From Gaming to Classic Literature: 'Black Myth: Wukong' Sparks Global Interest in 'Journey to the West'

On Reddit, a user named Gamskining wrote, "Hey, have you read 'Journey to the West'? I'm reading it now because of this game." Many other overseas players have shared similar sentiments, with some even creating videos to share their understanding of the story and Chinese mythology. However, some foreign players have found the game's storyline, which is heavily based on the original novel, to be challenging due to their unfamiliarity with the source material. This has been noted by several international review platforms, including IGN China, which considered it one of the reasons why the game did not receive a perfect score.

Despite this, the game has been hailed as a masterpiece by IGN China, and its success represents a significant breakthrough for China's gaming industry. According to SteamDB, a third-party database website, "Black Myth: Wukong" has broken the record for the highest concurrent player count on Steam, with over 2.4 million players online simultaneously. The game's impact has also been felt on social media, with many Chinese fans sharing their thoughts on the game and its themes.

Chinese game reviewer Nadao believes that cultural differences may cause discomfort for non-Chinese players, but argues that the game should not be changed to cater to the global market. "In the past, Chinese PC gamers had to rely on fan translations to understand foreign games. If a game is good enough, people will want to learn about its story." He also noted that "Black Myth: Wukong" has successfully explored Chinese cultural themes and content in a way that sets it apart from other games. "The 'Journey to the West' theme can only be fully understood by the Chinese people, while Western understanding of the story is relatively shallow."

The game's success has sparked a broader interest in Chinese culture among overseas players. A British player commented, "I'm watching the 86 version of 'Journey to the West' and I love how Black Myth: Wukong designed the operation of Sun Wukong's special skill, it's so smooth and every detail is well-designed." Players from abroad, inspired by the game, have begun to read the original "Journey to the West" novel, sharing their thoughts and insights online. Fans have even started creating videos to discuss their understanding of the classic tale and Chinese mythology.

However, the game's use of Chinese idioms, proverbs, and literary allusions has also been pointed out as a barrier to understanding by some foreign reviewers. One foreign player on Reddit commented, "I'm having trouble understanding some of the story beats and characters' motivations...I'm definitely going to have to brush up on my Chinese folklore knowledge." Another player noted, "I love the game, but sometimes I feel like I'm missing out on some deeper meaning or symbolism that's specific to Chinese culture."

Despite this, many players have expressed a desire to learn more about Chinese culture and history. The debate highlights the challenges and opportunities of cultural exchange in the age of globalization. As Chinese games and media continue to gain popularity worldwide, developers will need to navigate the fine line between preserving cultural authenticity and making their products accessible to a broader audience.

The game's impact on Chinese culture and gaming has been significant, and its legacy is likely to be felt for years to come. On Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging platform, user 张大飞 (Zhang Da Fei) wrote, "Baigujing's inner monologue is hidden too deeply... At first, he seems to despise Wukong, but when he hears of his master's death, he can't believe it. This reveals that Baigujing's heart is actually very soft." Another user, 我一定会买的的的 (I will definitely buy it), commented, "Cultural output is created in this way... I just hope they can understand it. Those are all human emotions and worldly wisdom."

As the global gaming community continues to explore and appreciate Chinese culture through "Black Myth: Wukong," it is clear that the game has successfully bridged the cultural divide, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of China's rich cultural heritage.