'Black Myth: Wukong,' China's first 3A game becomes a global hit

Action role-playing video game Black Myth: Wukong. (Photo: CFP)

China's first triple-A video game, Black Myth: Wukong, was officially released on August 20. The release became an instant sensation, dominating social media platforms across China.

The action role-playing game sparked an unprecedented download frenzy on Steam, with concurrent online players exceeding 1.4 million at the time of our report.

Action role-playing video game Black Myth: Wukong. (Photo: Game Science)

According to the 2024 mid-year Chinese game sales report, Black Myth: Wukong achieved sales of RMB 390 million ($53 million) and 1.2 million copies during its one-month pre-sale, setting a new record for pre-sales of Chinese-developed PC games.

Following its official release, the estimated sales is likely to surpass RMB 1 billion. 

Action role-playing video game Black Myth: Wukong. (Photo: Game Science)

Chinese brands are racing to associate themselves with the highly anticipated title through partnerships and product tie-ins, many of which are already sold out ahead of the game's release.

Lenovo Group, Luckin Coffee, and Didi Bike are among those revamping their products with designs inspired by what could be China's first globally successful blockbuster game, sparking excitement among domestic gamers.

Journey to the West, the Chinese myth that inspired the game

The game from Chinese developer Game Science was inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

"The representation of Chinese myths and the magical fantasy of the East is rare in the video game industry," said Feng Ji, the CEO of Game Science, in a previous interview.

Action role-playing video game Black Myth: Wukong. (Photo: Game Science)

Journey to the West, published in 16th-century Ming dynasty China, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Chinese novels. It tells the story of Tang Sanzang, inspired by the real Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang, on a pilgrimage to retrieve sacred texts from the West.

Action role-playing video game Black Myth: Wukong. (Photo: Game Science)

Sun Wukong, a monkey with supernatural powers, is one of three protectors assigned to ensure Tang Sanzang’s safe passage. After defying the gods, Wukong was imprisoned for 500 years as punishment.

Wax figure of the legendary Monkey King actor Zhang Jinlai, Madame Tussauds' Beijing branch. (Photo: CFP)

The novel blends Xuanzang’s real-life experiences with Chinese folklore and fictional elements introduced by author Wu Cheng'en. 

The Chinese myth has been highly influential, inspiring works such as Dragon Ball, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, One Piece, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and more.

A game made by Guangdong-based studio

Game Science is a young studio founded in Shenzhen, Guangdong, known as China's Silicon Valley, in 2014. Many of its founding members are from Tencent, which is also one of Game Science's sponsors.

Official website of Game Science. (Photo: screenshot)

Guangdong has been seen by many as a pioneer in China's gaming industry.

In recent years, the province has seen other hit games like Game for Peace, Honor of Kings, and Eggy Party, all of which have gained great popularity domestically.

According to a report published by the Guangdong Game Industry Association, the revenue of Guangdong's gaming industry is expected to reach 245.08 billion RMB in 2023, representing an increase of 15.8% compared to the same period last year.

This growth rate exceeds the overall growth level of the national gaming market, and Guangdong's market share has further expanded to 80.9% of the national total, according to the report.

Observers from the industry say that Guangdong's ability to continuously produce hit games is closely linked to the industry's strong foundation and the support of government policies.

 

Reporter: Xachary

Photo: Game Science, CFP.cn

Editor: Nina, Steven, James