Black Myth: Wukong SLAMS diversity claims

Even if you’re not a gamer, you would have heard about the massive international success of China’s first AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West.
The game has excited a lot of people, including many Chinese who feel that this kind of soft power is a perfect opportunity to show Chinese culture to the world, free from the confines of biased and negative mainstream media representations of the country.
But as with every success from China, there are detractors. Some in the industry are claiming the game lacks diversity, and that its developers are sexist.
How relevant are those smears? And why is Wukong such a massive success?
Today I’ll all those questions and more with my special guest, podcast host and media personality ‪@CarlZha‬
This is Reports on China, I’m Andy Boreham in Shanghai. Let’s get reporting!
#wukong #gaming #diversityandinclusion

[@CarlZha]

Thanks for the invite, Andy! Great Conversation!

[@ReportsOnChina]

Come back on soon! 🫡

[@debscatena]

you two, great stuff!!! Not a gamer, but very happy for Chinese gamers and gaming solidarity.

[@antwango]

Genshin Impact is already a well known Chinese success! For several years now and I was unaware that Genshin was Chinese made for the longest time! I thought it was Japanese made! The next Chinese big hitters coming down the line is Phantom Blade 0! The Perciever! Where the Wind Blows! Wuchang Fallen Feathers! And many more! All very cinematic and artistic! Watch the Western media smear these as well! If Gamescience can go onto trump this game with a sequel Western minds will explode!!

[@wrongfuyan2876]

@@antwango When 4.8 started, I bought Battle Pass immediately, and I bought Nilou's skin immediately just to spite at those woke dei sbi sjw, despite I don't actually want that outfit for my Nilou that much, since it's too blue and there are so many blue outfits in their store already. My wallet, my money, my voice! 4 years ago when I saw the trailer of Black Myth: WuKong, I had planned to buy that game on launch. But 2 months ago I changed my plan and I pre-ordered Digital Deluxe Edition of Black Myth: WuKong just to spite at those woke dei sbi sjw. My wallet, my money, my voice!

[@crabbitgeezer]

I'm from Scotland and still live here; I think the game is great and pretty faithful to Journey to the West. All this criticism is sour grapes and anti-China xenophobia. Thanks for your comments.

[@wisdombites3586]

The game has monkey, pig, snake, dragon, fish, bear, wolf , rat. How much more diverse can you get ? Does western games have animals.

[@billinsf88]

😂👍

[@xihangyang]

non of these animals where western can have sex with. they mean

[@IsaacChoo88]

They did race swapped the dog of Erlang Shen to black though, so that's the diversity for you XD

[@CattleFarmer667]

Actually, I think there is no man or women in the game.

[@tonytube9211]

Those who complained about lack of diversity should remember the world does not revolve around the complainants; even though they have every right to complain. It would be seriously sick if everything should include LGBT, because the "The Journey to the West" was written hundreds of years ago.

[@tappersreviews4677]

Western journalism does not represent all or even most Western people. I’m enjoying Wukong and I don’t care what any of our so-called journalists think. Great game, great characters and story. Very technically demanding, though, so you need a powerful computer to run it well.

[@avgoldhead7207]

This I've been saying the same thing stop treating us western gamers as if we are supporting these woke wack ahhh journalist. They don't speak for us, they don't represent us. We are enjoying WuKong!!!!

[@thecomment9489]

Westoid MSM fake journalism only represent their Oligarch owners and the Western rabble is supposed to align their views to whatever propaganda they are doing.

[@gamingtideX]

I agree. As a US Citizen, Western journalism is 95% dead. the other 5% are the real jounalist that isn't delusional extremist and or enslaved in their mind.

[@ryknar5713]

western journalism represents the woke and activists. not gamers, nor your everyday normal person. it's the loud minority the 0.05%

[@kenw.4539]

Western journalists need to sell papers or subcriptions and the US Congress or the President through the CIA has already budgeted at least $15 billion so far to "undermine" China or basically encouraging everyone to lie and propagandize against China like the DOD efforts in the Philippines to lie about the Chinese Covid vaccine. Lots of people here have incentive to say something negative about China regardless of whether it's true or not. $15 billion is just the start. Why don't they take that money to pay for cheap homeless shelters (like Tuff-sheds) or for security for designated homeless encampments?

[@User-nw37]

Good move China, let's focus more on the 95% of the world population.

[@lov.2.g]

Yea transgenders like how western people love it

[@Feibie]

Just want to point out China makes up more than 5% of the world's population lol. Might be closer if we were talking about the USA

[@davidlazarus67]

Unless you count gays as another group you are probably aiming the game at the 99.9999% of the world population.

[@ShawnLee-rg6sz]

Exactly trueeee!

