It's Happening: Wukong Could Change Chinese Gaming Forever
"Black Myth: Wukong" is one of the most anticipated games of the year. All it needs now, is to be good...
Black Myth: Wukong got its publishing license for China approved on February 26, 2024.
It was one of the 111 titles approved in the latest batch from the NPPA (National Press and Publication Association).
The game is scheduled for release worldwide on August 20th on PC (Steam), and consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S). It was first revealed back in 2020.
Developed by Shanghai-based studio Game Science (游戏科学), if successful, this launch could become a watershed moment for the Chinese gaming industry:
-By far the most hyped ever Chinese-developed game, internationally. Both from gaming media exposure, and fans anticipation worldwide*.
-First big AAA single-player Chinese game to be released on consoles and PC simultaneously (yes, other Chinese games have launched before on consoles, but nothing on the scale of Black Myth).
-If critically and commercially successful, “Black Myth: Wukong” could bolster and encourage other Chinese studios (and their investors) to produce more single-player AAA games, as opposed to the predominant focus on mobile titles and/or multiplayer experiences (I'm generalizing here, please understand).
-If successful, Wukong could singlehandedly change global perceptions towards Chinese games, and to a broader extent, Chinese cultural exports and its soft-power.
- 5 to 10 Million units is not an unrealistic sales expectation for the game in its first 3 to 6 months after launch, if it reviews well.
-While based on existing lore and fiction (Journey to the West), this is a new IP that could potentially grow into a big franchise in the industry.
It is worth pointing out that having its publishing license approved means that authorities in the country have cleared it for commercial distribution.
Having a license doesn't always mean a game is actually totally finished or will necessarily launch. Some games have been left in limbo in the past.
*Yes, I'm aware of Genshin Impact, and other big Chinese games. This is ultimately very subjective and hard to quantify, but when I say "hyped", I essentially mean buzz online, discourse on Twitter and popular gaming platforms and mags. Those who know, know.