Google Play, the official online store for Android-based apps, has named Meituan-owned online delivery platform Keeta and fantasy role-playing game AFK Journey, developed by the global publishing unit of Shanghai firm Lilith Games, among the winners of its "Best of 2024" awards in Hong Kong.

Keeta, which was rolled out in Hong Kong in May last year, on Tuesday received the distinction as "Best Everyday Essential" on internet giant Google's store in Hong Kong. The award is for "an app that seamlessly integrates into your routine and helps you when you need it most", according to Google Play.

Beijing-based Meituan's first food delivery service outside the mainland, Keeta last year said its brand name was derived from the cheetah, a big cat famed for its speed.

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In the first quarter this year, Keeta surpassed Foodpanda for the first time to lead Hong Kong's food-delivery market by number of orders with a 43 per cent share, according to local analytics firm Measurable AI.

Following its success in Hong Kong, Keeta has expanded its international service to the central city of Al-Kharj in Saudi Arabia and capital Riyadh.

A Keeta staffer promotes the Meituan-owned online delivery platform at a streetside booth in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on May 22, 2023. Photo: Elson Li alt=A Keeta staffer promotes the Meituan-owned online delivery platform at a streetside booth in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on May 22, 2023. Photo: Elson Li>

AFK Journey, from Lilith's Singapore-headquartered unit Farlight Games, took this year's award for "Best Game" among all video-gaming apps available on Google Play.

"Where AFK Journey truly shines is in its expansive character roster and deeply rewarding strategic battle system," Google Play's statement said. "The story itself overflows with rich lore and mysteries to unravel and it's evident how much effort and detail has been poured into this world."

While Google Play regularly publishes geographic market-specific app rankings, the latest recognition received by Keeta and AFK Journey reflect the increased sophistication of app developers in China, which has the world's biggest internet population and largest smartphone market.

Chinese-developed video games have been aggressively expanding overseas amid weak consumer sentiment in the domestic market.

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