The authenticity and rich Chinese cultural content are what has contributed to the wide global appeal of the newly-released Chinese video game "Black Myth: Wukong", according to gaming vloggers.
Developed by the Chinese indie studio Game Science and based on the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," China's first "AAA" game, "Black Myth: Wukong," was officially launched on Aug 20 and quickly became a top seller across multiple platforms, sparking global discussions.
Assessing the international impact of the hit video game, Jesse Young, an Australian gaming vlogger, and his friend Isaac Duffy, an amateur art historian, discussed what aspects have impressed them the most.
Duffy said he has been struck by the game's stunning graphics, but also highlighted how its connection to a mythical but well-known Chinese cultural classic is another factor to its success.
"I have not actually played it yet, but I've watched a lot of in-game footage of Wukong Black Myth. I'm astounded by the graphic quality, it's really incredible. But of course, we have to remember that this is a fantasy game, because it's based on the novel Journey to the West, which is very loosely rooted in historical fact. We might think about it as similar to Shakespeare, for people that don't know. But it is a fictional novel and there are magical aspects involved," he said.
Young noted that the Wukong game has had a significant cultural impact overseas, serving as an window for foreign players to better understand more elements of traditional Chinese culture in an immersive way.
"Black Myth: Wukong does break through into cultural zeitgeist overseas, more so than maybe some Chinese TV series or something like that. This really has been a big cultural moment. I think audiences actually appreciate doing a little bit of work. And the producers of the game intentionally did not hold your hand in the sense that they wanted to make something that was of the international quality and standard, but trusted that the game was good enough that foreign players would have the interest to see something different," he said.
They also highlighted that the game's authenticity in terms of its core content has contributed to its popularity abroad, noting that it encourages players to explore Chinese mythology more deeply than other cultural products.
"The Chinese industry has improved a lot over the past two decades. But also I think because consumers overseas are starting to prefer something that they feel is a bit more authentic, and what the Chinese are saying about themselves and what the Chinese actually prefer for themselves," said Duffy.
Many global gamers will also simply enjoy immersing themselves fully into the world and characters depicted in the game in a way that audiences for films and TV dramas may struggle to, Young added.
For movies and distribution, it can be a lot more difficult for a Chinese product to succeed in an international market. With a game, if the game is good, they'll play it. Like, there is discernment in terms of quality, but not in terms of where it comes from," he said.
Authenticity drives global appeal of "Black Myth: Wukong" video game: vloggers
Festive receptions were held by Chinese embassies to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, with the promotional video for the 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala unveiled to add festive atmosphere to the events.
The Spring Festival centers around the Chinese New Year, which lands on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan hosted a Spring Festival reception on Jan. 20 for overseas Chinese in Tajikistan. Nearly 300 people, including representatives of overseas Chinese groups such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Tajikistan, the Federation of Overseas Chinese, teachers and students from the local Confucius Institute, and international students in Tajikistan, gathered to celebrate the coming of the Year of the Snake.
In his speech delivered at the reception, China's Ambassador to Tajikistan Ji Shumin said that China's high-quality development and high-level opening-up have injected certainty and stability into a turbulent and changing world. China-Tajikistan cooperation in various fields has been promoted across the board, and the development of bilateral relations has reached a new level. Looking forward to 2025, China-Tajikistan relations will shine with new vitality and bring more benefits to the people of both countries, said the ambassador.
The promotional video for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala was played in a loop at the reception. By watching the video, guests felt the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival and the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture.
At the reception, overseas Chinese in Tajikistan performed a variety of cultural programs created by themselves. The joyous lion dance, the melodious guzheng performance, and the passionate Tajik eagle dance added a great deal to the festive atmosphere.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Federation of Philippine-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Philippine-Chinese Associations, and the Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce jointly held a Spring Festival reception on Jan. 19. More than 1,000 people from the Philippine government, Congress, overseas Chinese, people from all walks of life, and foreign diplomatic envoys to the Philippines gathered to celebrate the festival.
Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, extended New Year greetings to people from all walks of life in China and the Philippines, saying that the Spring Festival is a common festival for the people of many countries, including China and the Philippines, and has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. He said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, and he hopes that both countries will cherish and maintain the bilateral relations for greater benefits to the people of the two countries.
Philippine Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Louise Araneta-Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., extended new year greetings via video link. Duterte said that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China is of great significance, and she looks forward to the two countries working together to create a harmonious and prosperous future. Marcos said that the Philippines-China relations have been developing continuously for decades, which truly reflects the long-term friendly relations between the people of the two countries.
The promotional video for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala was played at the reception. The festive atmosphere and gorgeous stage design attracted the attention of all the guests present.
Chinese embassies hold receptions to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival