The hidden depths of esports players

Portraits of Youth

For Ni, the most compelling aspect of esports lies in the collective stories of its players. Her film seeks to capture the energy and camaraderie that define the world of competitive gaming.

"I saw a lot of idealism and innocence in their stories. People are drawn to group portraits because, in a crowd, they find a reflection of themselves — someone who represents their own hopes and dreams," Ni explains.

Although she has vivid memories of each player's journey, Ni and her team had already compiled 6,000 to 7,000 words of background material on the competitors before filming began. The profiles of players like Chen and Xu Bicheng, one of the six who ended up in the national team, exceeded 30,000 words.

"While the media already provides ample coverage of the games and tournaments, I felt it was essential to understand these individuals on a deeper level," Ni says. "When they speak to me in the documentary, it's as if they're speaking directly to the audience."

Ni was more than a director and became an integral part of the team, collaborating with the coach on training plans, and earning the trust of the players as a close confidante.

"This is the magic of esports — it brings together a group of people who are fully dedicated to one goal," Ni says. "The true appeal of competitive sports lies in the emotions of the players. Win or lose, I experienced those emotions with them — even though I wasn't the one competing."

Through the nuances of everyday life and training, Ni captures the personalities of each player, presenting an intimate portrait of the team dynamic.