Three years of living up to expectations! Why is *In the Name of Shining* hailed as a beacon for female gamers? Players: They’ve recruited a “suicide squad”-level team working around the clock.

In short dramas and feel-good novels, a three-year timeframe is often used to set the stage for a dramatic comeback. In the gaming industry, three years mark a clear turning point—a brutal test of survival. Many games fade into obscurity shortly after launch, and very few manage to remain at the top of the industry for the long term.

*In the Name of Brilliance* is a true gem among the rarest of rarities, poised to break out against the odds after years of steady preparation.

In March, this AAA-tier fashion and lifestyle game for women, developed by Zlong Games’ VVANNA Studio, celebrated its third anniversary. The celebration—free of sensationalist hype or contrived marketing tactics—took the internet by storm thanks to a dual breakthrough in both technology and content.

Medusa’s six-star set has been revealed to legendary status, while new gameplay upgrades have sparked heated discussion among players. Additionally, VVANNA Studio’s strategic upgrade to a business division—along with this series of major moves and sincere initiatives—undoubtedly represents the most significant highlight of 2026’s female-oriented gaming scene, capturing the attention of both players and the industry.

As we mark our third anniversary, the reason this battle was won so decisively is precisely because *In the Name of Shining* has one and only one underlying principle: a genuine female-centric approach.

This is both her dedication and her ambition.

01

Another "black" technology

Medusa Returns to Form

The highlight of the third-anniversary celebration is a costume set called "Eternal Eye of the World," though it’s more commonly known as the Medusa Set.

Medusa’s choices were never a matter of chance. In the original Greek myth, Medusa has been portrayed for millennia as a victim: coveted by the sea god Poseidon for her beauty, she was ultimately punished by the goddesses, her flowing hair transformed into venomous snakes, and anyone who met her gaze turned to stone.

The image of Medusa has been constantly reimagined in popular culture. Some view her as a symbol of stigmatized female power, and artists use her to express resistance to patriarchy. Medusa has transformed from a monster into a misunderstood, powerful woman—a semantic shift that is, in itself, a fascinating cultural phenomenon.

When *In the Name of Shining* chose Medusa as its face for its third anniversary, the choice itself sent a clear message: games aimed at female audiences are not objects to be gazed upon, nor are they tools for emotional entertainment; rather, they are tangible vehicles and spiritual strongholds that showcase female strength and self-expression.

The image of Medusa has appeared in numerous games, but the version in *In the Name of Shining* stands out in particular. As a result, you’ll find that the game’s Medusa seems to have spared no expense in development, incorporating diverse design elements such as cobras, desert motifs, and European scrollwork into the overall costume design. With its visually striking art direction, it has become the ultimate interpretation of the feminine power embodied by Medusa.

The seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and exquisite aesthetics is what propelled *In the Name of Shining* to viral fame. This third-anniversary fashion show, which felt like a showcase of cutting-edge technology, can be described as *In the Name of Shining* delivering a game-changing blow to the industry.

To be perfectly honest, using sparkles to create scales is a well-established technique, as evidenced by the previous mermaid outfits. The craftsmanship in this Medusa snake-scale set for the third anniversary is even more exquisite.Each scale was modeled individually, with its texture, thickness, and arrangement deeply inspired by the growth patterns of real-life creatures. The edges of the scales taper gradually to blend seamlessly with the skin, perfectly capturing the sensation of scales growing directly from the flesh.

This form of photorealism is actually a more challenging technical approach; it embodies their product philosophy, which seeks not only visual similarity but also authenticity down to the finest details. Players can tell the difference—especially when zooming in on a PC—as the texture produced by photorealism is absolutely distinct from that of normal maps.

Even more intriguing is the use of opal. Opal is a hydrated silica mineral whose internal structure gives it a unique play-of-color effect, causing it to appear in different colors when viewed from different angles. In traditional high jewelry, this gemstone is considered a material reserved for the elite, as its optical properties are difficult to replicate with conventional materials.

Yishan uses real-time shaders to recreate the complex physical and optical phenomena of opal. By embedding the opal material between layers of scales, the stone’s unique iridescent effect is fully activated as light shifts across its surface. As the figure moves, a flowing spectrum of iridescent colors emerges on the surface of the scales, giving the character a lifelike vitality.

The bespoke snake-scale silver foil printing technique is a technical detail worth exploring in depth. From fine-tuning the luster of the silver foil to replicating the texture of snake scales, and ensuring the perfect adhesion of the print to the fabric,every detail has been refined to perfection—that crisp, translucent yet delicate metallic sheen possesses the opulence of metal without its cold rigidity, precisely capturing Medusa’s enigmatic yet noble aura. This extreme pursuit of detail is particularly rare in today’s industry, characterized by rapid product cycles and superficial execution, and instead embodies a true spirit of craftsmanship.

Another example of this meticulous attention to detail is the serpentine element on the skirt, which utilizes a specially developed simulated pupil membrane technology. A unique simulated pupil membrane structure has been added to the outer layer of the snake’s eyes, so that when the character turns, the light effects in the snake’s eyes naturally shift with the viewing angle—at times sharp and icy like a cold star, at times deep and lively like an abyss, and at times frozen in place like a venomous snake in the final moment of stillness before the hunt.A single glance is enough to feel that unsettling, piercing sensation.

The Fire and Glow Gem Shader was likely the most challenging aspect of the 3rd Anniversary technical upgrade. The brilliance of real gemstones stems from complex optical phenomena: refraction, reflection, dispersion, and scattering from internal inclusions… Conventional rendering typically simplifies these complex phenomena to some extent in order to balance performance and visual quality, meeting the demands of game environments.In *In the Name of Brilliance*, the solution employs precise refraction simulation and dispersion effects to recreate the burst of iridescent light as rays pass through a diamond. At the same time, a dynamic light-flow algorithm allows the fire to shift in real-time with changes in viewing angle and lighting, while the Fresnel effect enhances the contrast between light and shadow across the diamond’s various facets.

This solution faithfully recreates the internal crystal structure of natural gemstones; as light passes through, it creates multidimensional, multipath reflections and refractions within the crystal lattice. This level of technical sophistication goes beyond the conventional scope of game art and ventures into the realm of computational optics.

There’s no need to dwell on the variety of styles—regular updates already offer plenty of options. This Medusa 3rd Anniversary set features two top styles, three bottom styles, two hairstyles, two tail styles, three back accessories, and three pose options, offering endless ways to style this single outfit.

No one is naturally inclined to show off their skills. Technological advancements and breakthroughs are all aimed at achieving the ultimate presentation.

*In the Name of Radiance* will also introduce new features such as independent left- and right-side makeup options, adjustable material transparency, and full-view hairstyles. These features are not merely technical showcases; rather, they aim to shift the power to define beauty from the developers back to the players. Players are no longer passive recipients of aesthetic choices but active creators with complete creative freedom.

Games aimed at female audiences should feature fashion that’s packed with technical flair and design sensibility, allowing players to customize their looks however they like.

Medusa has finally found the one who will help her regain her former glory. Players now have a game truly designed from a female perspective—a game that’s packed with innovative features.

02

It’s a game, but it’s also part of everyday life

Upgraded Lifestyle Content

To mark its third anniversary, *In the Name of Shining* has announced the launch of a host of new gameplay features and functions, covering nearly every popular trend in the market—from UGC creation and a home system to pet raising and casual social features—all in one place.

This may seem like jumping on the bandwagon, but the logic behind it is clear: it’s a comprehensive analysis of female gamers’ needs.

For female gamers, games are definitely more than just a form of entertainment; they also serve as a means of self-expression and companionship. They need a space that can accommodate entertainment, creativity, social interaction, and real-life experiences all at once. The launch of this series of new gameplay features represents a systematic strategy designed from a female perspective.

The mode with the biggest contrast is definitely the battle royale mode (Biubiu Battle), a multiplayer competitive game that can accommodate 60 players on the same map. As soon as the live stream showed a hands-on demo, the screen was flooded with comments like “Flash Corner.”

Come to think of it, it’s not really surprising. Who ever said female players can’t play shooters? Stereotypes are just that deeply ingrained. But then again, it’s not surprising at all—this is precisely the style that *In the Name of Shining* has always embodied. It has never allowed itself to be held hostage by the “female-oriented” label; instead, it consistently shatters prejudices. This time, it has once again taught the industry a vivid lesson: there is no game genre that women can’t play—only games that aren’t thoughtfully designed with women in mind.

