The video game sold more than 10 million copies within three days, becoming the most successful Chinese game of all time. A new Chinese video game has created a buzz worldwide after it sold more than 10 million copies within three days, becoming the most successful game of all time to emerge from the country. According to 2023 estimates, China’s gaming industry is roughly worth $40bn. Black Myth: Wukong, produced by developer Game Science (GS), has already generated an estimated $800-900m in revenue to date and will help project Chinese culture to a global audience. The game, believed to be China’s first AAA video game, was developed at a reported cost of about $70m over six years. AAA is a classification used to denote a high-budget or high-profile game from a large video game developer.
While the game has gained attention for its meteoric rise in popularity, critics have pointed to an apparent culture of sexism, at least in the past, at Game Science, as well as a controversial list of dos and don’ts issued by the developer for influencers promoting the game and for streamers playing it. Among other things, the guidelines ask influencers and streamers to not use “trigger words such as ‘quarantine’ or ‘isolation’ or ‘COVID-19’” as well as “politics”. China has long been sensitive to criticism over its COVID-19 policies, which included restrictions that continued long after most of the world had opened up.
The Black Myth: Wukong guidelines for content creators have apparently leaked online. Streamers who agree to use a game key are not allowed to include politics, feminist propaganda, China’s game industry policies or trigger words as COVID-19 & quarantine.https://t.co/YNZIFFK4ML pic.twitter.com/TMGsNLjVIG — MauroNL (@MauroNL3) August 17, 2024 Yet the criticism has not put the brakes on sales with 18 million copies sold since its August 20 release. According to Game World Observer, an online magazine that covers the video game industry, Wukong’s sales compare well with other games that had similar blockbuster releases in recent years. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released in May 2023, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, released in November 2022, both sold 10 million copies in three days.
It is set in a dark and gritty fantasy world, where the protagonist, Sun Wukong, is a powerful monkey king who has been banished from heaven. The game features a unique blend of action, adventure, and RPG elements. Players can choose to play as Sun Wukong or other characters from the novel, each with their own unique abilities and skills. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and fluid, allowing for a variety of attacks and combos.
The controversy stems from the alleged posts, which were shared on social media, that contained sexist and offensive language, and were deemed inappropriate by many. What are the developers’ alleged actions? The developers allegedly posted offensive content on social media, including sexist remarks, derogatory language, and jokes that were considered inappropriate and offensive. These posts were shared publicly, and some were even shared by the developers themselves.
Do NOT use trigger words such as “quarantine” or “isolation” or “COVID-19”. Do NOT discuss content related to China’s game industry policies, opinions, news, etc. Game Science has not responded to the IGN article nor made a statement on the guidelines sent for Black Myth: Wukong. Beijing-based Hero Games, one of the largest investors in Game Science, has not commented either. Ex-Gamekult journalist Benoit “ExServ” Reinier was among individuals to receive the guidelines from Game Science and has made a public video stating that he would not be reviewing Black Myth: Wukong, describing the guidelines as “ridiculous” due to concerns about censorship.
This success was attributed to several factors, including its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and the hype surrounding the game’s development. The game’s visuals are a major draw, with its hand-painted art style and detailed character models. The game’s art style is reminiscent of classic Chinese paintings, with vibrant colors and intricate details. This style is further enhanced by the game’s impressive use of lighting and shadow, creating a sense of depth and realism.
a) Journey to the West: A Timeless Tale of Good vs.
“It’s a story about the power of perseverance, the importance of friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. These are universal themes that resonate with people across cultures.”
This statement highlights the enduring appeal of Journey to the West, a classic Chinese novel, and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The novel’s themes of perseverance, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil are timeless and resonate with audiences worldwide.
The game “Genshin Impact” has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions of players worldwide. The game’s success in China has been particularly noteworthy, sparking a national conversation on China’s soft power and the rise of Chinese games on the global stage. The game’s popularity has led to a surge in tourism to China, with players visiting iconic landmarks and experiencing local culture.
This is due to the success of titles like “League of Legends” and “Honor of Kings,” which have achieved global recognition and popularity. These games have demonstrated the potential for Chinese games to transcend cultural barriers and resonate with audiences worldwide. **Here’s a breakdown of the key points:**
* **Cross-border appeal:** Chinese video games have the potential to reach global audiences due to their success in other markets.
