“Black Myth: Wukong” Represents a New Milestone of China’s Global Influence

China has increasingly positioned itself as a powerhouse of cultural influence on the global stage. Following the global success of TikTok, which revolutionized how people worldwide engage with social media through its advanced algorithmic recommendations, another cultural export is set to make waves: “Black Myth: Wukong.” This AAA action RPG (role playing game), developed by Game Science, is not just a video game but a testament to China’s growing prowess in creating globally resonant cultural products.

TikTok, developed by ByteDance, serves as an important precedent. The platform’s rise to global dominance can be attributed to its innovative algorithm, often likened to the “Sorting Hat” from the Harry Potter universe. This algorithm efficiently sorts users into distinct subcultures, tailoring content in ways that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. By breaking down cultural barriers and connecting users with content that feels uniquely personal, TikTok transformed from a niche app into a global phenomenon, altering how content is consumed and shared across the world.

The success of TikTok illustrates how Chinese technology companies can create products that transcend cultural boundaries, becoming integral parts of daily life worldwide. TikTok’s ability to adapt and appeal to a global audience set the stage for other Chinese cultural exports to achieve similar success.

Black Myth:  Wukong – a new cultural milestone

Similarly, “Black Myth: Wukong” represents the potential for Chinese video games to have a significant global impact, paralleling the success of TikTok. Released on August 20, 2024, the game is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West — one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. These novels, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, and Dream of the Red Chamber, are revered for their deep cultural significance and narrative complexity. Journey to the West in particular has captivated generations with the tale of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

“Black Myth: Wukong” brings this beloved myth to life with cutting-edge technology, positioning it as a modern-day cultural ambassador for China. The game’s stunning visuals, fast-paced combat mechanics, and deep narrative resonate not only with Chinese audiences but also with gamers worldwide. It embodies the characteristics of a AAA game, with high production values, a large development team, and an expansive budget — all aimed at delivering an experience that rivals the best in the global gaming industry.

What is a AAA game?

A AAA game, pronounced “triple-A,” is a term used within the gaming industry to describe high-budget, high-profile games that are often developed and published by major studios. These games are the equivalent of blockbuster movies in the film industry.

Key characteristics of AAA games:

– High Production Values: AAA games are known for their exceptional production quality, which includes cutting-edge graphics, professional voice acting, and immersive sound design. For example, the development of a AAA game typically involves hundreds of professionals, including artists, programmers, designers, and voice actors, working together to create a seamless and engaging experience.

– Large Budgets: The financial investment in AAA games is substantial, often exceeding $100 million. This includes both development and marketing costs. For instance, Rockstar Games reportedly spent over $265 million developing and marketing “Grand Theft Auto V”, making it one of the most expensive games ever produced. This level of investment allows developers to create expansive game worlds, high-quality assets, and intricate gameplay systems.

– Large Development Teams: AAA games are typically created by large teams, sometimes comprising hundreds or even thousands of people across various disciplines. These teams work for several years to bring a game from concept to launch, ensuring that every aspect of the game meets the highest standards.

– Innovative Gameplay and Storytelling: AAA games often set new benchmarks in gameplay and narrative. They frequently incorporate cinematic elements, advanced AI, and innovative gameplay mechanics that provide players with a rich, immersive experience. Games like “The Last of Us Part II” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” are prime examples of AAA titles that have pushed the boundaries of what video games can achieve in terms of storytelling and emotional impact.

– Mass Market Appeal: Due to their high costs, AAA games are designed to appeal to a broad audience to maximize sales. They are often released across multiple platforms, including consoles, PCs, and sometimes even mobile devices, ensuring that they reach as many players as possible.

Why games are more influential than movies

The rise of video games, particularly AAA titles like “Black Myth: Wukong,” signals a shift in how cultural narratives are consumed and experienced. Video games have surpassed movies in terms of revenue, with the gaming industry valued at over $170 billion in 2022, far exceeding the global box office revenue of $41.7 billion. But the influence of games goes beyond their financial success.

Games offer interactive storytelling, allowing players to immerse themselves in narratives where their choices directly impact the outcome. This level of engagement fosters a deeper connection between the player and the story, something movies cannot achieve with their passive viewing experience. For instance, while a movie presents a fixed storyline, games like “Mass Effect” or “The Witcher 3” allow players to influence the narrative through their decisions, creating a personalized experience.

Moreover, games are more adaptable across cultures. The interactive nature of gaming and its reliance on universal gameplay mechanics often transcend language barriers, making them more globally accessible than movies, which may be constrained by cultural nuances and language differences. This adaptability enables games to resonate with a broader audience, fostering global cultural exchange on an unprecedented scale.

As technology continues to evolve, the sensory experience provided by games — enhanced by advanced graphics, sound design, and AI — offers a level of immersion that movies increasingly struggle to match. This immersive experience is exemplified by “Black Myth: Wukong,” where the combination of visual artistry, narrative depth, and interactive gameplay creates an environment where players can fully engage with the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology.

China’s technical mastery and global potential

What sets “Black Myth: Wukong” apart is not just its compelling content but also its demonstration of China’s technical capability to deliver AAA games at a global standard. The development of such a sophisticated game highlights China’s proficiency in harnessing advanced technologies, including AI, to create rich, immersive experiences. This technical expertise is not only beneficial for China’s own cultural exports but also presents an opportunity for other countries with rich, untapped cultural heritages.

By leveraging AI and other cutting-edge technologies, China could potentially help other nations bring their cultural stories to a global audience, much like how “Black Myth: Wukong” is doing for Chinese mythology. This ability to blend cultural richness with technological sophistication could position China as a leader in the global entertainment industry, offering valuable resources and partnerships to countries seeking to elevate their cultural narratives through modern media.

In the same way that TikTok reshaped social media, “Black Myth: Wukong” is poised to reshape the gaming landscape, representing the next wave of Chinese cultural influence on the global stage. As a celebration of Chinese mythology and a showcase of technical brilliance, the game stands as a powerful symbol of how China is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to create globally impactful products. Whether you are a fan of mythology, action RPGs, or simply groundbreaking games, “Black Myth: Wukong” is a title to watch — one that could redefine the future of gaming and further solidify China’s role as a cultural and technological leader.

The article reflects the author’s opinions, and not necessarily the views of China Focus.