consider watching Dead to Rights (released in China in July 2025), City of Life and Death (2009), and Jiang Wen’s Devils on the Doorstep (1999), all of which offer different perspectives on the conflict.

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