A photo taken on August 20, 2024, shows the sales page of "Black Myth: Wukong" on a smartphone. /CFP
A "monkey" captured the attention of gamers worldwide as the highly anticipated Chinese action game "Black Myth: Wukong" was officially launched on August 20. Before its release, the game topped the global sales charts on Steam, the world's largest game distribution platform.
"Black Myth: Wukong" is inspired by the classic Chinese mythological tale "Journey to the West." Players embark on a perilous and wonder-filled journey to uncover the truths behind ancient legends.
A photo taken on August 21, 2024 shows a promotional poster of "Black Myth: Wukong.” /CFP
In addition to its rich narrative, the game incorporates elements of intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chinese storytelling (Shuo Shu), and features real-world representations of several renowned Chinese heritage sites, including the Yuhuang Temple in Shanxi, the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, and the Shisi Temple in Zhejiang, amongst many others. These culturally significant inclusions have garnered the game an extraordinary level of attention.
An undated photo shows the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, China. /CFP
In Chongqing, many gamers had already pre-downloaded the game, finding resonance in its cultural beauty. The meticulous detail, down to a small in-game teapot, has sparked discussions among players, with some wondering if it was modeled after the Yuan blue-and-white porcelain pot unearthed at a Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) site in Beijing.
"It's the first time I've seen a game that inspires so many players to study every page and every inscription," said Wang, a player, adding that "'Black Myth: Wukong' offers an immersive experience in traditional Chinese culture."
An undated photo shows the sculptures in Yuhuang Temple, Jincheng, Shanxi Province, China. /CFP
The game's appeal lies in its deep connection to traditional Chinese culture. Every ancient building in the game was painstakingly recreated after the development team conducted on-site research across multiple provinces. This dedication to authenticity has given the game a lasting appeal as a large-scale cultural project.
The breathtaking visual effects in "Black Myth: Wukong" are the result of the team's meticulous attention to detail. The combination of distinctly Chinese visual elements and the classic "Journey to the West" storyline forms the cultural backbone of the game.
An undated photo shows the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, China. /CFP
"The integration of popular games with traditional Chinese culture is a vivid example of how the cultural industry is exploring new productive forces," said Zheng Jinsong, the Deputy Director of the Museum of Southwest University in Chongqing. "Games like ‘Black Myth: Wukong' are opening up new spaces for the promotion of traditional Chinese culture."