The Monkey King is becoming a global phenomenon.
Black Myth Wukong, an action adventure game
based on the antics of a prominent character in Chinese mythology,
became the second most popular title ever on the online game platform
steam within hours of its global debut on Tuesday.
There were more than 2.1 million concurrent players on steam
at its peak, where players around the world are racing.
Will call on his first day.
Despite China’s sluggish economy and worsening job situation,
I personally heard of many young tech workers taking a day off
to log on and play at home.
Kong, which is backed by the tech giant Tencent,
is a breakthrough for a 40 billion dollar Chinese gaming industry.
It’s a sign that the industry’s years long funk is lifting
after a crackdown on gaming by the Communist Party,
concerned about its impact on young people.
China has had success with mobile titles such as Genshin Impact
in the past, but Wukong is the first big budget P C.
Console blockbuster that’s resonating globally.
It’s also available on PlayStation 5.
Success didn’t come overnight for game signs.
Wukong is Hong Kong based developer.
Wukong took several years to make
and reportedly cost upwards of 50 million.
The success of game titles like Wukong
has the potential to bolster China’s soft power
akin to K pop for South Korea.
But that may be easier said than done.
Censorship is always a concern.