Library Science, Information Science

Title: Online Public Opinion Report on the Domestic AAA Game "Black Myth: Wukong"
Authors: Chen Yu, Chen Yu
Cite as: ChinaXiv: chinaxiv-202509.00023
Subjects:
Library Science, Information Science, Information Science, Computer Science, Other Disciplines in Computer Science and Technology, Others, Comprehensive, Information Science and Systems Science, Other Disciplines of Information and Systems Science, Psychology, Social Psychology, Management Science, Departmental Economic Management

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 dissonance and cultural discount when "going global" to attract fans. Against this backdrop, domestic cultural products represented by "Black Myth: Wukong" have broken through traditional narratives, successfully achieving "breakthrough," "global reach," and "excellence" through Chinese elements, exquisite production, and compelling storytelling. They have garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success in overseas cultural markets, demonstrating the charm of Chinese culture. Meanwhile, during the process of international dissemination, "Black Myth: Wukong" has also encountered some non-negligible challenges that require high attention.

Keywords: China; video games; Black Myth: Wukong; public opinion; international communication; Chinese culture; tradition; Culture; Cultural Export; 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 internationally top-tier standards, delivering a powerful visual impact to players. Simultaneously, the game's combat system and gameplay design have also gained widespread recognition among 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 (with 10 being the maximum score—author's note), praising it as "an outstanding action game with brilliant combat and exciting boss fights."[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 noted that "Black Myth: Wukong" "not only broke gaming records but may also drive a pivotal shift in the global balance of technological power."[4]

ZOL (Zhongguancun Online) reported that "Black Myth: Wukong" achieved sales of ten million copies within just three days. On the Steam platform, the game reached a peak of 2.4 million concurrent players and received a positive review rate of over 90%.[5]

A distinguished Zhihu contributor "诚 sir 老爸" remarked with emotion: "Finally, among gaming enthusiasts, conversations are no longer dominated by 'How far have you progressed in GTA?' or 'The world-building in Sekiro and Elden Ring is truly remarkable,' but rather by 'Have you finished Black Myth? Have you collected all the gourds? Can you defeat 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 centered on the "misogyny" and "insults against women" controversies, 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 release went largely unnoticed, but 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 New York Times' special coverage 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 numerous criticisms against Game Science and calls to boycott "Black Myth: Wukong," while Douban was flooded with one-star negative reviews targeting the game. 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—Tencent's "Asura" project team—revealing that they 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 Release" 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-t ech-power-239998.

[5] Zhongguancun Online. "Black Myth: Wukong" Sells 10 Million Copies in 3 Days, Over 90% Positive Reviews! Steam Concurrent 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-complica ting-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-1235 084372/.

[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.

Submission history