Controversy Erupts Over 'Black Myth: Wukong' as Netizens Weigh in on Cultural Significance and Misogyny
The recent controversy surrounding the Chinese video game "Black Myth: Wukong" has sparked a heated debate among netizens on Weibo, with many weighing in on the game's cultural significance and the backlash against its creators.

21 August 2024
The game, which is based on the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," has been praised for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and creative take on traditional Chinese mythology. However, some netizens have taken issue with comments made by the game's creators, which they claim are misogynistic and anti-Chinese.
Actress Mu Tingting, who has been a vocal supporter of the game, recently responded to the controversy on Weibo. "I don't understand why people are boycotting the game because of the creators' comments," she wrote. "Can't we just appreciate the game's cultural significance and the fact that it's a great representation of Chinese culture?"

Mu Tingting also addressed the issue of misogyny, saying that she doesn't think the creators' comments are a big deal and that people are overreacting. "Men and women are equal, but there are some things that men are better at and some things that women are better at," she said. "That's just the way it is."
Her comments sparked a lively debate among netizens, with some agreeing with her stance and others criticizing her for downplaying the issue. "@MuTingting, I don't understand why you're defending the creators," wrote one user. "Their comments were clearly misogynistic and anti-Chinese. We should be calling them out for it, not making excuses for them."
Others defended Mu Tingting, saying that she was just trying to promote Chinese culture and that people were being too sensitive. "The game is a great representation of Chinese culture and we should be proud of it," wrote another user. "Let's not focus on the negative and instead celebrate the game's achievements."

The controversy surrounding "Black Myth: Wukong" highlights the challenges of navigating the complex and often contentious world of online discourse in China. While some netizens are eager to defend their cultural heritage and promote Chinese values, others are quick to call out perceived injustices and hypocrisies.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the creators of "Black Myth: Wukong" will respond to the backlash and whether the game will ultimately be judged on its merits as a work of art and entertainment.
Meanwhile, Mu Tingting's comments have sparked a wider discussion about the role of women in Chinese society and the challenges they face in the gaming industry. "The fact that Mu Tingting is defending the creators' misogynistic comments is disappointing, but not surprising," wrote one user. "Women in China often face sexism and misogyny in the gaming industry and elsewhere. We need to do better to support and empower women in these spaces."

In the midst of the controversy, some netizens have also been sharing their own experiences with sexism and misogyny in the gaming industry. "@MuTingting, I've faced sexism and harassment in the gaming community and it's not okay," wrote one user. "We need to create a safer and more inclusive space for women and girls who love gaming."
As the conversation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the controversy surrounding "Black Myth: Wukong" has tapped into a deeper and more complex discussion about culture, identity, and social justice in China.