[@muresanandrei7565]

99.9%

[@Littlewater]

This game is NOT👏🏽 ABOUT👏🏽 YOU!👏🏽 Bravo... say it again for those in the back! 😂

[@philmehrart]

Don't clap on every word when arguing, it's embarrassing 😂

[@jeyverse]

Why do you market it all over the world then? Actually want to know

[@subhankarbaral9236]

@@jeyverse To make money from people who can like a diverse culture without appropriating it. Just like anime isn't for us, it's for the Japanese.

[@pkay431]

​​@@subhankarbaral9236Thank you. Was literally about to type this. The fact that it's not about you doesn't mean you can't be invited to enjoy it if you wish. If you don't that's fine but there is absolutely no need for them to cater to your desires that have nothing to do with the setting of the game

[@JackGreenlee-j4d]

​@@jeyverse: Because Stu, Chinese people, don't just live in China.

[@utewbd]

So annoyed with the imaginary "modern audience," Wukong is the coolest game to come out in years precisely because of its unique focus on Chinese mythology and ZERO modern politics. As a westerner, the only game I've enjoyed more in the last decade is Armored Core 6. Western devs need to learn a lesson from Wukong.

[@GaminHasard]

Armored core 6 very specific title. What did you like about that game?

[@utewbd]

@@GaminHasard Very cohesive level design and unique bosses, best sound design in any game, the whole game feels so special and hand crafted. It's pure "build mech, do mission, build mech, do mission." No politics or bs, just game. It also has no real flaws in my opinion. It isn't perfect but everything about it is at least good.

[@typicalw1248]

Fr only problem with this game is that it has no map.

[@T.K.9]

​@@GaminHasard AC6 is very good. It's like Elden Ring but with Mechs. Prepare to pull your hair out cause some bosses are hard to kill. But it got ner some of them

[@NoiSyGuitarMaNiaC]

That comment made me slightly more interested in AC6

[@yewknight]

As a westerner, one of the things I enjoy the most about this game is that it is a rare chance for me to experience a piece of Chinese culture. I am absolutely in love with it.

[@Magneticitist]

If you aren't familiar, you should check out the original story as well as the films all related to it. The Stephen Chow Journey To The West movies are great. The Legend Of Wukong Movie is also good. This game gave me a lot of nostalgia thinking back to those films.

[@yewknight]

@@Magneticitist I will check it out. I have been reading the little lore blurbs in the journal, but I want a big narrative. I cannot emphasize enough how refreshing it is to play a game that isn’t for “modern” western audiences

[@Magneticitist]

@@yewknight The Monkey King is pretty good also. I had to watch about 5 or 6 different movies, but after all of them I felt like I had this pretty good idea of the character of Sun Wukong at his most playful and innocent and his most terrifying versions. The movies and this game are technically going to stray a bit from the original deeper messages of the story but as far as just building an interesting character they all did a good job. Wukong has been my favorite mythical character ever since the movies so when the clips of this game first dropped I legit thought it was fake. Seeing it's actually real is wild, and it basically blows away some of the most popular games in the same genre.

[@GL-iv4rw]

@@Magneticitist I think Dicky Cheung is the most popular Wukong, at least for the overseas Chinese from what I heard.

[@Magneticitist]

@@GL-iv4rw He's alright. I have no idea who the Chinese favorite is but my American bias pushes me more toward who I think is the most badass 😂

[@miltontan65]

There's a saying, "when the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool for the loser".😅

[@CosmopolitanFools]

~ Also, for the Liberal Agenda/woke degenerates ~ "Those who have the least to say, speak the most." - ( old Russian saying )

[@Microverse1]

As a westerner, I apologize on behalf of the diversity mafia. Just ignore them. I can't wait to play this.

[@abdu7095]

diversity mafia: 1. Liberal community 2. LGBTQ community 3. Radical Feminist 4. Black community 5. Leftish People 6. Globalist

[@con-radical5481]

What's the diversity mafia? It seems like the studio predetermined topics as conditions for review - mentions of Taiwan, COVID, and "feminist propaganda" - which wasn't initially sent out. Nearly all the reviews are positive, there are localization and technical critiques, but wouldn't preconditions that have nothing to do with the game, but have significant political utility to the state suggest manufacturing outrage? The IGN report is mostly about toxic work environment, which is the norm in most industries; I agree you should just enjoy the game on merit, but it just seems to be an outcome of a deliberate attempt by the studio to make this a culture war device.. Also, claims on Taiwan, the origins of a novel virus, and feminism don't seem to have anything to do with the art, so why would critiques associated with those topics be invalid? The company set those conditions. Seems like a valid thing to critique, especially if it involves media being used to further the interests of a state, no?

[@Microverse1]

@@con-radical5481 You know exactly what the diversity mafia is. And they deserve to be mocked and ignored for criticizing this game's lack of diversity - in some instances calling for people to boycott or pirate the game. The studio trying to keep politics out of the discussion was a "deliberate effort to make this a culture war device?" No. Fortunately none of the diversity mafia's efforts are having an effect as the game is selling phenomenally well.

