Black Myth Creates a Myth in Chinese Gaming.

Handcrafted Labor/Digging Brother's Hand-Edited/Compiled by Uncle Jiao/Observed by Unicorn

As China's first true 3A game, 'Black Myth: Wukong' has been creating a myth in Chinese gaming masterpieces since its inception.

On its first day of release, it sold over 4.5 million copies across all channels, with total sales exceeding 1.5 billion yuan.

It holds the record for the highest concurrent online players on Steam for a single-player game.

It helped push Steam's peak online player count past 37 million for the first time, setting a new record of 12,534,703 concurrent players...

Based on Chinese mythology, the Chinese team presented a unique story, combat system, and artistic style through clever application and reinterpretation, earning the game praise from many foreign players and topping charts on various global platforms.

Andrew (Chinese name: Kang Anzhu) is a hardcore American gamer. Since childhood, he played games with his family in their game room at home in Los Angeles.

He loves playing PC games and has impressive achievements, often ranking among the top globally in games like 'Call of Duty'.

Passionate about Chinese culture, he won first prize in the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign University Students. He also downloaded and experienced 'Black Myth: Wukong' as soon as it was released, given its rich Chinese flavor.

On August 28, Unicorn Observer spoke with Andrew about 'Black Myth: Wukong' from the perspective of a foreign gamer.

01 From Liking Sun Wukong to Anticipating Black Myth

Unicorn Observer: Hello! When did you first encounter Chinese culture, and how long have you been in China?

Andrew: Hello, I'm Anzhu from Los Angeles, California, USA. The US is a cultural melting pot, and I've been exposed to Chinese culture since childhood. However, I only started learning Mandarin in my freshman year of college. I've been to China about 10 times, staying for a total of over two years. Currently, I work as a senior researcher at an education group in China.

Unicorn Observer: When did you start gaming, and what types of games have you played before? What's your favorite game?

Andrew: I've been gaming since a young age. At home in the US, we had a game room, and playing games with my dad and brothers became our daily relaxation. I first played games on a Super Nintendo at 3 or 4 years old. I love PC games, and my favorite and most skilled game is 'Call of Duty.' I have impressive gaming achievements, often ranking among the top globally.

Unicorn Observer: When did you first hear about 'Black Myth: Wukong,' and what were your initial thoughts and expectations?

Andrew: Sun Wukong might be the first Chinese mythological figure I encountered and loved, so I've been waiting for 'Black Myth: Wukong' for a long time! I first heard about it in the gaming community in 2020, when early footage was released, sparking speculation and anticipation. Chinese developers' past large-scale games didn't have a good reputation due to overpromising and underdelivering. So, while I was excited to see Sun Wukong in a game with Chinese mythological elements, I didn't have high expectations.

02 Overall Exceeding Expectations, Too Many Invisible Walls

Unicorn Observer: When did you first try the game, and how did you feel at the time?

Andrew: I started my initial experience with 'Black Myth: Wukong' on August 19, the day before its official release. On Steam in the US, you can preload and experience the game early. Many professional gamers had already shared their thoughts, calling it a surprise. This boosted my confidence and expectations for Black Wukong.

Unicorn Observer: After your first experience, what did you think? How does China's first 3A game differ from similar games you've played before?

Andrew: The graphics, modeling, scenery, and Chinese style are all excellent! The combat system feels great, and exploring hidden content is fun. As China's first 3A game, it stands out even among industry giants. It borrows ideas from many classics but shines with its unique presentation of Chinese mythology, which is captivating.

In my opinion, 'Black Myth: Wukong' is not just a game but a medium for cultural dissemination. It uses modern technology to perpetuate ancient cultural stories. As a foreigner interested in learning Chinese culture, I must support it – just go for it!

▲After his first experience, Anzhu shared his thoughts on WeChat Moments.

Unicorn Observer: What do you think are the game's main strengths, and where could it improve?

Andrew: Overall, the game is excellent. The combat, visuals, and soundtrack are top-notch. With the latest US game engine, the experience is even better. Some cultural elements are educational, like the scene where a mouse steals the head of the Bodhisattva Lingji, mirroring the real-life theft of Buddhist heads displayed in the British Museum. Only those versed in this history understand its significance. As China grows stronger, it will bring them home!

I think the game's pacing needs improvement. Chapter 3 is too long and tiring, while Chapter 6, as the climax, is too short. The camera system also needs work. Sometimes, locking onto enemies results in strange angles, affecting the experience.

The biggest issue I've found is the map design – too many invisible walls. The game seems more open than it is. Some areas look explorable but are blocked by invisible walls. Even in boss fights, some seemingly empty spaces can't be stood on. Disappointingly, it's easy to get lost. The map is vast, but some paths are blocked, forcing players to try every corner to find hidden bosses or invisible walls.

Additionally, Chapter 1's map lacks direction and cultural immersion, feeling empty like a wild forest. Nonetheless, as an action RPG, it's worth playing.

Unicorn Observer: Which chapter are you on now? Does your gaming experience so far exceed or fall short of your expectations? On a scale of 1-10, what score would you give it?

Andrew: I'm currently completing Chapter 5, having defeated all hidden bosses so far. The game meets my expectations. With my experience in similar games, I'm quite comfortable. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give it 8.5 to 9 points.

03 Advice for Foreign Gamers: Read Journey to the West

Unicorn Observer: Do you play in English or Chinese? Does the language barrier affect your gaming experience?

Andrew: I use Chinese voiceovers with English subtitles. The game uses much ancient Chinese, so subtitles help me catch important details. Language isn't usually a big issue in these games. While 'Black Myth: Wukong' offers Chinese and English, most 3A games have dozens of language options, which could be improved.

Unicorn Observer: Do you have many foreign friends playing this game? What do they think of it? From a Chinese culture enthusiast's perspective, what advice would you give them?

Andrew: In the West, the game has received positive feedback in gaming communities, with high ratings from critics. For those familiar with Chinese culture, I recommend reading 'Journey to the West' to better understand the game's storyline.

Unicorn Observer: As a foreign gamer, what advice would you give the game's developers?

Andrew: As mentioned, there's room for improvement. Notably, the game has no microtransactions, a significant advantage in today's gaming landscape. Microtransactions in this game could be controversial. I respect the developers for focusing on creating an excellent game rather than monetizing players.

Lastly, as a regular gamer, I say that games with authentic Chinese elements are rare. Experience is gained gradually. Don't expect China's first 3A game to be Game of the Year immediately. Overall, 'Black Myth: Wukong' has flaws but also great potential. (End)