Whether you're a gamer or not, you've likely seen 'Black Myth: Wukong' dominate social media in recent days. The game launched on August 20th, sparking a frenzy among gaming communities and quickly becoming a widespread topic of conversation—even among those who typically don't play video games. Questions like 'What is Black Myth? Where can I play it?' have become common.
With its in-depth portrayal of traditional culture, 'Black Myth: Wukong' has garnered accolades from domestic players and captivated international audiences with the profound allure of Chinese culture. This iteration casts China's cherished Monkey King as a pioneering ambassador of traditional Chinese culture.
Popularity:
Many gamers eagerly dove into "Black Myth: Wukong" at its launch. Some went as far as buying new gaming consoles, while others freed up computer space or even took leave from work to engage with China's first AAA single-player game as soon as it dropped. AAA games are known for their high quality, extensive scale, and significant investment, epitomizing the apex of the gaming industry.
One such enthusiast, "Yeshenyue," took two days off to immerse himself in the game from the moment it went live at 10 AM on August 20th, intending to dedicate two full days to intense gameplay.
Having completed the game, he ranks it among his top five all-time favorite games, noting, "If I factor in the nostalgia, it's definitely my number one." He praises "Black Myth: Wukong" for its industry-leading graphics and action, which he finds exceptional. The game draws its expansive setting from the classic Chinese epic "Journey to the West." He believes the game's greatest impact lies in its cultural export potential, remarking that many international gamers began exploring "Journey to the West" and related Chinese culture in anticipation of "Black Myth: Wukong."
It marks a significant advance for China's gaming industry and realizes the long-held dreams of a generation of players who have yearned for a top-tier game from their own country. Data from the Steam platform shows that on the evening of August 21, the game's online player count soared to nearly 2.36 million, securing the second-highest in Steam's history and leading global sales for the week. A popular comment online captures the sentiment: "Previously, I've played as an assassin in Egypt, a demon hunter in other realms, a dragon slayer, and a knight—I've been everything. Now, I finally see a glimmer of hope; I can venture into my own country's mythical world as the Monkey King."
Highlights:
A rich display of traditional cultural elements
It masterfully showcases grand and refined Eastern aesthetics and traditional sentiments across its plot, characters, settings, and soundtrack, drawing from the classic "Journey to the West." This game is a successful transformation and application of Chinese cultural heritage.
Yang Fengshuo, a popular Bilibili gaming vlogger, was one of the first globally to complete "Black Myth: Wukong." He uploaded a complete plot walkthrough video early on August 21, which quickly amassed over 2.61 million views—surpassing his expectations significantly. Viewers have commented that the game is so well-crafted and it's enjoyable even just as a cinematic experience. Yang notes that while the game's narrative unfolds after "Journey to the West," it faithfully adheres to the original's core themes: Sun Wukong continues to symbolize the quest for freedom and rebellion against authority. As demons wreak havoc, a "chosen one" is needed to uphold the heroic legacy of the original quartet, combating evil and providing aid to the vulnerable, thereby embodying deep compassion and empathy. "The game features a spectrum of demons—from minor creatures to demon kings—each with a backstory detailed in the character register. The dialogue retains an ancient style, echoing the original's lines and weaving in famous poetic verses from luminaries like Tao Yuanming and Meng Haoran."
This video game delivers strikingly realistic graphics that seamlessly blend the virtual with reality. From the detailed depiction of wilderness vegetation and trees to expansive desert sands and snow-blanketed landscapes, as well as the intricate sculptures and murals inside temples, every scene is exquisitely carved out for a deep immersive experience. The creative team undertook extensive travels across China, digitally scanning a multitude of Buddhist temples and ancient shrines to faithfully reproduce various deities, stone carvings, and murals in the game. Iconic landmarks such as Gansu's Mogao Caves, the Baoding Mountain carvings in Chongqing, Zhejiang's Feilai Peak, and the Hanging Temple in Shanxi are meticulously documented by fans in the game. Additionally, the game features a rich array of cultural artifacts, ancient texts, paintings, and calligraphy, ensuring that buildings, props, and costumes are authentically replicated.
Beyond the source material, it also pays tribute to various works inspired by the "Journey to the West" theme. The voice acting for Sun Wukong echoes the Monkey King from the 1982 TV series "Journey to the West." His characteristic ear-scratching gesture evokes memories of Stephen Chow's performance in "A Chinese Odyssey." The emotional impact deepens when the iconic score fills the soundtrack, stirring nostalgic tears among players who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s."
Insights:
Forging new pathways in cultural and tourism synergy
Jing Runcheng, a film critic and gamer says that the success of "Black Myth: Wukong" has offered valuable lessons for professionals in the cultural and creative sectors.
"First, there's the dedication to refinement. It was developed over nearly seven years, with extensive research and material collection nationwide. Each demon in the game is meticulously crafted based on the original literary sources. Secondly, when it comes to content creation, it's crucial to maintain fidelity to the source material while injecting innovative elements," Jing notes. For well-known IPs, careful and creative adaptation is essential. " It not only draws from the original theme of defying fate but also enhances its appeal with engaging gameplay, evident from the recent discussions on how to navigate the first level. Creators must avoid becoming isolated in their visions, instead fostering ongoing dialogue with their audience to ensure a deep connection.
Entertainment products, such as video games, can pioneer new avenues in cultural and tourism integration. "Black Myth: Wukong," with its numerous scenes set in Shanxi, has allowed the region's cultural and tourism sectors to leverage this wave of popularity for promotional activities. On August 22nd, the "Follow Wukong Through Shanxi" initiative was launched at the 2024 Digital Cultural and Tourism Brand Innovation Conference, showcasing travel routes and cultural creative products themed around the game. Terms like "Shanxi Tourism" quickly topped online search trends.
"This is the first instance of local cultural and tourism branding successfully merging with the gaming industry, and the results have been astounding," said Liu Chungang, President of the Beijing Animation and Game Industry Association. "Black Myth: Wukong" has strategically incorporated a multitude of tourist destinations, symbolizing a landmark achievement in the fusion of culture and tourism. Liu anticipates a significant increase in tourism to Shanxi during the upcoming National Day holiday.
Liu further emphasized that games, animations, and movies play a vital role in promoting Chinese culture abroad. He recommends that local governments and authorities implement specific policies to foster cultural and tourism integration, providing support in areas such as funding, talent, and technology. "From a cultural transmission standpoint, entertainment products are not merely commodities; they are also vital channels and platforms for promotion. They offer opportunities to highlight tourist destinations as well as the Chinese way of life, aesthetic tastes, and intellectual spirit."
Translator: JIANG Yuanqin
Reviewer: BAI Jing
