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- Black Myth: Wukong is a brilliant Souls-like that won the hearts of many.
- It proved to the entire world the prowess of Chinese developers, giving them much-needed exposure.
- Future Chinese works like Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Phantom Blade Zero will now be anticipated with great interest.
With the evergrowing evolution of video game development, certain new, impressive players have also entered the domain. The highly creative indie devs, of course, but AAA development has also seen some welcome changes, particularly the entry of Chinese and Korean studios.
In the past, the term “Eastern games” predominantly referred to Japanese works. Japanese devs are still carrying the industry for me, but I’m glad to see them getting some help. With titles like Stellar Blade, Black Myth: Wukong, and Genshin Impact, Korean and Chinese companies are finally coming into the spotlight, especially Chinese developers.
Why it matters: With Black Myth: Wukong, Chinese devs have triumphantly stepped into the mainstream AAA domain, and if it’s any indication, future titles will be just as great.
Black Myth: Wukong Is A Beauty
This newfound appreciation and love for Chinese works stems from none other than Black Myth: Wukong. This impressive Souls-like based on the iconic Journey to the West plotline has won the hearts of many gamers.
From fluid combat mechanics, punishing boss fights, awe-inspiring visuals, and strong-level design, the game features everything required for a true spectacle. However, this wasn’t the only reason it became so popular.
This game was released at a time when live actions, microtransactions, monotonous cinematic AAAs, and specific ideologies in gaming were running amok; they still are. People were tired of the same-old mess when Black Myth: Wukong appeared, embodying the true essence of gaming.
With nothing but creative and engaging gameplay at its core, the game offered a respite, earned people’s praise, and made them aware of the kind of goodness Chinese companies can produce.
Finished the game today and I'm sad it's over. Truly magnificent. Game of the year for me.
byu/xtivity inBlackMythWukong
A Much-Needed Exposure For Chinese Developers
The world may not have known this, but China has been contributing to the gaming industry for a long time now. Most of its invisibility was due to the developers focusing on mobile games only, but now the tech monster is finally joining the AAA industry.
If you ask me, the exposure for Chinese companies started with Genshin Impact back in 2020 when Mihoyo created what was immediately termed a Breath of the Wild clone, but quickly established its identity. Afterwards, people started appreciating Chinese works more, all of which culminated in Black Myth: Wukong.
Open world it may be, gacha is not as popular a genre as Souls-like. The first trailer of Black Myth: Wukong sold so many people that it became a worldwide sensation even before release. And now that it’s here, the game is as amazing as people were hoping it be, thus reinforcing their faith in Chinese games.
Black Myth: Wukong is not only a fantastic game on its own, but it has done its Chinese brethren a great deal of service by putting them on every gamer’s map.
Less than 24 hours after launch, Black Myth: Wukong has become the #2 most played game by peak CCU, with 2.2 million players. Additionally, the game is currently holding at overwhelmingly positive (96%) reviews.
byu/UsualInitial inGames
In a time of turmoil, Black Myth: Wukong came as a savior, refused to bow down to the pressure of certain “political correctness” and societal norms, and presented a mad fun adventure free of any poison and all about entertainment. I’ll forever respect Black Myth: Wukong, and by extension, look out for all Chinese AAA works.
I’m Extra-Hyped For Chinese Works Now
To be honest, China has been on my radar since 2020. Genshin Impact won me over so intently that I’ve sunk countless hours in both subsequent Hoyoverse games. I know full well the kind of greatness these underappreciated developers can craft, and I look forward to more of it. Black Myth: Wukong just multiplied it by 100.
Plus, the entire planet is now standing behind me. Black Myth: Wukong was the first AAA Chinese game for many; it was so much a hit that it made them lifelong fans. The upcoming Chinese Souls-likes, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Phantom Blade Zero, now have an unreal number of eyes on them. The world wants a Black Myth: Wukong 2 situation, and so do I.
I believe this is an excellent opportunity for Chinese companies. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is just the start, a lot more people will now be watching all their future creations with interest, and they ought to live up to the expectations.
These underrated game devs have always done quality work, it’s time to keep it up. In these troubled times, if Chinese companies continue to present quality work that prioritizes fans’ wishes and gameplay ingenuity, and steers clear of unwanted additions, I firmly believe they can potentially give their competitors a fierce challenge.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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