Library Science, Information Science
Abstract
Abstract
In the current context of increasingly fierce global cultural competition, domestic cultural products face difficulties in "breaking through" and encounter challenges such as cultural adaptation issues and cultural discounts when "going global" to attract international fans. Against this backdrop, representative domestic cultural products like "Black Myth: Wukong" have broken through traditional narratives by leveraging Chinese elements, exquisite production, and compelling storytelling to successfully achieve "breakthrough," "global expansion," and "outstanding performance." These products have gained both critical acclaim and commercial success in overseas cultural markets, demonstrating the charm of Chinese culture. However, during the process of international dissemination, "Black Myth: Wukong" has also encountered some significant challenges that require serious attention.
Keywords
China; Video Games; Black Myth: Wukong; Public Opinion; International Communication; Chinese Culture; Traditional Culture; Cultural Exports; Cultural Discount
[Classification Code] C912.63
Full Text
Online Public Opinion Report on the Domestic AAA Game "Black Myth: Wukong"
Chen Yu (Central Party History and Literature Research Institute, Beijing 100017)
On August 20, 2024, the AAA game "Black Myth: Wukong," meticulously developed over six years by Chinese game developer Game Science, was officially released and quickly became a bestseller on major gaming platforms such as Steam and WeGame.
It has been warmly welcomed by players worldwide and sparked extensive discussions on major social media platforms both domestically and internationally.
1 Affirming the Production Quality of the Game
The visual quality and artistic style of "Black Myth: Wukong" are considered to have reached an internationally top-tier level, delivering a strong visual impact to players. Simultaneously, the game's combat system and gameplay design have also received widespread recognition from players, with particularly diverse enemy designs and rich skill combinations significantly enhancing its playability.[1]
The globally renowned video game review website IGN awarded "Black Myth: Wukong" a high score of 8 out of 10, praising it as "an outstanding action game with brilliant combat and exciting bosses."[2] The UK's The Guardian described "Black Myth: Wukong" as the "most thrilling" video game of the summer of 2024.[3] Australia's The Conversation pointed out that "Black Myth: Wukong" "not only broke gaming records but may also drive a critical shift in the global balance of technological power."[4]
ZOL.com.cn reported that "Black Myth: Wukong" reached sales of ten million copies within just three days. On the Steam platform, the game achieved a peak concurrent player count of 2.4 million and received a positive review rate of over 90%.[5]
Zhihu's top contributor "诚 sir 老爸" remarked with emotion: "Among gaming enthusiasts, conversations have finally shifted from 'How far have you gotten in GTA?' or 'The world-building in Sekiro and Elden Ring is really impressive' to 'Have you finished Black Myth? Did you collect all the gourds? Can you beat Erlang Shen?'"[6]
2 Appreciating the National Style Colors in Games
The storyline of "Black Myth: Wukong" originates from the Chinese classical literary masterpiece "Journey to the West," with its settings highly restoring numerous Chinese ancient architectural structures, stone carvings, and sculptures from locations such as Shanxi, Zhejiang, and Chongqing.
Before and after the game's release, cultural and tourism departments in various regions "claimed online" the scenic spots featured in the game, leading to a surge in public attention and search popularity for these attractions. Meanwhile, under the influence and momentum of "Black Myth: Wukong," the "Guofeng" (national style) sector has once again become a favorite in the investment market, with industry insiders believing that Guofeng games will present a prime investment opportunity in 2025.[7]
Sohu.com published an article stating that "Black Myth: Wukong" is "not just an action role-playing game (ARPG), but a cultural feast. Through its deeply culturally rich storytelling, this game allows global players to experience the unique charm of Chinese narratives."[8]
The American magazine "The Diplomat" noted: "'Black Myth: Wukong' demonstrates that China's cultural soft power is no myth."[9] The website of "The Asia Times" opined that "Black Myth: Wukong" showcases China's cultural confidence.[10] A research report released by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore asserted that "Black Myth: Wukong" helps enhance China's soft power.[11]
3 Development Team of Critique Games
Criticism has primarily focused on the controversies surrounding "misogyny" and "insults against women," which have ignited both internationally and domestically.
Internationally, IGN published articles in November 2023 [12] and June 2024 [13], accusing Black Myth: Wukong's developer Game Science of fostering a sexist culture and alleging that multiple key creators have "insulted women." Although IGN's initial article's publication initially went unnoticed, the second article triggered significant negative public sentiment. [14]
Special reports on Black Myth: Wukong published by American magazines Rolling Stone [15] and Variety [16] both cited IGN's article to criticize Game Science. The special report by The New York Times not only sensationalized the "feminism" controversy but also promoted "censorship" issues, accusing Game Science of attempting to suppress "negative comments" regarding politics and electronic gaming industry policies. [17]
Domestically: Weibo saw a large number of comments criticizing Game Science and boycotting Black Myth: Wukong, while Douban received numerous one-star negative reviews targeting Black Myth: Wukong. Previously, domestic "feminist" organizations had "exposed" Game Science, accusing its logo of being indecent, its executives and key creators of repeatedly making vulgar remarks on social media, and its team members being almost exclusively male.
