In a world where ever-changing high-end techniques are redefining the lifestyles of “Generation Z,” a game named “Black Myth: Wukong,” with its exquisite scenarios and Chinese culture genes, has brought about a mania among gaming enthusiasts worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within 10 hours of its official release globally, the Triple-A game had over two million concurrent players on Steam. The unexpected success of the game, developed by a private Chinese company over six years, has allowed people to appreciate exotic Chinese traditional culture in addition to the fun and joy of playing the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wukong, or Monkey King, is an iconic figure from “Journey to the West” — a Chinese classic novel dating back about 500 years. The tale is about the adventures of a monk and his three disciples, centering on Sun Wukong, known for his supernatural abilities and mischievous nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is overwhelming praise for its impact on the game industry. Back to the essence, just as Feng Ji, the game’s producer, said: “The game is good enough in quality to attract gamers to soak into the Chinese god-evil story.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An interest in the ancient Chinese literature “Journey to the West” has been aroused among netizens and players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some who bought this game may not be fans of the Chinese classic epic, but you can be — that’s what it has proved. An ongoing hot discussion on Reddit’s online game community shows gamers are “hardworking” on every detail of the novel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the fundamental question, “Which version of Journey to the West should I read?” to numerous reposts of an English essay, “Summary of the Journey to the West,” the game has made various versions of the Chinese classic much looked for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Games or movies combining iconic cultural elements may also be regarded as a form of cultural exchange. Years ago, Disney created the animated blockbuster “Mulan” based on a well-known Chinese folk heroine who disguised herself as a man to serve in the army, replacing her father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indeed, enjoying the game could be a journey to experience the beauty of Chinese culture — its music, landscapes, architecture, clothes, or even folk tales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Traditional culture is right there, and you’ll like it when you see it,” said the game’s art director, Yang Qi. “What we can do is to give people a closer look through the game.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China’s abundance of well-preserved historical buildings offered the domestic game developer an innate advantage. Digitally scanning ancient buildings to present them in the game is more cost-saving and provides a better authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Chinese games like ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ embrace traditional cultural aesthetics. This might be refreshing after years of excessive cyberpunk styles and over-the-top colors. Few things are as rich and diverse as the traditional tales of ancient cultures,” a Twitter user, “LearningTheLaw,” says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, a game is a game. China will always welcome travelers from around the world who want to explore and learn more about its profound culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a Reddit user wrote, “I (American) have been waiting so long to have more Chinese influence in the Western game sphere. Chinese culture and mythology are rich. I hope we can get more stuff like this. Would love to go to China someday.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n