The Chinese government has executed Xu Yao, a man who poisoned billionaire gaming tycoon Lin Qi in 2020. This shocking act led to Lin's death at the age of 39. Lin was the founder of Yoozoo Games, a Shanghai-based developer best known for the Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming strategy game. He didn't survive the poisoning, and his death was a significant loss to the gaming industry.
Xu Yao was appointed by Lin to lead Three-Body Universe, a subsidiary of Yoozoo Games, in 2018. However, their relationship turned sour in 2020 when Lin decided to put other executives in charge of business operations. Xu Yao disguised lethal substances as probiotic pills and gave them to Lin. Lin went to the hospital after feeling unwell. He died nine days later. The poisoning plot was extremely despicable, and it's a wonder Lin didn't suspect anything sooner.
At the time of his death, Lin was believed to have had a net worth of around 6.8 billion yuan (£745m; $941m), according to the Hurun China Rich List. Xu Yao's poisoning plot also left several others sick. The court described his plot as 'extremely despicable' during his trial in 2024. It's clear that the court took the crime very seriously.
'Justice comes in the end, even if it's late,' one of Xu's victims wrote on social media after the execution was confirmed. Xu Yao's company released a statement saying 'justice has ultimately been served' and extending their 'heartfelt condolences to Lin's family'. They're likely relieved that the ordeal is over.
The science fiction trilogy 3 Body Problem is based on Chinese author Liu Cixin's Remembrance of Earth's Past. The books have been translated into nearly 30 languages. They've inspired multiple adaptations. The Netflix adaptation in 2024 quickly became one of the streaming platform's most-watched shows. Lin was posthumously credited as one of its executive producers. He wouldn't have seen the show's success, but it's a testament to his legacy.
Xu Yao's execution has sparked a mixture of emotions online. Some have expressed relief that justice has been served. Others are still trying to come to terms with the events that led to Lin's death. The news continues to spread, and fans of Lin Qi and the 3 Body Problem series are taking to social media to pay their respects to the late billionaire. They won't forget him anytime soon.
The 3 Body Problem series has gained a massive following worldwide. Its adaptation into a Netflix series has introduced the franchise to a new audience. The series is based on the award-winning novel by Liu Cixin. It explores the first contact between humans and an alien civilization. Lin Qi's company, Yoozoo Games, had acquired the rights to adapt the novel into a film and television series. They're likely to continue producing content based on the series.
In 2020, Xu Yao's actions shocked the gaming industry in China and beyond. The incident led to a thorough investigation. Xu Yao was eventually arrested and charged with Lin's murder. The trial was closely watched. The court's decision to describe Xu Yao's plot as 'extremely despicable' reflected the seriousness of the crime. It's clear that the court didn't take the crime lightly.
As the dust settles on this case, the focus will shift to the future of Yoozoo Games and the 3 Body Problem franchise. Lin Qi's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire new generations of gamers, writers, and filmmakers. The execution of Xu Yao serves as a reminder that justice will be served, no matter how long it takes. It's a reminder that crime doesn't pay, and those who commit crimes will be held accountable.
- Xu Yao was executed for poisoning billionaire gaming tycoon Lin Qi in 2020.
- Lin Qi was the founder of Yoozoo Games, a Shanghai-based developer.
- Xu Yao was appointed to lead Three-Body Universe, a subsidiary of Yoozoo Games, in 2018.
- The 3 Body Problem series has been translated into nearly 30 languages and inspired multiple adaptations.
- Lin Qi was posthumously credited as an executive producer of the Netflix adaptation of 3 Body Problem in 2024.