BEIJING (Reuters) -Tencent ( TCTZF ) reported a third-quarter revenue growth of 15% on Thursday, as China's largest social media and gaming company benefited from strong gaming demand and expanding AI-driven services.

The Shenzhen-based technology company posted revenue of 192.9 billion yuan ($27.08 billion) for the three months ended September 30. That compared with the 188.9 billion yuan average of analyst estimates compiled by LSEG.

Gaming revenue rose 15% to 42.8 billion yuan at home and 43% to 20.8 billion yuan overseas. That growth was driven by titles including "Honor of Kings" and "Peacekeeper Elite", as well as newer games such as "Delta Force".

Revenue from advertising rose 21% to 36.2 billion yuan, boosted by artificial intelligence that improved targeting capability.

Net profit climbed to 63.1 billion yuan, compared with a 57.3 billion yuan average analyst estimate, LSEG data showed.

($1 = 7.1230 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Liam Mo and Brenda Goh; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)