The launch of the Chinese-developed video game „Black Myth: Wukong“ has caused a global stir, with gamers and critics alike praising its action, design, and playability. The game puts players in the role of the Monkey King, a beloved character from the Chinese novel „Journey to the West,“ on a journey to defeat monsters threatening the world. The game’s success was evident with over 1.04 million concurrent players on Steam within an hour of its release, and more than 1.7 billion references on the Weibo microblogging platform.
Chinese state media celebrated the game’s success as a triumph for Chinese culture and technological progress, highlighting the growing maturity of China’s gaming sector. The release of „Wukong“ marked a bold move by Chinese developers into the global gaming market, challenging the dominance of Western triple-A titles. With a reported production cost of $50 million, the game was developed by Game Science, a Tencent-backed startup, and marketed by Hero Games.
While the game received praise for its quality and entertainment value, it also faced criticism for allegations of sexism at Game Science. Reports of sexist behavior by developers and misogynistic social media posts by the company’s founder and CEO sparked controversy, particularly in Western media. The company’s refusal to address these allegations further fueled the debate, with some critics questioning the company’s moral values.
In the lead-up to the game’s launch, Hero Games required overseas reviewers to sign guidelines that some interpreted as a form of self-censorship. The guidelines included restrictions on discussing politics, feminist propaganda, and other sensitive topics in Chinese society. This raised concerns about censorship and freedom of expression, especially in the context of China’s strict regulations on the gaming industry.
Despite the controversies, the success of „Wukong“ has had a positive impact on Chinese tech and entertainment companies. Hero Games owner Zhejiang Publishing saw a significant increase in share value, as did other companies associated with the game’s development and promotion. The game’s success has also highlighted the potential for Chinese developers to create AAA hits and compete on a global scale.
Looking ahead, Chinese developers are expected to continue exploring the AAA gaming market, with the government recognizing the industry’s value for exports and cultural promotion. As China’s gaming industry continues to evolve and expand, the release of „Black Myth: Wukong“ marks a significant milestone in the country’s gaming sector, showcasing its talent and potential on the world stage.