Lin Qi (businessman)
Lin Qi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day |
| Other names | Lynch |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Years active | 2007–2020 |
| Known for | Founder of Yoozoo Games |
Lin Qi (; frequently known as Lynch; 1981–2020) was a Chinese entrepreneur recognized as the founder of Yoozoo Games.
Early life
Lin Qi was born in 1981 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, into a family engaged in manufacturing. From a young age, he showed a strong passion for video games. He completed his studies at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications in 2004, earning a degree in computer information management. Afterward, he worked as a software engineer at Zhejiang's China Telecom before departing in 2007 to co-establish an online advertising firm.
Yoozoo
In June 2009, Lin launched Yoozoo, concentrating on the creation and development of video games. The company experienced swift growth, founding branches like Youzoo Interactive and expanding its ventures into television and film production.
Yoozoo achieved notable success in 2019 with the release of Game of Thrones: Winter is Coming, a multiplayer online game inspired by the acclaimed HBO series.
Lin also played a role in the production of the Netflix science fiction series 3 Body Problem, which is adapted from Liu Cixin’s celebrated Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy.
As reported by the Hurun Report, Lin Qi’s estimated net worth ranged between 4.5 and 6.8 billion yuan ($575–$635 million) by 2024.
Death
On December 16, 2020, Lin Qi became ill and sought medical attention, leading to his hospitalization the following day. Medical examinations revealed poisoning by methylmercury chloride (CH3HgCl), triggering a police investigation. Zhao Jilong, the executive producer of 3 Body Problem, along with his spouse, were also poisoned but survived the incident. Lin Qi passed away on December 25, 2020.
Authorities apprehended former Yoozoo executive Xu Yao, who faced charges of murder. In 2024, Xu was convicted and sentenced to death. The court identified business conflicts as the motive behind the crime, while additional reports connected it to Xu’s demotion and salary reduction due to unsatisfactory performance.