The global gaming stage witnessed a significant and surprising moment for the Chinese video game industry when Game Science's new game, Black Myth: Zhong Kui, was revealed as the "one last surprise" at Gamescom 2025's Opening Night Live.

It was a bold, confident move.

Following the monumental success of its predecessor, Black Myth: Wukong, this new title further solidifies China's position as a rising force in high-quality game development. It's an audacious project that demonstrates a firm commitment to building a unique and expanding mythology for a global audience.

Building a mythical universe

Black Myth: Zhong Kui marks a new phase in Game Science's ambitious plan to create a shared "Black Myth Universe" that draws from the vast and diverse tapestry of Chinese legends. This is more than just a new game; it's a move to explore stories beyond the well-known Monkey King.

As Game Science co-founder and CEO Feng Ji stated in an exclusive interview with China Media Group, "When we considered making Black Myth: Wukong, we hoped that Black Myth could encompass various Chinese myths and legends."

"That's why we registered characters like Xiaoqian, Zhong Kui, and Yang Jian early on. Some characters may not be as famous as Sun Wukong, but this actually gives us more room for re-creation," he said.

The vision promises a rich and interconnected narrative world for players to explore.

While Black Myth: Zhong Kui did not use the viral "new folder" joke that accompanied its predecessor's early announcements, Game Science's marketing genius was still on full display. The decision to unveil the game as a massive, closing-act surprise at one of the world's biggest gaming events proved the studio understands how to create global hype.

This method of building anticipation, paired with their history of high-quality reveals, has established them as master storytellers not just in-game, but in their promotional efforts as well.

A new legend for a global audience

Beyond the gameplay and marketing, Black Myth: Zhong Kui presents a valuable opportunity to introduce a lesser-known Chinese legend to a global audience. While the character might not be familiar to people outside of China, the developers have a lot to work with.

In Chinese folklore, Zhong Kui is a powerful deity revered as a "ghost eater," tasked with vanquishing evil spirits and protecting against misfortune. This character has been interpreted in various ways across Chinese media, from a benevolent warrior in paintings to a quirky, chubby hero in popular mobile games like Honor of Kings.

By centering a AAA-quality game on this character, Game Science is poised to share a unique aspect of Chinese culture and showcase the character in a gritty, cinematic light, vastly different from previous portrayals.