“Black Myth: Wukong” is an action RPG that’s been a global sensation, attracting over 2.2 million users at launch. Praised for its graphics and engaging story, it’s been dubbed the “God of War of China” by some critics.
The game’s storyline doesn’t merely copy “Journey to the West” but expands on the aftermath of Sun Wukong’s return from retrieving the scriptures.
Global Sensation for a “Journey to the West” Media
After completing the mission assigned by the Buddha and overcoming 80 trials, Tang Seng and his disciples each find their place in Heaven. Sun Wukong, however, refuses to become a Buddha and escapes to live freely on Flower-Fruit Mountain. This defiance angers Heaven, which sends Erlang Shen, the Four Heavenly Kings, and countless celestial troops to confront him, even massacring monkeys on Flower-Fruit Mountain, sparking Wukong’s rage.
A fierce battle between Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen unfolds. In the heat of the fight, the golden band returns to Wukong’s head, causing him pain. Erlang Shen seizes the moment, delivering a fatal blow and sealing Wukong inside a stone.
Sun Wukong’s soul is divided into six soul stones, representing his six senses, and hidden in mysterious locations.
Centuries later, the quest to resurrect Sun Wukong continues through generations at Flower-Fruit Mountain, known as “The Destined One.”
In “Black Myth: Wukong”, players embark on a journey across six chapters, encountering and recruiting characters similar to those from “Journey to the West”, such as Zhu Bajie, Niu Mowang, the rat demon Huang Fengguai, and the snake and wolf demons, Lang Xu Zi and Bai Yi Xu Shi.
The Destined One, like Sun Wukong, wields a transforming staff and can cast spells and shapeshift.
Although not a direct adaptation of “Journey to the West”, understanding its basic elements enhances gameplay. Players appreciate the depth of character backstories, including the poignant side story of Zhu Bajie’s love for Chang’e, which has gained widespread attention. The game explores Zhu Bajie’s romance with Chang’e from his time as the Marshal of the Heavenly Canopy.
Chang’e remained devoted to the Marshal, but he fell in love with the Moon Goddess. Offended by the Jade Emperor, the Marshal was banished to the mortal realm, where he married a young lady from Gao Lao Village. Their happiness was short-lived as he was later transformed into Zhu Bajie.
Moved by love, Chang’e descended to the mortal realm herself, becoming a spider demon. They had only a brief time together before Zhu Bajie set off to assist Tang Seng. When they reunited, Chang’e had become an old woman, still waiting for Zhu Bajie’s return. Over 500 years had passed since Tang Seng’s return.
The Legend of Zhu Bajie and Chang’e in “Journey to the West”
Wukong Fever Boosts Tourism
The game became an overnight sensation, prompting the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in China to release a video showcasing real-life attractions featured in the game to meet the surge in “Wukong tourism,” according to SCMP.
Yin Zhenxing, director of the Shanxi Sculpture Museum, reported that public testing and promotional activities for the game attracted record-breaking visitor numbers, with over 50,000 in just six months.
According to Yicai, around 40% of tourists learned about the location through the game.
In an interview with Global Times, Yang Qi, the Art Director at Game Science, revealed that his team traveled across China to study ancient architecture, including monuments, temples, and stone carvings, before recreating them for the game, which he describes as a “digital archive” of cultural heritage.
He stated, “Certainly, this game will draw public attention to these real-world architectural sites, especially among younger generations.” On the other hand, he believes that incorporating cultural heritage into the game will boost player visits and consumption of related products.
Source: Gamek