[@jhsar1375]

The reason they are upset that's because they want attention and yep just ignore bunch of diversity alphabet mafia they will be forgotten.

[@greenchile6554]

living in perpetual victimhood. whatadouche.

[@bazzle_brush]

The irony of a game specifically made for the Chinese audience becoming potentially the most popular game of the year for the western audience says a lot about the state of the gaming industry in the West.

[@CrackHardy]

Ironically, Akira Toriyama, creator of dragon ball that's inspired by Journey to the west, said the same thing about DB not being made for western audience but instead japanese.

[@alexanderchristopher6237]

But it did gain popularity in the West and helped grow further appreciation for other manga and anime from Japan. Meaning there really isn’t this need to appeal to everyone at least with entertainment product. Just do what you set out to do and it will eventually draw wider attention if it’s good.

[@wmf8875]

@@alexanderchristopher6237 exactly. There's no need to cater to those wokist

[@TraderKentaro]

Great minds think alike...!!!

[@bekasiblis9540]

Wukong or goku very famous in japanesse especially their kids, since kids they already watched wukong movies

[@SlimJim3082]

I told my gf I bought a new BMW. She was so so excited until she found out BMW = Black Myth Wukong

[@bungkusi2432]

You should lend her to play too 😅😅

[@prajj19]

😂

[@waxior3730]

jaha så du kopia från 9gag

[@AmelieZh]

I'd be happy with wukong than the car ❤

[@prajj19]

@@AmelieZh thats crazy. Everyone should have a gf like u then

[@user-wn1wv1uy5y]

I as a European am interested in Chinese culture and I play video games. So why should I expect the producers of a game to "cater to the West"? The commentator was right: the world does not revolve around the Americans and Europeans. I would be happy if they offer subtitles in a language I understand since my Chinese is still on a very basic level. I am fed up with all that DEI stuff. It only adds to people holding a grudge against each other. Disneyfied content and culture all over the planet isn't what I am looking for. I am happy there is original culture in every part of the earth. Let's all enjoy that.

[@lightspeeder]

A DEI wukong version would be as jarring as the black aristocrats in bridgerton or having a yellow Jesus

[@BusesAreFatCars]

A large problem with Japanese games and Japanese games companies recently is that they have changed their games and their strategies so as to pander to what they have been told western audiences want. It has gone badly. I play Japanese games because their unique approach to designing and making games is appealing and fun. The same can be true of Chinese games. I want to play well made Chinese games that present a unique perspective. If they're fun then gamers will enjoy them, regardless of what part of the world they're from. Gamers don't want western politics in their games. The people saying that they do are lying.

[@ToiChutGongWu]

@@lightspeeder Heard recently, though I have not seen it, that the UK made a drama about one of their historical kings. He was portrayed as being Black, gay and disabled. The ultimate DEI.

[@kenric1460]

Game has an option for English language. It also has subtitles if wanted.

[@BusesAreFatCars]

@@ToiChutGongWu That's true. The show is called My Lady Jane. For the peak DEI video game, check out Dustborn. It was released a few days ago.

[@Brick-Life]

Its great to let more people know Chinese culture coming from China!

[@cac1504]

No need to worry about woke stuff.

[@chew5461-l7f]

Yes, I hope this game will encourage people outside China to read up the story of Journey to the West ... and also to visit/check out the temples and places shown in the game.

[@vidix_a.hapidi5384]

That's right, many westerners (not all) know Wukong or Chinese culture from Japanese media. They don't know that it's originally from China. Some even say wukong game try to imitate dragon ball.

[@Anrilunarianpebble]

Journey to the West is actually good, I enjoyed it a lot. Never let the woke ruin the fun for others

[@mattparke4370]

The Third Hokage from Naruto is also Sun Wukong. Lu Bu’s entire design and personality is also based on Sun Wukong

[@misszoenoella]

Black Wukong is based on Journey To The West, which is one of the greats in Chinese Culture. Journalists complaining it’s not diverse enough, is like complaining why there was no Asians and no LGBTQ in Pride and Prejudice. Bro, it’s a period piece and the story happened in China in Tang Dynasty (618-907 AC). The ignorance to one of the great legends.

[@weirdreportt]

Agree! It’s just sad what happened to the West. At this point they might make a game about Feudal Japan with black protagonist- oh wait they already did💀What matters the most to them is catering to these groups and beliefs while disregarding true creativity, integrity of work or story, historicity or accuracy of the story, and everything else that should make sense and sound.

