The success of the blockbuster Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong lies in using the game's interesting content and innovative settings to promote cultural awareness, according to the game's lead producer.
With over 10 million copies sold across all platforms in just three days after its release on Aug. 20 this year, the Chinese action role-playing game inspired by Wu Cheng'en's iconic 16th-century novel, "Journey to the West", stands as the most successful Chinese video game to date.
As the core creator of the masterpiece, Feng Ji, also the CEO of Game Science Interactive Technology Co., Ltd., the game's producer, said in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) that the whole team has been carefully blending traditional cultural elements with modern game sets throughout the development stage.
"We have seen many comments that focus on many details in the game. Whether it is from the art or the storyline, or even from some hidden dialogues, everyone can see these things that we have put a lot of thought into. In fact, these good things have always been good and have always been there. If there is a suitable carrier, such as a scene in the game, an item in the game, or an inscription in the game, if you can combine these things appropriately, it will actually have an effect of one plus one being greater than two," said Feng.
Feng also emphasized that games or any cultural products need to be intriguing in themselves so as to naturally spark players' desire to think and explore, thereby achieving a level of cultural awareness. "In fact, if you make a theme about traditional Chinese culture, it may not only be appreciated by Chinese people. There may be many common things and many good things that can actually be felt by players all over the world. You cannot make games or other cultural products with the purpose of exporting culture. You should make interesting content first, then use such content to drive players to immerse themselves in the game. After that, players will want to know more about the original 'Journey to the West'. In this process, and after the players begin to become interested, they will start to understand the relationship between the characters, or why Sun Wukong is called Sun Wukong, who gave him this name? Then, as gamers immerse themselves in the content, they will naturally want to understand the settings, stories, character relationships, and even some philosophical thoughts behind the game," he said.
Black Myth game creator highlights use of rich content to promote cultural awareness
Black Myth game creator highlights use of rich content to promote cultural awareness
