Black Myth: Wukong’s Success and the Charm of Chinese Classics

The stand-alone action role-playing ‌game “Black Myth: Wukong” has become a hit ⁤since its launch. As the protagonist of the game, Sun Wukong has gained immense popularity, surpassing his previous fame in TV series, movies, and animation works. Taiwanese writer Zhang Dachun recently shared his insights on the game’s success and the charm of Chinese classics in an⁣ exclusive interview with⁣ China News Service’s “East ​and ⁣West Questions.”

The‌ Story of Black Myth: Wukong

Zhang ⁣Dachun explained that⁣ the game is ⁣a non-textual ⁤sequel to Journey to the West, quoting some‍ of the ‍original content as allusions. The game’s story revolves around Sun ⁢Wukong’s defeat by Yang Jian and ​the scattering of his “six roots and six consciousnesses.” The ⁣player, as the “man ⁤of destiny,” must retrieve the six treasures and face a choice: to become the ⁣Fighting Buddha or return to the original unruly Sun Wukong.

Zhang Dachun praised the game’s exquisite graphics, complex structure, and difficult levels, making it a true AAA game. He also shared his personal experience playing the game‍ with his son, highlighting the game’s ability to⁣ whet the appetite of‍ players‍ and provide a fun experience despite its difficulty.

The Unique Charm of Black Myth: Wukong

Zhang Dachun ‍emphasized that‍ the game’s success lies in its unique perspective on the classic story of Journey to the West. Unlike traditional adaptations, Black Myth: Wukong created a Sun Wukong​ with independent ‍consciousness ‍and conscious will, making it a different and non-inertial story. The game’s cultural message, which explores ⁣the choice between‌ being a‌ wild‌ monkey or compromising with power, resonates with players and inspires imagination.

The game’s participation of “I” is also a clever point, as the ‍player⁤ becomes the “man of destiny” ⁢and has to revive Sun Wukong. This design allows players to make⁤ choices ‍and experience the⁢ story in a ⁣more personal way, making the game ⁣more ⁢engaging and thought-provoking.

The Possibility⁤ of Combining Classical Cultural IP with⁤ Modern Games

Zhang Dachun ⁤believes that the success of Black Myth: Wukong‍ shows the⁤ possibility‌ of combining classical cultural IP with modern games and achieving success. He emphasized⁣ that the ⁢four great classics ⁣of Chinese literature⁢ are not simple and that‌ each story has a unique narrative emotion. The key to success lies in finding a unique ⁢perspective​ and creative soul that resonates with players.

He also mentioned that the combination of IP in classical masterpieces ⁢and games is a cultural superposition, which is a remarkable thing and rare. While it is challenging ​to replicate​ the success of Black Myth: Wukong, Zhang Dachun believes that if the idea is good, it is⁢ still possible to succeed.

Cross-Strait Cooperation and the Common ⁣Inheritance of Chinese Culture

Zhang Dachun ‍praised⁣ the ⁢cross-strait cooperation in the production team of Black Myth: Wukong, emphasizing that ​it is normal ​and necessary for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to jointly inherit Chinese culture. He believes that such cooperation ⁣is worth encouraging and that ⁢it is a natural and necessary‍ step ⁣for the two sides to work together.

About the interviewee:

Zhang Dachun is a Taiwanese writer ‌whose ancestral home is Jinan, Shandong. He is a good storyteller, good at calligraphy, and loves to write poetry. He holds a⁤ master’s degree in Chinese literature from Fu Jen Catholic University in⁣ Taiwan and has won many Chinese literature awards.