Yoozoo Games and the murder of Lin Qi: a shocking turn in gaming

Yoozoo Games has recently been hit by a terrible scandal that has shocked the gaming community. Lin Qi, the company’s founder, died after a murder attack carried out by his former colleague Xu Yao. The case has affected not only the company, but also several related projects, including Netflix’s '3 Body Problem'.

Who was Lin Qi?

Lin Qi was the founder and CEO of Yoozoo Games and played an important role in the creation of the online strategy game 'Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming'. His influence extended beyond games; he was also involved in the film and TV rights for the Chinese science fiction series 'Remembrance of Earth's Past', better known internationally as '3 Body Problem'. Lin’s work influenced not only the gaming industry, but also the entertainment sector in China and beyond.

The murder of Lin Qi

Xu Yao, who had previously worked with Lin Qi at Yoozoo, killed Lin Qi in a shocking manner. After a dispute over the management of the franchise rights for '3 Body Problem', Xu said he wanted revenge. He replaced Lin Qi in charge of those rights and eventually began poisoning him with fake probiotics filled with highly toxic mercury. This led to Lin Qi’s fatal poisoning on 10 December 2020, just ten days after taking the pills.

Punishment and justice

Xu Yao was eventually arrested and sentenced to death in 2024 for the murder of Lin Qi. The trial drew major public attention and sparked a broad debate about murder and justice in China. Xu Yao’s execution was carried out on 26 May 2026. Yoozoo Games responded to the news with a statement expressing grief over the loss of Lin Qi and praising the justice that was ultimately served.

Impact on the gaming and entertainment industry

Lin Qi’s death has major implications not only for Yoozoo Games, but also for the production of Netflix’s '3 Body Problem' series. Lin was posthumously credited as an executive producer for the first season, which was released in 2024 and led by former 'Game of Thrones' showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The series’ second season is scheduled to launch later this year, and plans are already in place for a third and final season.

Lin’s contribution to both the gaming and television worlds will not be forgotten. The loss of such a prominent figure highlights the fragility of leadership and the consequences of personal conflicts in professional environments. It also prompts broader reflection within the industry on how companies must handle not only their creative processes, but also the dynamics between colleagues.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Lin Qi marks one of the darkest moments in gaming. His legacy and influence live on in the projects he helped steer, including the impact of his death on Yoozoo Games and the '3 Body Problem' series. As the gaming community mourns this loss, it also serves as a reminder of the seriousness of issues that can unfold within the professional arenas of creativity and competition.