[@caniblmolstr452]

​@@weirdreporttwhich movie are you talking about? BTW there was a historical black samurai called Yasuke. But that's about it. He was made a samurai just cause Oda Nobunaga was fascinated by him. William Adams (John Blackthorn in the Shogun series) was one of the few foreigners who really got a good rank in Feudal Japan

[@Derpaholic_rex_games-wr2pw]

@@caniblmolstr452 Additional research into the topic has been showing that yasuke was probably not a samuari, as a matter of fact those claims all have been coming from one source who does not have evidence to back the claims and has been caught pretending to be an uninvolved party to edit wikipedia and promote the book he is selling on the topic. Yasuke did exist, but is unlikely to have even been trained in the sword, much less codified as a samurai

[@pmuller467]

When I want Chinese culture I buy a Chinese game, if I want a medieval Game I buy a European Game WHICH IS WOKE FREE as the medieaval Period. I want culture not woke dictatorship of a few activists

[@jascforfun7576]

Sweet Baby Inc tried to blackmail Game Science into giving them millions to "consult" about Western DEI or face Western media blackballing. But they said f u and so has the global gaming community.

[@wrongfuyan2876]

I was planning to buy the base game on launch. But 2 months ago I changed my plan, and I pre-ordered Digital Deluxe Edition of Black Myth: WuKong just to spite at those woke dei sbi sjw.

[@TheFriend2u]

​ Smart choice. Open your horizon.

[@Zugetzu]

This is huge if it is true, do you have any evidence? Links to posts/news or something? Thanks

[@michaelwilkins462]

I don't play games anymore but I might buy Black Myth Wukong just because.

[@AlphaCookies]

7 million for "consultation" fee to be precise. Such a thug

[@sakdesire]

We are proud of China. We are proud of Black Myth: Wukong. China should make more AAA Single Player Games without any Western Political Nonsense 👍

[@bungkusi2432]

@@sakdesire i hope to see setanyahood vs *Judge Bao*

[@sakdesire]

@@bungkusi2432 I'm not familiar with chinese mythology but i respect chinese culture and yeah i hope to see more chinese content in the form of games in the future 👍

[@bungkusi2432]

@@sakdesire This one is not a mythology It's a judge from ancient time that dare to trial a corrupt family of the king and behead him. I was kidding that the judge will trial the west asia war cromonal mr satanyoohoo

[@sakdesire]

@@bungkusi2432 i would to see that in the form of video game 👍

[@sakdesire]

@@bungkusi2432 And also i can't wait to get my hands on another Chinese game that is Phantom Blade 0 on PS5 👍

[@Jifaru]

Don't worry, gamers in the West don't stand by these slanderous game journalists either.

[@ylo114]

The western game developers have to please those activities, as they could be bullied and out of business for not complying to the ever-changing political correctness. No one can ever be progressive enough. No matter what they do, they can be more "progressive" according to those activists or so-called PR companies which demand payments as well.

[@user-lj7wh7hy6c]

Yeah agreed. They don’t review games for us either, just endorse games if you pay them enough. They claim to respect all people and cultures but wind up being disrespectful and make it about themselves. This isn’t about diversity, this is about what happens when corporations weaponize activists to push products and control the narrative so western studios can keep a positive spin on their subpar work and business practices. I’m really happy for Wukong’s success, reminds western gamers what it used to be like and I hope this inspires studios here to not be intimidated by consultancy firms and their “journalists” affiliates. This is a win for gamers

[@sekaiishtal2508]

I live in America yet don’t give one iota of a sh*t about woke idiots screeching at the top of their lungs. I enjoy games that appeal to me, and most of them are not even western-type games. And if there’s even a hint of hidden propaganda in a game that I find and try out, I drop it like flies of a corpse.

[@GL-iv4rw]

This is overcapacity in the lack of diversity and inclusivity!

[@alpha6games751]

They are small but they are very loud.

[@sflxn]

The West is sickened with wokeness.

[@YoungBillyKatastrophe]

Just like this game, the word Woke was for a very particular audience you know since it's an AAV word that has a very specific meaning that's been around since at least the 1940s...

[@user-tc9si9ec1t]

@@YoungBillyKatastrophetypical

[@614GTRjr]

Don't even know the original meaning of the term do we? 😂

[@user-tc9si9ec1t]

@@614GTRjr yeah mental illness

[@duanelondon6152]

Wouldn’t be woke without those maga assholes

[@OhYaSure]

Westerner here. So freaking happy to hear they didn’t cater to silly identity crap that’s going on out here.. I’ll pick this up so I can enjoy the story for the first time, as it should be.

