Full-Time Magistrate Season 1: A Deep Dive into the Anime Phenomenon

Full-Time Magistrate (also known as Quan Zhi Gao Shou or The King’s Avatar in English) is a Chinese anime (donghua) that has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of esports, character-driven storytelling, and vibrant animation. Based on the web novel by Hu Dielan (Butterfly Blue), the first season, which premiered in 2017, introduced viewers to the thrilling world of competitive gaming through the lens of the fictional MMORPG Glory. This article explores the key elements of Full-Time Magistrate Season 1, including its plot, characters, themes, and cultural impact.

Plot Overview

Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 follows Ye Xiu, a legendary professional player in the esports scene of the game Glory. Known by his in-game alias “Ye Qiu” and as the “Battle God” of the One Autumn Leaf account, Ye Xiu is a veteran with unmatched skill and tactical prowess. However, at the peak of his career, he is forced to retire from his professional team, Excellent Era, due to internal politics and a lack of commercial appeal. Stripped of his account and status, Ye Xiu takes a job at an internet café as a night-shift manager, refusing to abandon his passion for Glory.

Undeterred, Ye Xiu creates a new account, Lord Grim, and starts from scratch in the newly launched 10th server of Glory. As he climbs the ranks, he encounters a colorful cast of players, from ambitious newcomers to seasoned veterans, while forming a new team to challenge the professional scene. Season 1 focuses on Ye Xiu’s journey of rebuilding his legacy, forming alliances, and laying the groundwork for his return to the top of the esports world.

The 12-episode season masterfully balances Ye Xiu’s personal struggles with high-stakes gaming action, showcasing his strategic brilliance and unyielding determination. It sets the stage for the larger narrative of redemption and teamwork that defines the series.

Key Characters

• Ye Xiu (Lord Grim): The protagonist, a calm and calculating esports legend with a deep love for Glory. His humility, sharp wit, and unparalleled game knowledge make him a compelling lead. Voiced by Zhang Jie, Ye Xiu’s understated confidence shines through in every episode.
• Chen Guo: The spirited owner of the Happy Internet Café, who becomes Ye Xiu’s friend and supporter. Her enthusiasm for Glory and loyalty add warmth to the story.
• Tang Rou (Soft Mist): A talented but inexperienced player who Ye Xiu mentors. Her fiery determination and growth as a gamer are central to the season’s emotional arc.
• Bao Rongxing (Steamed Bun Invasion): A quirky, unpredictable player whose chaotic energy brings humor and heart to the group.
• Su Mucheng (Dancing Rain): A professional player and Ye Xiu’s longtime friend, whose subtle support hints at a deeper connection.

The ensemble cast, including rival players and team managers, adds depth to the narrative, with each character contributing to the vibrant Glory community.

Themes and Appeal

At its core, Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 is a story about resilience, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Ye Xiu’s journey reflects the challenges of staying true to one’s craft in the face of adversity, a theme that resonates beyond the gaming world. The anime celebrates the esports subculture, portraying it as a legitimate and intense competitive field, with battles that rival traditional sports in strategy and excitement.

The show’s depiction of Glory is a standout feature, with detailed game mechanics and visually stunning battles that immerse viewers in the virtual world. From PvP duels to cooperative dungeon raids, the animation by G.CMay Animation & Film brings the fast-paced action to life, making even non-gamers feel the thrill of competition.

Another strength is the balance of humor, camaraderie, and drama. Ye Xiu’s deadpan humor and clever trolling of opponents provide levity, while the bonds he forms with his teammates highlight the importance of teamwork and trust. The season also subtly critiques the commercialization of esports, showing how talent can be overshadowed by politics and profit.

Cultural Impact and Reception

When Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 debuted on April 7, 2017, it was a groundbreaking moment for donghua. Produced by Tencent and streamed on platforms like Bilibili and later internationally via Netflix, it introduced many viewers to the potential of Chinese animation. The series’ focus on esports tapped into the growing global popularity of competitive gaming, resonating with audiences in China and beyond.

Fans praised the show for its compelling protagonist, tight pacing, and authentic portrayal of gaming culture. Ye Xiu’s unconventional journey—choosing to start over rather than give up—struck a chord with viewers, earning him a spot as one of anime’s most memorable leads. The animation quality, particularly in battle scenes, was lauded for its fluidity and attention to detail, though some noted minor inconsistencies in pacing toward the season’s end.

The series also sparked interest in the original web novel and its manhua adaptation, creating a multimedia franchise that includes a second season (2019), a prequel film (The King’s Avatar: For the Glory, 2019), and a live-action drama. Its success helped elevate donghua’s global profile, paving the way for other Chinese anime to gain international recognition.

Production and Music

The production quality of Season 1 is a testament to G.CMay Animation’s ambition. The studio’s use of 2D animation, combined with CG elements for Glory’s in-game sequences, creates a distinct visual style that differentiates the virtual and real worlds. The voice acting, led by Zhang Jie’s nuanced performance as Ye Xiu, adds depth to the characters.

The soundtrack, featuring the opening theme “Belief” by Xu Jun and the ending theme “The Glory Road” by Zhang Jie, captures the series’ emotional highs and lows. The music enhances the intensity of esports battles while underscoring Ye Xiu’s quiet determination.

Why It Stands Out

Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 stands out for its ability to make esports accessible and exciting to a broad audience. It avoids common gaming anime tropes, like exaggerated stakes or overly fantastical elements, instead grounding its story in realistic character motivations and a believable game world. Ye Xiu’s journey is not just about winning but about rediscovering purpose and building a community, making it universally relatable.

The season’s cliffhanger ending, which teases Ye Xiu’s next steps in forming Team Happy, leaves viewers eager for more, setting up the stakes for Season 2. Its blend of technical excellence, heartfelt storytelling, and cultural relevance makes it a must-watch for anime fans and gamers alike.

Where to Watch

As of June 30, 2025, Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 is available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Bilibili, and Tencent Video, with English subtitles for international viewers. The series is also accessible on some region-specific platforms, depending on licensing.

Conclusion

Full-Time Magistrate Season 1 is a trailblazing donghua that combines the thrill of esports with a heartfelt story of perseverance and camaraderie. Through Ye Xiu’s journey, it captures the essence of chasing a dream against all odds, wrapped in stunning animation and memorable characters. Whether you’re a gamer or simply love a good underdog story, Season 1 is a captivating entry point into the world of Glory and a testament to the growing power of Chinese animation.

For those interested in exploring more, check out the original novel or dive into Season 2 to see how Ye Xiu’s legacy continues to unfold. Glory awaits!