Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

 
The Game Awards (TGA) announced the nominees for its 2024 categories on Tuesday. China's AAA game Black Myth: Wukong was nominated in four categories: Game of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Action Game, and Best Game Direction.

Other nominees for Game of the Year in 2024 include Astro Bot, Balatro, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and Metaphor: ReFantazio. Established in 2014, TGA evolved from the Spike Video Game Awards (VGA) and has become a globally recognized event.

Black Myth: Wukong is the first Chinese-developed game to be nominated for TGA's Game of the Year, marking a significant milestone for China's gaming industry.
"Black Myth: Wukong could mark a turning point for China's cultural outreach, initiating a strong push for cultural dissemination abroad," said Liu Mengfei, a game industry observer at Beijing Normal University, in an interview with the Global Times. "Games are inherently a cultural platform, and this time, it feels like we're using our cultural foundation to make a significant foray into the global market."  

"The fact that Black Myth: Wukong was able to be developed reflects the team's exceptional resource integration capabilities and signals that China's game industry is beginning to reach a preliminary stage of maturity," she noted. "Its success might inspire more creators with aspirations to create narrative-driven games to courageously pursue similar endeavors."

Regardless of the final award outcomes, its nomination alone signifies a monumental breakthrough for Chinese game development. The game has garnered substantial commercial success, becoming a cultural phenomenon in China and beyond. Its widespread acclaim reflects the growing global influence of Chinese gaming.

The game's success can be attributed to significant technological advancements within China's gaming sector. Developers have embraced cutting-edge technologies, enhancing graphics, gameplay mechanics, and overall user experiences. However, a closer look reveals the success of its storytelling. Drawing inspirations from the ancient Chinese novel Journey to the West, the game delivers a narrative that crosses cultural boundaries, connecting with players around the globe.

The game has prompted more and more overseas players and media to re-examine and study Journey to the West. Many players, through the game's characters and story design, have come to realize that their previous understanding of the classic novel might have been too one-sided.

Natto, a game blogger, told the Global Times that this active cultural learning and exploration not only reflects the recognition of the game itself but also highlights its profound cultural impact.

"Black Myth: Wukong is gradually breaking the limitations of the Journey to the West theme on an international scale," he added. "It is moving from a superficial, symbolic understanding to a deeper comprehension of its essence, which in turn supports China's cultural confidence."

Another key factor is the game's ability to deliver a striking sensory experience through Chinese art. Elements like thousand-year-old architecture, regional opera styles, and Buddhist culture showcase the rich inspiration that traditional Chinese culture offers to modern creative industries. By integrating these cultural aspects, Black Myth: Wukong delivers an immersive experience that introduces global audiences to China's artistic cultural heritage. 

Zhang Qing, director of the Promotion and Publicity Department of the Shanxi Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, told the Global Times in a previous interview that the province has launched tourism routes called "Traveling with Wukong in Shanxi," and has partnered with market entities to launch related merchandise. These themed travel routes, cultural and creative products, and ancient architecture tours have been complemented with souvenirs such as pass certificates and tokens for visitors.

"This game and its collaboration with Shanxi's culture and tourism sector have received widespread attention, and we are pleased to see how such an outstanding cultural work brings Shanxi's traditional cultural elements to life in a vibrant and dynamic way," she noted.

Shenzhen-based developer Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong, has maintained a focus on delivering a high-quality gaming experience, steering clear of external sociopolitical discourses. In an industry often influenced by topics like gender diversity and political correctness, this approach has been perceived by many players as a refreshing return to the essence of gaming - providing an engaging and excellent gaming experience. 

The game's global popularity also lies in its commitment to quality and player satisfaction, adhering to the fundamental principle that a game's success is ultimately determined by its reception among players.

The recognition of Black Myth: Wukong at the TGA serves as an inspiration for Chinese game developers. It demonstrates that with technological innovation, compelling storytelling, and cultural integration, Chinese games can achieve international acclaim. This milestone has encouraged the industry to continue investing in quality and creativity, paving the way for future successes on the global stage.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn