Bilibili Q1 2023 Financial Report: 1.13 Billion in Gaming Revenue Amidst Continued Community Backlash

Bilibili recently released its Q1 2023 financial report. The figures show a total revenue of 5.07 billion RMB, a 37% increase in gross profit, and a net loss narrowed to 1.238 billion RMB—a 72% improvement. User engagement metrics were also robust, with 93.7 million daily active users (DAU) and increased time spent on the platform.

Regarding the gaming division, the platform generated 1.13 billion RMB. Bilibili highlighted its upcoming slate, including titles like 'Umamusume: Pretty Derby', and took credit for the success of co-published games like 'Honkai: Star Rail' as proof of its dominance in the ACG (Anime, Comic, and Games) market.

However, the phrasing in the report triggered significant backlash within the community. Users ridiculed the claim of 'powerful influence,' with many telling the platform to 'have some shame.' Many long-time users feel that Bilibili has been actively 'de-ACG-ing' (abandoning its niche anime-focused roots for mass-market appeal), and now using that same market to boast about financial performance is hypocritical. Further complaints surfaced regarding internal corruption, the mystery behind profits from the platform's merchandise shop, and the conspicuous omission of 'Genshin Impact' from the report. While some acknowledge that mobile game developers still rely on Bilibili's platform for distribution, community trust remains at an all-time low.