Black Myth: Wukong – The New Global Gaming Phenomenon
A Record-Breaking Debut
Hit Chinese video game "Black Myth: Wukong" has made a stunning start, selling 10 million copies worldwide since its release earlier this week. The game’s X account announced on Friday that it had sold 10 million copies "across all platforms" as of Friday at 9pm Beijing time.
A Global Phenomenon
The action game, released globally on Tuesday, enjoyed one of the best opening days, as measured by the number of players on gaming platform Steam, and sold nearly 1.2 million pre-release copies. These figures rival those of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom", which sold more than 10 million copies worldwide in three days following its launch in May 2023.
Inspired by Chinese Classic
Considered the first Chinese-developed "Triple A" title, the game is inspired by the classic 16th-century Chinese novel "Journey to the West". Players step into the shoes of a character similar to the Monkey King Sun Wukong, a key figure in the story.
Controversy Surrounds Co-Publisher
Some gamers have complained that co-publisher Hero Games sent guidelines to foreign streamers urging them against discussing politically touchy topics like Covid-19 or feminism. Players were also warned against any reference to "Covid-19", "isolation" or "quarantine", an email exchange seen by AFP showed – likely a reference to China’s pandemic-era policies that placed millions under arbitrary lockdowns and sparked civil unrest.
Conclusion
Black Myth: Wukong has made a remarkable start, breaking records and gaining worldwide popularity. While some controversy surrounds its release, the game’s success is a testament to China’s growing gaming industry. As the global gaming community continues to evolve, Black Myth: Wukong is an important milestone in the country’s rise as a major player in the world of gaming.
FAQs
- Q: How many copies of Black Myth: Wukong have been sold worldwide?
A: 10 million copies - Q: When was the game released?
A: Tuesday - Q: What is the game inspired by?
A: The classic 16th-century Chinese novel "Journey to the West" - Q: What is the controversy surrounding the game?
A: Co-publisher Hero Games sent guidelines to foreign streamers urging them against discussing certain topics, such as Covid-19 or feminism.