[@DracoNobilis]

I live in karachi , Pakistan. My friends living in the US, Australia, Bangladesh, UK....all are playing Wukong. I was personally blown away by the demo that revealed the game the first time and had been obsessively following it since. Pre-ordered it as well even though I almost never buy digirally. This is to tell you that Wukong deserves every bit of success and more and it isnt just the national pride of the Chinese people that rocketed the game to success but it is loved by millions of international gamers as well. Being a lover, student and teaxher of Mytholigies of the world this game was my dream come true. Also massive respect ro Game Science for not keeling over to the bullying and other shenanigans to affect the success of their work. And this isnt even the Western media as a whole but a select group of ultra modern third wave feminist activists unfortunately masquerading as game journalists who are just so unbelievably myopic anf arrogant they want to shove their agenda down the throats of the rest of the world. With due respect the world doesnot revolve around you. You sjmply cannot bully other nations and their creators to abandon their social and sexual mores , evolved from civilizations thousands of years old, to embrace yours.

[@severussin]

Well said

[@The-Cookie]

Absolutely agree with your take! The only thing I’d like to point out is that the “feminists” whining about a “lack of inclusion” are just bad apples and looking for something unique to spin for media attention. Feminism is about the advocacy for equal rights and social standing for *all* genders- if the so called “journalists” were *true feminists* they would not be throwing a hissy fit over something so silly. :)

[@stormquickening]

Let me correct it.. I think all Chinese descendants in the world regardless nationality .. know the story by heart ..

[@cel2073]

absolutely true！+1 from 3rd generation Chinese in Malaysia 🥰😍😃

[@questworldmatrix]

I don't. Always knew of it, but couldn't get pass the hokey production of the old tv shows. But I'm excited for this.

[@stormquickening]

@@questworldmatrix well at least u know the story roughly.. same here if u ask me the details I can’t remember.. just can remember the famous ones.. guess thats the difference between Chinese china n non china .. I suppose they can remember in detail

[@bouncingBrain]

My American born kids know the story, but probably not by heart. I read the original novel when I was 12. There's a lot of stuff there.

[@SiriuzGrey]

A fair amount of Korean and Japanese too. As one of the 4 great novels, it is read by most Confucius societies.

[@playnite2188]

It's clear Screenrant reviewer didn't get past chapter 2 otherwise she would have seen like 10 important female characters

[@bungkusi2432]

They just want to find a dirt to sling a mud

[@Neuvari]

true! in chptr 3 the white dragon in the lake is a dragon queen, and then theres a dragon girl above the turtle, and in chptr 4, lol, there are women everywhere

[@NicholasLacourse-yz6iz]

Thats literally what they said in the video.....

[@namelesssomebody2557]

Obvious. "Game Journalists" fail at getting past Prologues on Easy Mode because it's too hard for them.

[@GS-pg5qz]

Shocking. You mean they actually have to like try and do their "job." No need for that when they can just publish boilerplate BS.

[@dungeonsanddioramas8068]

As a Western player, ignore the media please. The game is amazing just the way it is! It’s fantastic getting to experience a piece of Chinese culture.

[@tyrecarmon20]

Exactly!!!

[@313massey]

Its wild how feminism has nothing to say about tomb raider but they are now complaining about animals

[@brianvanwyk9425]

I am American. I have read journey to the west a few times. I knew I would buy this game the minute I heard about. What I didn’t expect was how amazing it is.

[@ReportsOnChina]

Nice!

[@teiwinuiaarangi]

ive read journey to the west and watched the chinese version on youtube. also watched and played some really bad adaptions. i havent watched enter the badlands, it for an adaption just looks horrible for its time when the chinese journey to the west was done in the 90s i think and looks a lot better. Son Wukong, Son Goku, Hanuman

[@mattparke4370]

Third Hokage, Lu Bu, Lu Meng, Zhang Fei

[@bennymalone]

It’s ‘Journey to the West’ not Journey for the West

[@chew5461-l7f]

👍

[@truthseeker6532]

RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

[@DeddyJingga]

😅

[@chankongsun]

Now west equals 🌈

[@SunGuko]

Hah 😁

[@user-xs1xw3nx2d]

Please make more games "lacking in diversity." We are drowning in diversity in the west.

[@cloaker........5087]

The diversity there has crossed the limits. 🌈

[@mattparke4370]

They didn’t even let the protagonist be Asian in that samurai game

[@rafacassaanoova239]

@@mattparke4370 Hope you're not talking about yasuke who was actually a real person and samurai

[@fachriecaf]

​@@rafacassaanoova239 cope, he is not a samurai, he is a slave

[@lutherlaosi5294]

@@rafacassaanoova239 he was not a samurai, he just a sword bearer, he even have no rank, there is no record of him ever had duel or join a battle like proper samurai,

[@V-95K]

As a Russian, I noticed that western countries(nato/eu) they think that everyone MUST follow their rules, follow and enjoy their weird traditions/cultures like WOKE culture… they think that everyone must do everything their way… they think that we must cater to them, THEY INDEED THINK THAT THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND WESTERN COUNTRIES🤦🏻‍♂️ I for example love this game, im playing with English VO and Russian subtitles/text.and I’m enjoying this game, now I want to learn even more about China and its culture. Thanks China for such an amazing entertainment product!