Some even say that the combat characters here come with built-in buffs. Players’ characters and outfits are crafted from a variety of items collected bit by bit and combined in different ways, and this sense of immersion is far more compelling than the pre-made sets found in other shooting games. The phrase “dress to impress and win in style” has taken on a whole new meaning—not just in “Shangjiao Continent,” but in every aspect of life.

In the realm of casual social competition, Flash has some new moves up its sleeve. The all-new Party Kitchen mode takes a laid-back, collaborative approach—team up with friends to compete against another group, race against the clock to gather ingredients, and cook together. It’s a game of both reflexes and teamwork, with no hard-hitting competition, just lively interaction and a focus on having fun.In the future, a professional circular runway will launch, complete with lighting and visual effects, opening up multi-player fashion show competitions. Players will be able to showcase their outfits and aesthetic sense while experiencing the thrill of competing on the same stage.

The second major category is simulation-based character development, which focuses on fostering a sense of companionship and bringing a touch of real life to the game. The upcoming pet job system will expand the value of pets beyond mere appearance and interaction, allowing them to truly become an integral part of players’ in-game lives. Pets can take on various jobs based on their natural talents, unlocking new content as their abilities improve. Combined with the addition of the fox pet category, this will make the character development process more nuanced and heartwarming.

The Home Farming feature centers on a lighthearted, therapeutic experience, allowing players to freely grow various flowers and crops and watch them grow as they water and tend to them. The game also features a unique cross-breeding system that lets players cultivate creative varieties like jack-o’-lantern pumpkins and cat’s paw corn, adding a touch of personality to their home landscapes.Harvested crops can be exchanged for rewards or used as ingredients for cooking. Combined with social features like helping friends with their homesteads and harvesting together, this creates a complete and immersive cultivation experience.

If technological upgrades represent the "hard power" of *In the Name of Shining*, then the continuous optimization and expansion of its UGC capabilities serve as its "soft power" moat. The highlight of the third-anniversary update includes new UGC and creative features, with the choreography feature marking the latest milestone in this long-term initiative.

From Bilibili user @Hu Si Wang Xiang Lu

From Bilibili user @Xiao Emo Jianglin

The core of the choreography feature is to maximize players’ creative freedom, truly enabling them to make the leap from player to director. In Basic Mode, players can freely choreograph dance moves, select background music, and control camera angles. In Advanced Mode, one-click costume changes, scene switching, character appearance changes, and the addition of lighting filters and transition effects are all possible.This means that starting with outfit selection, through choreography, music selection, and camera design, all the way to special effects production, players can edit a single dance routine into a complete music video. Creations can be shared within the community or reused in other projects. Players can recreate others’ choreographies or recombine clips from different works for secondary use. This reusability and potential for re-creation give the UGC ecosystem the ability to continuously evolve.

The Home System will also receive a major update. With the launch of Terrain 2.0, players will be able to freely create mountains, dig lakes, and lay out scenic paths, customizing everything from the macro landscape down to the finest details. Combined with new furniture categorization features, trap mechanisms, hidden doors, and a variety of interactive gameplay elements, players can fully bring their creativity to life—whether they want to design fun puzzle scenarios or create a relaxing space to hang out with friends.

With version updates every three weeks, we frequently see new features added to the creation tools. This rapid, incremental pace keeps the UGC system feeling fresh and gives players the motivation to keep creating content.

The third-anniversary update also features an interesting collaboration related to user-generated content (UGC). The crossover between *In the Name of Shining* and *Subway Surfers* offers not only outfits but also collaborative furniture items that serve as new building blocks for players to decorate their homes and create photo-worthy scenes. From parkour coins and training obstacles to graffiti walls, each element can be combined in countless ways by players. This approach is consistent with the concept behind its collaboration with *Monument Valley*.

During the third-anniversary livestream, the ten-minute showcase of player-generated content (UGC) was a standout highlight. From meticulously decorated home scenes and creatively choreographed dance videos to evocative photographs, the content on display was made possible by the developers’ continuous system updates and feature enhancements. The developers set the stage, and the players took center stage. Collaboration provided the opportunity, while creativity was the driving force.

