Bilibili's duck-themed shooter, Escape from Duckov, sells 500,000 copies within its first week on Steam.

      Credit: Escape from Duckov

      This month, Escape from Duckov, a top-down PvE shooter where ducks take center stage, developed by Team Soda and published by Bilibili, has seen significant success in China's gaming industry. Since its launch on October 16, the game has sold over 500,000 copies on Steam, peaked at more than 140,000 concurrent players, and garnered a 96% positive rating, establishing itself as one of the standout indie games in China recently.

      Absurd humor and whimsical art style challenge hardcore conventions

      Escape from Duckov delivers a lighthearted twist on the typically intense shooter genre with its absurd humor and charming art style. Often described as a duck-themed version of Escape from Tarkov, the game immerses players in the hilariously bizarre world of “Duckov,” where they control customizable duck characters to gather resources, construct shelters, and enhance equipment across five randomly generated maps — all aimed at ultimately building a spaceship to flee from the planet.

      In contrast to the majority of realistic, hardcore shooters available, this game utilizes a cartoonish visual design. The ducks' awkward yet endearing movements, along with comedic voice effects and playful Easter eggs, help alleviate the usual tension found in “loot-and-extract” games. This unique aesthetic lowers the entry barriers and appeals to many players who may be less experienced with 3D shooting games.

      Simple gameplay combined with strategic depth: a gentle approach to hardcore design

      The primary gameplay loop of Escape from Duckov centers on “loot, shoot, and extract,” yet its simplified mechanics strike a harmonious balance between hardcore complexity and user-friendly controls. For example, the game employs an easy “one slot per item” backpack system to simplify inventory management. Combat differentiates only headshot damage, and players are allowed one opportunity to recover their gear after dying, minimizing frustration.

      Even with its streamlined mechanics, the game maintains the core aspects of resource-based strategy. Players must depend on sound cues to find enemies and remain alert for stealthy ambushers. Dynamic features like day-night cycles and stormy weather introduce special foes, while vulnerable characters incur ongoing damage under severe conditions. These mechanics cater to casual players looking for enjoyment while still providing strategic depth for dedicated gamers.

      Community ecosystem and long-term progression keep players involved

      As the publisher, Bilibili offers robust community support for the game. Players share guides and humorous screenshots on the platform, fostering word-of-mouth promotion. The game also includes an integrated creative workshop that allows players to develop mods, introducing additional ways to engage.

      Moreover, the game promotes player retention through a long-term progression system. Skill tree upgrades outside of matches enhance character attributes, while in-match exploration reveals hidden areas and shortcuts, creating a beneficial cycle of resource gathering, ability enhancement, and more effective exploration. With over 50 hours of primary story content and various NPC-driven side quests, players can enjoy a continuous flow of new experiences even during single-player gameplay.

      Affordable pricing and market positioning attract players

      With a price tag of RMB 58 ($8.00) in China, Escape from Duckov delivers a rich content experience without breaking the bank, particularly when compared to AAA titles that often cost several hundred yuan. Its distinctive theme, innovative gameplay, and lively community have perfectly aligned with domestic players’ desires for games that are “fun, lighthearted, and replayable,” making it a surprising success in the Chinese gaming market for fall 2025.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. She covers consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Connect with her via email: [email protected]. More by Jessie Wu.