[@mattparke4370]

Lu Bu, Zhang Fei, Lu Meng all wear the head band that Sun Wukong wore. Third Hokage is based on Wukong

[@Blue_Azure101]

Using ‘woke’ unironically really exposes your conservative fascist ideology. 😂

[@asilcastle]

This game is about our culture and legacy. It's not about any countries' politics or fad ideologies.

[@meis]

It is now 12M sold in the 5th day.

[@ReportsOnChina]

Nice!

[@antoniobabb1938]

History made 😉

[@OnlyHeretic]

Well deserved truly next gen cinematic experience with no woke political 🗑️ looking forward to more

[@ToiChutGongWu]

Wester media be like: "Black Myth: Wukong has sold 12 million copies across all platforms. But at What Cost?"

[@bungkusi2432]

​@@ToiChutGongWuat the cost of western dignity

[@Mk-qc2yt]

The author of "Journey to the West (Sun Wukong)" is Chinese, Written in the 16th century. nothing related to westerns so-called diversity and inclusion.

[@khoivinh3402]

4 people travel to India, yes they were heading to the West of Asia and head back to China.

[@miinfl7143]

​@@khoivinh3402West of China

[@louiswu6300]

yup, the writor is in 16th, but the story is even ealier, in Tang dynasty. 1300 years ago.

[@koja69]

I am glad we are getting games from a region which isnt obsessed with wokeness.

[@cheeeeezewizzz]

Never been to Shanghai huh? Woke AF

[@ChainedPhantom]

Some of you out here are pitiful, as obsessed with culture war as the 'woke' people you complain about. Black Myth Wukong isn't good because it's 'not obsessed with wokeness'. That's an insult to the work and craftsmanship of Game Science. Wukong is good because it's mechanically sound, delivers what was promised, and looks good.

[@DBallyousee]

@@cheeeeezewizzz no it's not, I live here and it ain't woke for shit

[@Tofu3435]

​@@ChainedPhantom agreed. It is not woke, and not anti woke either. It is just a good game

[@NoX-512]

A region that is obsessed with fueling an east-west culture war. You’re no better than the ‘woke’ crowd.

[@217Jeezy]

Majority of us here are tired of the “woke” bs. Dun let the tv fool u.

[@aldyzero6676]

The title Black Myth Wukong means that the Wukong's myth in the game is not canon to literature work, but a fan made sequel adaptation to the original work. Remember folks, "Go Woke, Go Broke"

[@SoA-Horseman]

For once i agree with China. Fuck ridiculous western identity politics.

[@jihigh482]

Nobody actually cares whether or not you "agree" with them You ain't no different from those losers masquerading as "journalists". You Bozos always think your opinion of other countries/cultures matters

[@AP-hn8wd]

Still can comprehend how a “white” so-called “female, gaming journalist” said, this game wasn’t inclusive enough when the game was made specifically for a Chinese audience. It’s like her saying, there’s not enough white people living in Wakanda in a Black Panther movie. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mdb45424]

She went into hidding after that review.

[@Ahoooooooo]

Good point 😂😂

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

They won't dare to touch Black. When it comes to Black, the more the better.

[@gavfitzpatrick]

The last thing she would want is to have a white person in the game, especially a man,, Everything has to be black, lame, and gay

[@chew5461-l7f]

Just shows how ignorant these critiques are! They know NOTHING outside their 4 walls.

[@LucasBustamante1]

HUGE respect for China from Brazil! Win-win is the only way for peaceful coexistence! There's no reason anyone needs to loose.

[@abkarga]

Im starting to believe that the only inclusion and diversity these people are interested in is in the sexual nature, imagine a game showcasing the richness of a culture that has thousands of years from a totally diferent country and people complaining about diversity and inclusion?? This is crazy!

[@jchanmcse]

To clear up the confusion about the word "West" as used in the novel "A Journey to the West", actually at that time when the monk in the Tang dynasty went to pick up the Buddhist scriptures from Chang-An (China), he had to go westward in order to reach India where the scriptures were. So the West at that time is not the "West" as in today's Europe or Americas!

[@Shilian01]

As someone born and raised in the west, I am so glad the game had no influence from it. Apparently I fall into the chinese target audience by all means.

[@ShawnLee-rg6sz]

As a Chinese, we truly welcome people like u to play this game, enjoy!

[@Wilhelm4131]

The game format is a western design with a Chinese story

[@nashbullet3213]

@@Wilhelm4131Keep telling yourself that

[@utewbd]

Western in terms of what? It's more like Ghost of Tsushima and Dark Souls than any western game. ​@@Wilhelm4131

[@tedbaker8531]

@@Shilian01 He said ignoring many many Japanese games developed with minimal western influence...