What others have, Yishan has; what others don’t have, Yishan has too. From a single-dimensional approach to a multi-dimensional strategy, every upgrade is designed from a woman’s perspective, opening a door to the everyday lives of female users.

When the boundaries of gaming begin to blur with real life, companionship is no longer limited to in-game interactions—and in this regard, *In the Name of Shining* goes above and beyond what other games offer.

Online, the new third-anniversary update and anniversary livestream combined interaction, companionship, and content delivery into a single experience, with the development team addressing player needs and engaging with them in real time.

The on-location cultural filming in Turkey is a noteworthy detail. To capture the authentic cultural atmosphere, the production team traveled to Turkey to film on location, incorporating the local customs and traditions into the game’s content. This obsession with detail is a testament to the team’s respect for players: creating the most authentic content to deliver the most thoughtful product.

Offline, through partnerships with Happy Valley, the development of "Guzi" merchandise, and a collaboration with Mingren Soda, we integrate game elements into players' real lives, creating tangible objects that serve as emotional connections for them.

When a game truly becomes a part of a player’s life, dedicated development naturally evolves into a form of companionship. Positive reviews, spontaneous sharing on social media, and word-of-mouth recommendations among players are all inevitable outcomes of treating players with sincerity. Attempts to simply please players may not necessarily win their hearts, but a game that treats players with genuine care will undoubtedly carve out a special place in their hearts.

03

Sincerity for sincerity

The Unique Appeal of Games for Women

The third anniversary of *In the Name of Shining* revolves around a single keyword: “See.” It’s truly striking. These two words are more than just a slogan; they embody the courage to listen, to ask questions, to confront challenges head-on, and to make things happen—and they are intricately woven into every aspect of the product and marketing.

There are several layers to this concept of “seeing”: one is seeing women and female gamers, and recognizing their limitless potential. These moments of being “seen” become a source of strength and spiritual energy for the players. It’s somewhat akin to what is often said in the gaming industry—seeing users rather than just data or traffic.

"In the Name of Shining" 3rd Anniversary Limited 6-Star Set—Get it for free by participating in in-game events

The gaming industry relies heavily on data-driven decision-making: it piles on whatever assets sell well and adds whatever gameplay features yield high retention rates.Essentially, this approach merely feeds users’ existing preferences rather than guiding them to discover new possibilities. The strategy behind *In the Name of Shining* is counterintuitive. The game features intangible cultural heritage, imperial scholar robes, battle royale gameplay, and continuous graphical enhancements powered by the UE engine. From a purely data-driven perspective, these may not be the optimal solutions, but from the standpoint of addressing the needs of women and female players, they are absolutely essential. This is quintessentially *In the Name of Shining*.

On one hand, *In the Name of Shining* recognizes female players themselves and encourages them to find their own strength, just as these historical female figures did. Just as the giant eye on the back of the Medusa set symbolizes Medusa’s power, it also serves as the most tangible visual representation of *In the Name of Shining*’s “recognition” of female strength.

As the embodiment of Medusa’s inner spirit, this eye bears the mark of her transformation from victim to conqueror, and embodies women’s quest to break free from constraints and assert their individuality.Shanshan constructed a complete 3D model for this eye, with independent modeling of every layer from the cornea and iris to the inner structures. The meticulous refinement of every detail allows it to display realistic shifts in light and shadow and a sense of volume from different angles, much like the multifaceted and profound nature of female strength.It embodies Medusa’s resilience—her refusal to be swept away by fate or defined by stigma—while also encapsulating Yishan’s profound interpretation of and reverence for female strength. May every player wearing this outfit perceive their own power through this tangible “vision,” and courageously let the world witness the unique radiance and strength of women.

For women and gamers alike, "Flash" is that beam of light—the light that illuminates this power.

