The Impact of Black Myth: Wukong is More Relevant Than Any Award.

Black Myth: Wukong has caused a great stir since its release, surpassing all expectations in 2024. Created by Game Science, a Chinese developer, this action-adventure title broke records on Steam during August, reaching over 2.4 million simultaneous players, comfortably positioning it in second place among its peers according to SteamDB. Recently, Game Science achieved another milestone by winning the award for Best Action Game and the Player’s Voice vote at the Game Awards.

Based on the famous Chinese classic "Journey to the West," the game offers an innovative narrative that continues the original story, set centuries after the adventures of Tang Seng, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing. In this title, the player assumes the role of the Chosen One, tasked with finding the six relics left behind by the Monkey King to revive him. While the premise seems straightforward, after nearly 60 hours of gameplay, Black Myth: Wukong has become one of the most memorable experiences I've had this year. This is partly due to its high production quality and the variety of bosses and secrets it hides. Additionally, it represents a significant cultural moment.

As a Filipino resident in the Philippines, I feel renewed hope for a new era of video games coming from less-represented Asian countries. For decades, players in my region had few premium title options: Japan and the West were the only choices. We are surrounded by free-to-play and gacha games, or smaller indie titles due to a lack of funding for local studios. Black Myth: Wukong is, therefore, a rarity within the industry, an unstoppable titan with a high level of production that carries the hopes of many Asian players and developers.

One of the aspects that attracted me to Black Myth: Wukong was its level design and narrative. Many locations in the game are inspired by real places, such as those in Shanxi Province in northern China. This connection has increased tourism in the region, as eager players wish to explore the settings that inspired the game world. Cultural representation is reflected not only in the game’s environment but also in its story. It is an adaptation of "Journey to the West" that reinterprets and expands a fundamental tale in Chinese culture, filled with references that will delight those who have read the original work.

The world of Black Myth: Wukong is packed with boss fights and secrets. The game includes a total of 81 bosses and elite enemies, an impressively high number that translates into an exciting challenge. These battles are linked to cultural concepts, with the number 81 representing the 81 tribulations that must be faced to achieve enlightenment. The pursuit of Buddhist enlightenment is mirrored in the narrative, especially in the alternate ending that is unlocked once all secret areas are completed.

The cultural scholarship behind Black Myth: Wukong transcends its gameplay. This video game not only brings to the forefront a culture of billions of Asians but also represents a future in which studios from other Asian countries continue to thrive, creating unique concepts and daring to challenge established norms in the industry. Although I am not Chinese, I feel a strong connection to the success of Black Myth: Wukong, as it demonstrates that a narrative specific to a particular culture can resonate with global audiences. I long for the day when the stories, legends, and traditions of my own country, the Philippines, receive the attention they deserve in a video game that the whole world can enjoy.