or a country that still had an official ban on video game consoles until 2015, you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking that China would never rise to prominence in the realm of console gaming. However, with Game Science’s highly anticipated new title, Black Myth: Wukong, releasing on August 20, China is now officially making AAA games.
However, at a deeper glance, you could also argue that the country has long been poised to make a big splash in this field. A lot of the fantasy elements in modern video games are derived from Chinese mythology, and the country has already made its mark in the mobile games space with titles such as Honor of Kings and Dungeon & Fighter: Origins.
Now that the wait is almost over for the first big-budget PS5 game from China, I am absolutely stoked. After way too many gaming sessions (while neglecting both exercise and sunlight), I've gotten lost in epic adventures like Ghost of Tsushima, God of War and Assassin’s Creed. These games have acted as magical portals to feudal Japan, Norse mythology, and ancient Egypt. Now, I can’t wait to dive into my next digital escapade: ancient China – a fresh, vibrant palette of mythical landscapes just waiting to be explored.
Journey to the West, a beloved Chinese mythological tale, follows the cheeky yet lovable Monkey King, Sun Wukong, as he embarks on adventures with the monk Tang Seng. With Sun Wukong’s mix of magic and acrobatic moves, this has all the elements needed to be a lot of fun. Hopefully, Sun Wukong’s mighty staff will also vault him into popularity among reviewers.
Another Chinese game due to come out this year, Phantom Blade Zero, developed by Beijing-based S-Game, has also caught my gaze. At the glance, the game looks like a fast-paced action game with plenty of ancient Chinese demons.
The passion the developers have shown while talking about its blend of Chinese martial arts and the fantasy genre is inspiring.
And that passion isn’t just limited to developers. As mentioned earlier, it would be easy to dismiss video games in general in China. However, through my experiences in Beijing, I have found a buzz for this industry. As an avid enthusiast of the fighting game genre, I have managed to attend many local events during my time in Beijing. There is nothing quite like renting out a space with a group of people and playing Street Fighter until the wee hours of the morning. It’s a great medium for bringing the expat community and the Chinese community closer.
And that’s not all! You can share your love of games from the comfort of your couch or man cave. I have joined countless WeChat groups dedicated to talking about everything video games. Usually, these groups are split into subcategories, catering to the niche tastes of various gamers. And the best bit is they have plenty of groups in both English and Chinese. As a caused quite a stir on YouTube. Honestly, I might be even more excited about this one than the other games I mentioned.
The developers chose an art style reminiscent of ancient Chinese TV dramas, right down to the fancy outfits and incredibly “pretty” male protagonists and the impressive visuals, giving it everything needed to be a hit. After watching countless TV dramas with my wife, I’ve always thought, “This would be alright with a bit more action.” Well, it seems my wish has been granted. Frankly, it’s also nice to know Chinese games aren’t just a fad, with long-term projects out there on the horizon.
For those passionate about video games, the next couple of years could mark a shift in the stories told in the digital world. For those new to the scene but interested in Chinese stories, this is a fun, new way to experience some great fantasy tales. Some of the best stories and voice acting I have ever experienced has been on my PS5, and I hope the incoming Chinese games are no exception.
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