Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder has drawn renewed attention to one of the most shocking criminal cases in China’s gaming and entertainment industry. Chinese authorities have confirmed the execution of former lawyer Xu Yao, who was convicted of poisoning billionaire gaming executive Lin Qi in a high-profile case linked to the global science fiction franchise 3 Body Problem.
According to Chinese media reports and statements released by Yoozoo Games, the execution reportedly took place on May 21, 2026. Authorities publicly confirmed the development days later.
Lin Qi, founder of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games, died in December 2020 after being poisoned by Xu Yao, a former executive connected to the company’s entertainment projects.
China Confirms Execution of Xu Yao
Chinese authorities sentenced Xu Yao to death in 2024 after a court found him guilty of intentionally poisoning Lin Qi and harming several other individuals.
The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court described the crime as “extremely despicable” during sentencing proceedings.
Official Confirmation of the Execution
Yoozoo Games later issued a public statement acknowledging the execution and expressing gratitude for the judicial process.
The company stated that justice had ultimately been carried out while also extending condolences to Lin Qi’s family.
The Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder quickly became a major topic across Chinese social media and international entertainment news platforms because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the case.
Who Was Xu Yao?
Xu Yao was a former lawyer and business executive who worked closely with Lin Qi on projects involving the science fiction franchise The Three-Body Problem.
In 2018, Lin appointed Xu to oversee Three-Body Universe, a subsidiary responsible for managing adaptations and related business activities tied to the popular book series.
However, reports later indicated tensions developed between the two men after changes within company management.
The Murder of Lin Qi
Lin Qi’s death in late 2020 shocked China’s gaming industry and international entertainment circles.
Authorities said Xu Yao poisoned Lin after becoming dissatisfied with his position and influence inside the company.
How the Poisoning Happened
Investigators alleged that Xu disguised toxic substances as probiotic pills before giving them to Lin Qi.
In December 2020, Lin reportedly began feeling seriously unwell and was admitted to the hospital.
He died nine days later at the age of 39.
Chinese police arrested Xu Yao shortly after Lin’s hospitalization as investigators examined evidence connected to the poisoning.
Other Victims Were Also Affected
Reports later revealed that several additional individuals became ill as part of Xu’s broader poisoning scheme.
Chinese newspaper Economic Observer reported that one victim later commented online that justice had finally been achieved after years of waiting.
The Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder therefore closed a criminal case that had remained widely followed across China for more than five years.
Who Was Lin Qi?
Lin Qi was one of China’s most recognized gaming entrepreneurs and entertainment investors.
He founded Yoozoo Games, a Shanghai-based gaming company known internationally for online and mobile games.
Yoozoo Games and Global Success
Yoozoo Games became especially well known for titles including:
- Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming
- Mobile strategy games
- Online multiplayer entertainment projects
The company expanded rapidly during the 2010s and became one of China’s major gaming businesses.
At the time of his death, Lin Qi reportedly had a net worth of approximately 6.8 billion yuan according to the Hurun China Rich List.
Connection to 3 Body Problem
Lin also played a major role in securing film and television adaptation rights for The Three-Body Problem, the globally famous Chinese science fiction trilogy written by Liu Cixin.
The books form part of the Remembrance of Earth’s Past series, which gained international recognition after being translated into dozens of languages.
Netflix later adapted the story into the successful television series 3 Body Problem released in 2024.
Lin Qi was posthumously credited as one of the executive producers of the adaptation.
Fallout Inside Yoozoo Games
Reports suggest business disagreements inside the company contributed to tensions between Lin Qi and Xu Yao.
Dispute Over Company Leadership
According to local media reports, Lin Qi reportedly reassigned responsibilities within Three-Body Universe in 2020, placing other executives in charge of daily operations.
Investigators believe Xu became increasingly frustrated after losing influence within the organization.
The fallout eventually escalated into what authorities described as a carefully planned poisoning scheme.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Lin’s sudden death created shockwaves throughout China’s technology and gaming sectors.
Industry observers noted that:
- Lin was considered one of China’s younger tech billionaires
- Yoozoo Games had strong international partnerships
- The company played a growing role in entertainment licensing
- The case highlighted tensions inside rapidly expanding tech firms
The Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder remains one of the most widely discussed criminal cases involving China’s gaming industry.
The Global Success of 3 Body Problem
The murder case also drew international attention because of its link to the 3 Body Problem franchise.
The Popularity of the Book Series
Author Liu Cixin’s science fiction trilogy became one of China’s most successful literary exports.
The trilogy includes:
- The Three-Body Problem
- The Dark Forest
- Death’s End
The books received praise worldwide for their blend of science fiction, philosophy, and large-scale storytelling.
Netflix Adaptation Increased Global Attention
Netflix released its adaptation of 3 Body Problem in 2024, introducing the story to a larger global audience.
The series quickly became one of the platform’s most watched programs during its release period.
Because Lin Qi had been closely involved in securing adaptation rights, international audiences also became aware of the murder case connected to Yoozoo Games.
China’s Use of the Death Penalty
China continues to use capital punishment for serious crimes, including murder cases involving intentional poisoning.
Executions are typically carried out after approval through the country’s judicial review process.
Legal Process in High-Profile Cases
The Chinese court system often handles major criminal cases involving:
- Murder
- Corruption
- Drug trafficking
- Violent crimes
Authorities generally release limited details about execution procedures themselves.
The Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder followed the court’s earlier death sentence issued in 2024.
FAQ
Who was Lin Qi?
Lin Qi was the founder of Yoozoo Games and a Chinese billionaire known for gaming and entertainment investments connected to 3 Body Problem.
Why was Xu Yao executed?
Xu Yao was executed after being convicted of poisoning and murdering Lin Qi in 2020.
How did Lin Qi die?
Authorities said Lin Qi died after consuming poisoned substances disguised as probiotic pills.
What is the connection between Lin Qi and 3 Body Problem?
Lin Qi’s company held adaptation rights connected to the science fiction trilogy later adapted by Netflix into the series 3 Body Problem.
The Xu Yao execution for Lin Qi murder closes one of China’s most closely followed corporate crime cases in recent years. The incident combined elements of business conflict, international entertainment projects, and criminal prosecution, leaving a lasting impact on China’s gaming industry and the global audience connected to the 3 Body Problem franchise.
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