[@mangosorbet768]

I like the fact that this game is not about political correctness. China doesn't really care much about political correctness.. that's how we build resilience.. 😂

[@BeenNoticing]

China is indifferent on woke political correctness, however they are quite serious about political incorrectness. You definitely don't want to have the wrong ideas about certain things in Chinese society.

[@jt5566]

Its not about politics its about story accuracy.

[@Mcatz7]

It’s not politically correct, but it’s culturally correct, and that’s what really matters. I never buy newly released games, but Black Myth: Wukong is the one exception.

[@jchanmcse]

Exactly, in the West, we have to make Juliet, as in the play of Romeo and Juliet, a black girl in order to pass the rule of diversity and political correctness. How sad!

[@vincentlee7937]

Dev posted "we don't need attractive women to get men to play our game" and IGN/Screenrant/Forbes etc. translated this as "we don't need females" They can seethe about it as much as they want but anyone playing this Monkey game with fish, dragon, snake, pig, bear, wolf etc. already know there are over 10 main female characters in it The dev was simply that confident they didn't need sexy lewd female to sell their game and they were right

[@blackconfucius888]

But the problem is that he said it was created with only "real men" in mind. He could have just we don't need sex to sell games. I think a lot of women would love that idea. But instead he just puts his foot in his mouth.

[@xaevius5319]

​@@blackconfucius888 and what exactly is wrong with saying a term like "real men"? You people genuinely just make stuff to get angry about do you?

[@tonybonilla4316]

I’m from the west and tired to this diversity and inclusivity agenda forced on everything. Great game. Make games for gamers, not for politics.

[@MalicetheOmega]

As an American who is loosely familiar with the "Journey to the West" through different animes, this game is incredible. Just started chapter 3 in Black Myth and I've started reading the actual novel.

[@amigo3284]

I am so glad they didn’t cave in. Thank you China for giving the DEI the middle finger and making a great game. Also, if the DEI or someone not making the game says you have to change cause it doesn’t conform to their demands, don’t. If they want a game that fits their narrative let them, see where that gets them.

[@bloodangel7731]

They already did with concord which was a massive failure as expected

[@amigo3284]

@@bloodangel7731 maybe one day they will realize that DEI covers a very small but vocal group and is not a good business model. Bud light died and Harley Davidson is dying.

[@jvp9703]

I think Western critics just wanted an excuse to smack talk Wukong because they couldn't be directly racist. So they chose "lack of diversity" as a means of assault. To bad for them, Chinese game devs don't take bullshit.

[@BeenNoticing]

No. Western journalist activists have zero problems with being racist toward Asians. They just put Asians with Whites and say Asians are "White adjacent" or that Asians have benefitted from the entrenched White power structure. Or that Asian cultures have traditionally been xenophobic and also misogynistic. Or how China and Japan have both been historially imperialistic and expansionist etc. Almost everything they say about Whites they'll say about Asians when it suits their narrative.

[@misszoenoella]

They’re just straight been paid to write something that looks bad on this Chinese game … because they’re straight jealous of the success it receives

[@169helton]

I’m with you on this 👍🏾

[@im3phirebird81]

@@cabreram.4734 "Black Myth = devs saying Africa does not exist! CANCEL! 😱"

[@tyrant7583]

​@@im3phirebird81what? Show me one Black Myth review that's giving it a bad score over diversity. They took what she said out of context which is messed up. Nobody is complaining about this game. It's amazing how you people can make something real in your own mind. It's like a detachment from reality

[@cosmic2750]

The funny thing is that a lot of players in the West are loving the game too. Look at the overwhelming Steam reviews. It's just the "game journalists" that are losing their minds.

[@hypershadow87]

*"To the people in the west, I'm sorry. This game is not about you. The world does not revolve around people in the west, much less the Chinese speaking world."* *I'm an American in Florida and I love my country, but I also like all of the cultures around the world and the insane criticisms about this game are just that, insane. I wish this podcast/interview could be seen/heard everywhere because people over here in the U.S./West in general NEED to hear this from people in other cultures, countries, nations, etc.. They really think the world revolves around them. I really hope more people stand up to this insanity.* ✊

[@jirkabrezik4221]

Its true that me, as a Czech lad, have been introduced to the journey to the west for the first time and oh boy do I love this game, story, themes, Wukong and Pigsy

[@jz4057]

If you understand who Wukong is, why would you think the people that invested billions of dollars to make Wukong as the main character of a game would give a f about what other people think, especially authoritarian figures 😂😂😂 Wukong is the ultimate symbol for not giving a f!

[@adamhu3789]

-why is Linji Buddha headless in the game? -because the real head was RAIDed by the British royal army during 19th century,and placed in the GREAT museum right now.

[@yoyozent]

The thieves museum. That place has not greatness

[@4Christ74]

RAIDED or LOOTED?

