TAIPEI, Taiwan — Chinese authorities have executed a former gaming executive convicted of poisoning billionaire entrepreneur Lin Qi, founder of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games and a key figure linked to the adaptation rights of the science fiction series “The Three-Body Problem.”
Local media reported Tuesday that Xu Yao, a former executive of a Yoozoo Games subsidiary, was executed on May 21 following his conviction for the 2020 murder of Lin. Xu was found guilty in 2024 of poisoning the gaming tycoon amid a professional dispute.
Lin, founder of Yoozoo Games, played a significant role in securing film and television adaptation rights to “The Three-Body Problem,” the acclaimed science fiction trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The literary work later inspired multiple adaptations, including Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” series released in 2024.
According to court findings and local media reports, Xu allegedly orchestrated the poisoning after becoming dissatisfied over being sidelined within the company shortly after helping secure the Netflix adaptation deal.
Reports from Shanghai-based business publication Yicai Global and other local outlets said Xu purchased highly toxic substances online, spending hundreds of thousands of yuan to obtain poisons including alpha-amanitin, a lethal toxin found in certain poisonous mushrooms.
Authorities said Xu disguised the toxic substances as probiotic supplements and also concealed them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles that were shared with Lin and several employees.
Lin was hospitalized in December 2020 and died days later at the age of 39. Several other employees reportedly fell ill but recovered.
Yoozoo Games confirmed the execution in a statement posted Tuesday on the Weibo social media platform.
“Recently, the case concerning Mr. Lin Qi, the founder of Three-Body Universe, has finally reached its conclusion, and justice has ultimately been served,” the company said.
The company added that it was “deeply grateful for the upholding of justice.”
Yoozoo Games did not immediately provide additional comment, while the Shanghai High People’s Court had yet to respond to media inquiries.
“The Three-Body Problem” trilogy has gained widespread international recognition, having been translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into television, gaming and streaming productions. Its author, Liu Cixin, became the first Chinese writer to receive the prestigious Hugo Award, one of science fiction’s highest honors.
In China, the success of the trilogy helped fuel the expansion of a broader science fiction industry encompassing films, video games, literature, magazines, and themed exhibitions.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
