For those who observe the Lunar New Year, either in China or around the world, lying on the couch and playing video games feels like the perfect leisure for the Spring Festival holiday. Look no further this year: Black Myth: Wukong, a smash-hit video game launched by Chinese company Game Science last August, was voted by over 1.6 million gamers worldwide as the Best Action Game and took home the Players’ Voice award at The Game Awards 2024. It’s the first Chinese game that won “the Oscars of gaming” and could be the top choice to get you into the holiday mood as well as learn more about the charm of the Chinese culture.
Recreate the ancient classic
Adapted from one of China’s most celebrated mythology novels, Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong digitally transformed the fictional story of the ancient pilgrimage of Chinese Buddhist monk Huen Tsang and his three disciples into a mind-blowing video game. Just 4 days after its release, Black Myth recorded sales of more than 10 million copies and the number hit more than 20 million units in the first month, becoming one of the most popular Chinese-made video games ever. When you step into the world of Black Myth: Wukong as a player or the “Destined One,” you are tasked with the mission of collecting five scattered relics that contain the spirit of Wukong or the legendary Monkey King, Huen Tsang’s eldest disciple, in an effort to restore him to power. During the adventure-packed journey, you will face numerous dangerous trials and have to fight and defeat many enemies before you can retrieve Wukong’s powerful armour and weapons. In the final challenge, you have to defeat the mindless stone body of Wukong to inherit his legacy and transform yourself into the Monkey King’s successor to complete the reincarnation process. The stunning storyline, deep mythological thinking and compelling visuals will create an unforgettable experience for you.
Wukong, the central role in the novel, has long been an iconic character in Chinese literature as well as films and TV productions. His legend of rebellion against authority, perseverance in the face of adversity and the power of transformation has been told by generations and generations. But this latest adaption was an unexpected iteration, tapping on Chinese culture, folklore and natural wonders. Unlike the typical superhero storyline, players of this role-playing game can have an immersive experience of meditating on top of a breathtaking mountain, venturing through the wondrous landscapes on the somersault cloud and defeating the evil force to restore Wukong back to power.
Take the world by storm
Black Myth has generated considerable attention both at home and abroad. Gameplay videos posted by Indonesian players on Youtube have garnered over 10 million views within two months. Video clips explaining the stories and culture behind the game have gone viral on TikTok. The tie-in campaign with Luckin, China’s homegrown coffee chain, was also a major hit. Numerous video game enthusiasts, calling themselves the “Destined One” like the main protagonist in the game, had come up to grab a cup of coffee and (more importantly) a Black Myth poster, boosting both sales and online hype.
The game is also likely to inspire international travelers to retrace Wukong’s footsteps by visiting in-game cultural heritages. Visa-free policy rolled out by the Chinese government also paved the way for foreigners to visit the ancient civilization. Permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers has been extended to 240 hours, or 10 days, from the original 72-144 hours.
Transcend cultural differences
Despite overwhelming applause among global players for the game’s stunning visual effects and philosophical depth, there are some cacophonies of deliberate politicisation. Some Western media threw up the question of whether China would turn the game into a cultural “ambassador” to seek “broader diplomatic gains,” implying that Black Myth is utilised as a tool of cultural penetration.
Yet the success of the game did not come from nowhere. Black Myth is a perfect example of intercultural dialogue, breathing new life to the household name in China, Wukong, and impressing Western players. Instead of westernising elements that could be potentially alien to non-Chinese-speaking players, the game used Chinese pinyin for many of its characters, such as “Wukong” for Monkey King and “yaoguai” for monsters. The fact that Black Myth transcends cultural barriers and resonates with both Chinese and foreign players is the best evidence of the appeal of the Chinese culture.
So, if you are still looking for an adventurous experience for the Lunar New Year, Black Myth: Wukong will not let you down. In your own version of the Journey to the West, you will actually embark on a fascinating journey to the East.
