Gamers, get ready for something big! Black Myth: Wukong, which is a game inspired by the legendary Journey to the West, has just launched, and it is taking the world by storm. If you’re not already on board, now is the time to perk your ears.
Black Myth: Wukong is not only the first AAA game developed in China, but the game has been making waves, bringing attention to China’s growing presence in the global gaming market.
Whether you are a hardcore gamer or someone who’s just curious about what the fuss is all about, here’s everything you need to know about this new game.
The Rise of China’s First AAA Game
Within hours of Black Myth: Wukong officially dropping on 16 August, the action role-playing game soared to the top of Steam’s charts, surpassing even the popular Counter-Strike 2.
There are over 2 million players were playing simultaneously on Steam, and there are probably even more who are playing on the PlayStation 5, which does not track real-time player data. This is no small feat, especially for a game that marks China’s first foray into the world of AAA gaming.
First of all, what exactly is an AAA game?
AAA games, for the uninitiated, are essentially the big leagues — think blockbuster films but like, in the gaming world. They come with hefty budgets, long development times, and serious production values.
Before this, most Chinese games that gained popularity were primarily free mobile games designed to make money through microtransactions, which are those in-game purchases that appear small but shoot a hole through your credit cards before you know it.
Think Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail; both are free to play, but there are certain – albeit optional – purchases players can make to receive certain characters or power-ups to enhance their gaming experience.
But Black Myth: Wukong is different. It’s a one-time purchase game that’s already giving its Western and Japanese counterparts a run for their money. And at 268 yuan (about S$50) in China, or $59.99 in the US, it’s not just about the money; it’s about making a statement.
From Myth to Reality: The Story and Cultural Impact
If you’ve grown up in a Chinese household, or you were forced to read it as part of your mother tongue curriculum in school like I was, you probably know Journey to the West, or have at least seen or heard about its iconic characters.
For those who do not, here’s a quick rundown: it is one of China’s most famous classical novels that tells the adventures of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as he journeys to the West with his companions to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts.
I do not remember much of it, but I do remember it being packed with action, mythical creatures and honestly some pretty clever humour.
Black Myth: Wukong takes this beloved tale and gives it a fresh twist.
Players take control a young monkey based on Sun Wukong from the novel. Known as the Destined One in-game, he embarks on a journey to recover lost relics, and undergoes challenges, battles, and personal growth.
The Destined One fights with an iconic staff, based on the Ruyi Jingu Bang from the novel, which can extend and shrink by command. He can even perform spells to attack Yaoguai, the enemies of the game.
Like many other AAA games of its scale, this story has multiple endings, giving each player a more unique and personal experience.
And what’s really cool is how the game developers have gone the extra mile to make the experience as immersive and authentic as possible. They travelled to Shanxi Province in North China to incorporate real-life scenic spots like the Little Western Paradise and the South Chan Temple into the game’s design.
For many players around the globe, this game is very likely their first taste of traditional Chinese flora, architecture and mythology. Perhaps the game can even act as a culture bridge of sorts!
(And man, look at those textures!)
Creating a game like Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just about having a good story; it’s about the years of hard work, innovation, and, let’s be honest, a lot of money.
The game was developed by Game Science, a studio backed by Tencent Holdings, and it took six years to bring this epic to life. The first demo, released back in 2020, already had gamers around the world drooling over its stunning graphics and fluid combat scenes.
After its official release, Black Myth: Wukong is being compared to global hits like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3. In fact, the game reached third place on Steam’s all-time most concurrent players list, trailing only PUBG: Battlegrounds and Palworld.
What really sets this game apart from the rest is its appeal to both seasoned gamers and newcomers. Game Science wanted to make sure that whether you’re a pro or just starting out, you will have a great time playing their game.
When Black Myth: Wukong hit the market, Chinese brands were quick to jump on the bandwagon, releasing special edition products inspired by the game.
Lenovo, Luckin Coffee, and Didi Bike are just a few of the brands that gave their products a Black Myth makeover. It is a smart move, considering the massive buzz around the game.
And it’s not just hype; the game is getting rave reviews from players and critics alike. Seasoned gamers who have been waiting for this game for years were happy to report that it has exceeded their expectations.
Players from around the globe are diving into the game, and social media is buzzing with excitement. From YouTube to Reddit, people are sharing their experiences, and many are discovering the richness of Chinese mythology for the first time.
From the stunning graphics to the unique combat mechanics, Black Myth: Wukong is delivering on all fronts. And for many players, it’s about more than just the game — it’s about supporting a home-grown product that finally puts Chinese gaming on the global map. It is proof that China can not only compete with but also lead in the creation of top-tier games that resonate with players worldwide.
If you haven’t already gotten your hands on the game, you can watch its trailer here to decide if you want to throw your money towards it.
(Or watch people play it on YouTube for free, whatever floats your boat.)
In the meantime, Black Myth: Wukong is said to be the first entry of Game Science’s planned Black Myth series, which will further delve into various stories from Chinese mythology and potentially open the door for more AAA video games to grace our screens in the future!
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