But the most remarkable insight she offers is that she has helped more people understand the unique power of games aimed at female audiences: quiet, unassuming, and free of forced conflict, they rely solely on subtlety, endurance, and a sincere commitment to genuine connection, gradually radiating their own unique brilliance. This power lies in every thoughtful effort she has made to stay true to her vision:

In February, VVANNA Studio was upgraded to a business division. Employees received bonuses at the start of the year and cash gifts during holidays, and there was no mandatory time-off requirement. Behind this commitment to treating employees well lies her deep understanding that only employees who feel respected can truly care for players—and that this is the starting point of a virtuous cycle;

We always listen carefully to our players, deliver on every update promise, and collaborate with female creators and celebrities to let female empowerment shine both within and outside the game;

By deeply engaging with cultural heritage, we aim to bring intangible cultural heritage and traditional attire to a wider audience through games, and to help Gong Linna’s music reach a broader audience while conveying meaningful values.

Image source: Gong Linna's Xiaohongshu account

At the 2026 Douyin Splendid Heritage Gala, Gong Linna performed "In the Name of Brilliance" and the game theme song "Mother Nuo Goddess."

Yi Shan has quietly dedicated himself to public service. In Xinzhuang Village, Yeyi Town, Pingdingshan, Henan Province, there is a 196-meter-long, 4-meter-wide road that serves as the villagers’ only access route to their farmlands. This dirt road is muddy year-round and riddled with ruts; during rainy or snowy weather, it becomes impassable due to standing water. Farm machinery cannot enter or exit, crops are stranded, and the villagers’ hopes for a good harvest are consequently jeopardized.

While en route to a local livestream, the team behind *In the Name of Brilliance* learned of this situation and immediately partnered with the Henan Provincial Charity Federation to donate funds for the road’s construction in their capacity as partners. At 196 meters, the road isn’t long, but it connects the villagers’ livelihoods. Their philosophy is simple: no matter how small the task, as long as it’s useful and meaningful, it’s worth doing with care.

Taken individually, these developments might not be considered “major moves” in the industry. But when viewed collectively, they form the core of Yishan’s unique competitive advantage. For players, this is no longer just a game; it has become a spiritual home where they can find a sense of connection, companionship, and a place to be themselves. This genuine sense of belonging cannot be bought with money—it is the very foundation of Yishan’s confidence in carving out a distinctive path in the female-oriented gaming market.

When asked why Yishan is hailed as the "beacon of female-oriented content," we might answer: it is this all-encompassing dedication that makes it a beacon of female-oriented content.

There’s a saying circulating among players: “Let’s Meet at 13.” The game’s third anniversary clearly shows where this phrase comes from. Built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology and nurtured by a positive work environment, the game has spread through precise and effective marketing strategies. By identifying and addressing the genuine needs of female players, the product has gained an endless source of vitality.

According to the *2025 Survey Report on Games Targeting Female Audiences*, the Chinese market for games targeting female audiences reached 8 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 124.1%. This growth rate far exceeds the industry average, making it one of the core drivers of growth in the gaming industry.As the market expands and competition intensifies, the true test lies in maintaining a long-term perspective. This explains why *In the Name of Shining* continues to invest and focus on the long term—a testament not only to the team’s confidence in the project but also to their confidence in the female-oriented gaming category as a whole.

Conclusion

At the end of the third-anniversary livestream, there was a video featuring birthday wishes from players around the world. These players come from different professions, have different backgrounds, and speak different languages; they are not celebrities, yet they have all come together because of Yishan. There was no script and no flashy stage—just the simplest form of passion and the most sincere expressions of gratitude.

This is precisely what makes Shanshan’s signature move so powerful: millions upon millions of women are the true protagonists of this arena, and every single “she” deserves to be seen—deserving not only of Medusa’s magnificent battle armor, but also of the boundless possibilities that come from refusing to be defined and bravely being herself.

The so-called "light of women's culture" has never been about illuminating a single moment; rather, it is about ensuring that every woman can shine forever in her own world.

Three years on, *In the Name of Shining* has proven that a long-term approach can succeed in the female-oriented market. In the future, *In the Name of Shining* will continue to thrive, and we can expect it to get better and better, with ongoing technical upgrades, continuous content updates, and the expansion of gameplay features.

We have every reason to believe that her future extends far beyond her third anniversary—it encompasses the next decade and the next thirteen years—as she continues to shine as a beacon for women, illuminating the path to self-expression for even more women.