Black Myth: Wukong, the action RPG from Chinese studio Game Science, has achieved something extraordinary: within just three days of its release, it sold over 10 million copies, making it the most successful video game ever to come from China. With projections estimating that China’s gaming industry will be worth around $40 billion in 2023, Black Myth: Wukong represents a landmark achievement, both for Game Science and the broader gaming industry in China.
A Record-Breaking Launch
The game’s meteoric rise to success has already resulted in an estimated revenue of $800-900 million, solidifying its position as one of the highest-grossing games of all time. Developed over six years at a reported cost of $70 million, Black Myth: Wukong is being hailed as China’s first AAA video game, a classification typically reserved for high-budget, large-scale titles produced by major developers. This achievement has put China firmly on the map as a global player in the video game industry.
Critics have drawn comparisons between Black Myth: Wukong and other blockbuster game releases, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, both of which sold 10 million copies in three days. The game’s success is a testament to its broad appeal, both domestically and internationally, and its potential to help showcase Chinese culture to a global audience.
What’s Black Myth: Wukong About?
Inspired by the 16th-century Chinese classic Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong follows the epic journey of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, as he embarks on a quest to retrieve sacred relics. The game introduces players to the anthropomorphic hero “The Destined One,” who possesses shape-shifting powers and advanced combat techniques.
With its stunning visuals, realistic graphics, and dynamic gameplay, Black Myth: Wukong has captivated the gaming community. The game’s immersive design and faithful representation of Chinese mythology have contributed to its success, creating an experience that resonates with both Eastern and Western audiences.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite its widespread acclaim, Black Myth: Wukong has faced some controversies. In November 2023, allegations surfaced regarding a history of sexist posts from the game’s developers, drawing attention to potential issues within Game Science. Furthermore, the developer issued a set of “socially appropriate” guidelines for influencers and streamers promoting the game. These rules, which included prohibitions on discussing topics like “COVID-19” and “politics,” sparked criticism for their restrictive nature. Such guidelines are rare in the industry, especially for major game releases.
Why Is Black Myth: Wukong So Popular?
The game first captured public attention in 2020 with its 13-minute pre-alpha trailer, which garnered millions of views across various platforms. After years of anticipation, Black Myth: Wukong had high expectations to meet, and it didn’t disappoint. Its success lies not just in its graphics and gameplay, but in its ability to bridge the cultural gap between China and Western audiences.
Game Science took great care in ensuring that the game’s English translations were of the highest standard, with efforts to capture the essence of Chinese fables and myths through rhyming and alliteration. This attention to detail has helped introduce Chinese folklore to a wider audience, further contributing to the game’s global success.
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A Landmark Moment for Chinese Games
The success of Black Myth: Wukong has sparked a broader conversation about China’s rising influence in global entertainment. It marks a significant moment in the country’s soft power efforts, as Chinese games and culture increasingly make their mark on the world stage. For Game Science, this is just the beginning. The success of Black Myth: Wukong sets the stage for future releases and the potential for more Chinese-developed games to achieve international acclaim.