These "feminist" organizations also "dug up" the history of Game Science's predecessor—the Fight the God project team under Tencent—revealing that it had performed vulgar acts at Tencent's annual meetings and published recruitment notices containing sexual innuendos and body-shaming content. [18]
4 Cultural Discount Issues
On June 8, 2024, IGN France posted a tweet on X questioning the design of Sun Wukong: "Isn't it a bit risky to put the Golden Cudgel in his ear? This isn't a cotton swab!" After receiving criticism from netizens, IGN France deleted the tweet and issued an apology statement. [14]
References
[1] Online Public Opinion Training Base. "Black Myth: Wukong Official Launch" Public Opinion Analysis Report [EB/OL]. (2024-08-24)[2025-03-21]. https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/716230186.
[2] Myth: Black Saltzman. https://www.ign.com/articles/black-myth-wukong-review-pc.
[3] Patrick Frater. Chinese Game 'Black Myth: Wukong' Is an Instant Global Hit, Attracting Great Reviews, Praise at Home and Controversy Abroad [EB/OL]. (2024-08-21)[2025-03-26]. https://variety.com/2024/biz/games/black-myth-wukong-china-video-game-controversial-global-hit-1236113700/.
[4] The Conversation. Black Myth: Wukong – how China's gaming revolution is fueling its tech power [EB/OL]. (2024-10-16)[2025-03-25]. https://theconversation.com/black-myth-wukong-how-chinas-gaming-revolution-is-fueling-its-tech-power-239998.
[5] Zhongguancun Online. "Black Myth: Wukong" Sells 10 Million Copies in 3 Days, Over 90% Positive Reviews! Steam Online Players Reach 2.4 Million [EB/OL]. (2024-08-28)[2025-03-21]. https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/roll/2024-08-28/doc-incmenpq3650993.shtml.
[6] Cheng Sir's Dad. From Black Myth to Nezha 2, Has China's Cultural Confidence Risen? [EB/OL]. (2025-02-16)[2025-03-21]. https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/24078097478.
[7] Lu Yang, Liu Manhua. Chinese-style Games Surge: Who Will Be the Next "Black Myth: Wukong" [EB/OL]. (2025-01-17)[2025-03-25]. https://tech.cnr.cn/techyw/kan/20250117/t20250117_527043881.shtml.
[8] Sohu.com. "Black Myth: Wukong" and "Justice Online": The Global Rise and Storytelling of Chinese-style Games [EB/OL]. (2024-11-14)[2025-03-24]. https://www.sohu.com/a/826786387_122004016.
[9] The Diplomat. 'Black Myth: Wukong' Shows China's Cultural Soft Power Is No Myth [EB/OL]. (2025-03-17)[2025-03-25]. https://magazine.thediplomat.com/2024-09/black-myth-wukong-shows-chinas-cultural-soft-power-is-no-myth.
[10] The Asia Times. Black Myth: Wukong and Chinese cultural confidence [EB/OL]. (2024-08)[2025-03-25]. https://asiatimes.com/2024/08/black-myth-wukong-and-chinese-cultural-confidence/.
[11] RSIS. Black Myth: Wukong and China's Soft Power Expansion [R/OL]. (2024-08-20)[2025-03-25].
[12] IGN. How Black Myth: Wukong Developer's History of Sexism Is Complicating its Journey to the West [EB/OL]. (2023-11)[2025-04-08]. https://www.ign.com/articles/how-black-myth-wukong-developers-history-of-sexism-is-complicating-its-journey-to-the-west.
[13] IGN. Black Myth: Wukong – Hands-On With an Impressive First 2 Hours [EB/OL]. (2024-06)[2025-04-08]. https://www.ign.com/articles/black-myth-wukong-hands-on-with-an-impressive-first-2-hours.
[14] Jana. "The Complete Story of 'Black Wukong' Being Accused of Misogyny | Domestic Masterpiece Faces Boycott, Luo Xiaohei Dragged In" [EB/OL]. (2024-06-24)[2025-04-08]. https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20240624A01JIP00.
[15] Diego Argüello. 'Black Myth: Wukong' Is a Hit. But Why Is the Game So Controversial? [EB/OL]. (2024-08-23)[2025-04-08]. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/black-myth-wukong-controversy-explained-1235084372/.
[16] Patrick Frater. Chinese Game 'Black Myth: Wukong' Is an Instant Global Hit, Attracting Great Reviews, Praise at Home and Controversy Abroad [EB/OL]. (2024-08-21)[2025-04-09]. https://variety.com/2024/biz/games/black-myth-wukong-china-video-game-controversial-global-hit-1236113700/.
[17] The New York Times. Hit Chinese Video Game Seeks to Curb 'Negative Discourse' [N/OL]. (2024-08-20)[2025-04-09]. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/world/asia/chinese-videogame-wukong-censorship.html.
[18] A Chong. "Behind 'AAA Games Don't Need Female Players' Lies the Gaming Industry's Long History of Misogyny" [EB/OL]. (2020-08-30)[2025-03-26]. https://www.douban.com/note/776087909/?_i=297917568h9RD8.
E-mail: thestrategist@sohu.com
This version posted 2025-09-01.