One online comment went viral: "I have had diverse adventures, ranging from horseback riding in the American West to being a pirate in Europe and a shooter in battle. Now, I can finally return home and become my own hero."
Chinese state media also provided extensive support for Black Myth: Wukong prior to its release and conducted an in-depth interview with it. As the first 3A game developed in China, it serves as an exceptional platform to promote and disseminate Chinese traditional culture through technology while incorporating elements from the four classic Chinese novels of Journey to the West. This game holds significant importance for both the gaming industry and cultural expansion overseas.
In this era of globalization, it is crucial not only to bolster confidence in our national culture but also enhance international recognition. It is challenging for Chinese culture to gain popularity abroad; therefore, utilizing games as a medium is politically correct and an effective means of spreading awareness about Chinese culture.
Prior to this incident, Black Myth: Wukong made headlines when it rejected a blackmail offer from SWEETBABY, an overseas gaming media outlet. Some foreign game media criticized Black Myth: Wukong using the lens of "political correctness," claiming discrimination due to the absence of female characters. Fortunately, many overseas players who have tried and experienced "Black Myth: Wukong" objected to these claims by defending the authenticity of Chinese games. This situation highlights that if China's gaming industry aims at global expansion, it must adhere to certain general rules imposed by those with different values and cultural backgrounds when conveying Chinese culture. Although unfair, this dilemma extends beyond just gaming but encompasses other industries and aspects of Chinese culture seeking international recognition.To penetrate foreign markets successfully requires investing additional time and resources; for instance, new energy vehicles have spent several years establishing themselves in overseas markets by reshaping local consumer perceptions.
Therefore, the significance of Black Myth: Wukong extends beyond creating an exceptional game or stimulating consumption; it serves as a conduit for narrating China's story abroad—discreetly disseminating Chinese culture and its distinctive essence. For far too long, many valuable aspects of Chinese cultural intellectual property have been held by foreign entities resulting in detachment from their genuine spirit.
The "Three Kingdoms" series launched by the Japanese game manufacturer Glory, for instance, has had a profound impact on both global gamers and the industry at large. It even inspired European and American manufacturers to create "Total War: Three Kingdoms". In contrast, Black Myth: Wukong stays true to its roots by authentically representing Chinese culture and language. It does not solely cater to the preferences of Europeans and Americans nor does it incorporate the diverse gaming cultures that have been previously explored by Europeans, Americans, and Japanese over the past few decades. From cultural output to self-confidence in our own heritage, as well as industrial advancement, Black Myth: Wukong is undoubtedly a deserving exemplar of "new quality productivity". Through this game, we are able to showcase traditional Chinese philosophy, aesthetic sensibilities, religious culture, as well as concepts from literature and art such as myths, architecture, sculpture,and painting. Additionally,this game can also serve as a platform for showcasing ancient buildings,cultural relics,and tourism departments' ability to create digital boutique products that renew their captivating allure.In recent years,the domestic gaming market has witnessed remarkable technological advancements,resulting in numerous outstanding works that excel in both visual appeal and gameplay. Moreover,Sony PlayStation's "China Star Program" continues to unveil an increasing number of new titles.
I believe that with the success of Black Myth: Wukong and the boost of the industry, there will be more and more Chinese game companies to stand up and change the industrial pattern through games and change the narrative description of Chinese people.
