The release of Black Myth: Wukong marked China’s entry into the world of AAA video games, sending shockwaves through the industry. Within just three days of its launch on Aug. 20, the action game set in mythological China sold over 10 million units, shattering records and demonstrating the country’s potential in the global gaming market. Despite Beijing’s previous crackdown on gaming, Black Myth: Wukong managed to secure the second spot by revenue in the U.S. and the number one position globally on the Steam platform, with a price tag of around $60 or more.
Global Ambitions
Dino Ying, the chairman of Hero Games, one of the co-publishers of Black Myth: Wukong, expressed optimism about the future of AAA games coming out of China. He emphasized that the success of Black Myth: Wukong has paved the way for more high-quality games to capture the international market. With an eye on the future, Ying mentioned that his company’s upcoming releases will have a global strategy from the outset, signaling China’s intention to compete on the world stage in the gaming industry.
Historically, China has been known for its dominance in the mobile gaming sector rather than AAA titles played on computers and consoles. Ivan Su, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, pointed out that the lengthy production time and higher costs associated with developing AAA games have deterred Chinese developers in the past. However, the success of Black Myth: Wukong has showcased the untapped potential in the Chinese gaming market, motivating other developers to invest in high-quality projects to cater to the growing number of gamers in the country.
Government Approval and Cultural Appeal
The approval of Black Myth: Wukong by the Chinese government in February marked a significant milestone for the game and the industry as a whole. Dino Ying highlighted the shift in regulatory attitudes towards the gaming sector, noting that recent policies have been favorable to the development of video games in China. The game’s incorporation of rich cultural elements drew praise from Ashley Dudarenok, founder of ChoZan, who emphasized the unique cultural flavor that sets China-developed games apart from their global counterparts.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Dino Ying expressed confidence in the potential of China to produce more high-quality games based on its rich cultural heritage. He suggested that there are numerous untold stories that could be transformed into immersive gaming experiences, drawing from centuries-old traditions and legends. By respecting the work of traditional artisans and integrating historical designs into modern gameplay, Chinese developers like Game Science are aiming to capture the attention of a global audience.
While AAA games like Black Myth: Wukong are making waves in the industry, Chinese companies are also excelling in the niche market of independent games. Shanghai-based Cotton Game, for instance, garnered accolades for its hand-drawn title Sunset Hills, which won awards for best development team and best indie game. By emphasizing art, philosophy, and meaningful content in their games, indie developers in China are carving out a space for creative expression and experimentation in the gaming landscape.
As China’s gaming industry continues to evolve and expand its global footprint, the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Sunset Hills serves as a testament to the country’s creative potential and rising influence in the world of video games. With a growing emphasis on storytelling, cultural authenticity, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Chinese developers are poised to leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry for years to come.
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