[@tukangojek1335]

​@@4Christ74definitely RRRRRAT'ed

[@mohammedshoaib-tq6hb]

Oh....interesting info...i wonder is that the reason why they gave him a kinda british accent in the game?

[@kling5051]

@@mohammedshoaib-tq6hbthat’s because the geometric shape of GBR is almost the same as the province Shanxi where the folk music is originated lol

[@verasinn9285]

Hi Andy, I’m almost 80 years old and as a former senior investment banker, I find all this wokeness simply stupid and naive. The dumbing down of the western mind is truly in free fall. A very excellent translation of the Journey to the West was done by British professor Arthur Wade(?? forgot his last name) which I read when I was in Berkeley years ago. The legend manifests itself in different art forms, in Chinese operas, eg. One very famous piece is Peking opera 武生actor 王璐’s rendition of 大閙天宮。 I found it captures Sun Wukong’s spirit the best.

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

Wish you good health and long life, sir!

[@WalkOverHotCoal]

Hey mate...you do know your stuff ! Good on you.

[@verasinn9285]

@@ZxSpectrumplus I’m female😂

[@irfanabdullah676]

West is killing art. When art is shaped by the desires of the masses rather than the vision of the artist, it loses its soul and essence. True creativity cannot flourish under the weight of compromise.

[@bbawalan]

As an asian but not chinese, I already heard about this along time ago, the story of journey to the west, unfortunately since I did not know the real story but seeing Wukong and the way he looks, I can already tell it is the story of the monkey king (or so). This game does not need diversity because it is the story itself, it is what is written a long time ago before it is solidify to be a game. the lack of "diversity" does not apply to this game because the game is by itself. For those people/journalist looking for something to rant about, leave the game and don't play it even. You do not understand why the story is like that, so do not push your idiology into this game. Because of this game?? I now finally have something to look forward to every time I get home and relax. Hell yeah! This IS my kind of game!

[@user-sf1nq9uj7p]

I am not a gamer but I love the awesome detailed CGI graphics. One would almost expect Sun Wu Kong to pluck a hair follicle and use it to create one of his magicks.

[@fzmoifzmoi2575]

Maybe he can help pluck a hair follicle from BB Marcos so we know if he's actual on drugs or not since BBM refuses to do so willingly himself! 🤣

[@alekid]

he does

[@lukelmaooooo]

He has an ability called A Pluck of Many that allows you to do just that

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

I think he does. I haven't reach that level yet...still in level two and horrified by that big head miniboss. So far he has plucked a hair to make a josstick at the ressurection point shrines.

[@user-sf1nq9uj7p]

@@ZxSpectrumplus Lol! :-)

[@wrongfuyan2876]

Meanwhile, steam charts shown all -time peak of Black Myth: WuKong players was over 2.4 million. Monarch said "Racers should race, cops should eat donuts !" I say "Gamers should play real games, woke activists should play concord !!" Or dustbin. I mean dust- whatever.

[@petrushka2]

3mil+ now.

[@wrongfuyan2876]

@@petrushka2 yes 3 millions if we count all cross-platform (Steam, Epic Games Store, and WeGame in China).

[@jackguy8204]

I'm from the UK and I love Chinese culture and Japanese culture, this game is one of my favourite game of my all time and the game is a love letter to the culture ❤️

[@Hearshotkid_2113]

As an American, this resonates with me. I think westerners are obsessed with the idea that art, including video games, has to have a message that resonates with their views. Not everything has to reflect with your worldview. When I studied directing as an undergrad, my professor always encouraged making an ideological point after making sure that structure and entertainment were present in your piece. Most people don’t actually give a shit about what you believe. If they came to see something you made, they’re there to be entertained first and then think deeply last. I feel like the devs and writers of BMW understand this and that’s why the game is so successful. It puts fun and entertainment first before making a point or even instead of trying to resonate with people’s ideals.

[@mattparke4370]

Wukong is deeply entrenched and related to Dynasty Warriors 3 and 4

[@antoniobabb1938]

Thanks China I’m sick of the woke in games keep it traditional

[@DouglasW-m9z]

Woke states asleep, please do not disturb Thankyou

[@gelinrefira]

If "diversity" (which is just a cynical weaponization of inclusivity) can be a criteria for docking off points, then non-western reviewers should be able to dock off points from games like COD for lacking socialism, being anti-social, anti-poor people and promoting western imperialism and American exceptionalism.

[@antwango]

Genshin Impact is already a well known Chinese success! For several years now and I was unaware that Genshin was Chinese made for the longest time! I thought it was Japanese made! The next Chinese big hitters coming down the line is Phantom Blade 0! The Perciever! Where the Wind Blows! Wuchang Fallen Feathers! And many more! All very cinematic and artistic! Watch the Western media smear these as well! If Gamescience can go onto trump this game with a sequel Western minds will explode!!

[@MartinezRaigosa]

Really, you thought Genshin was Japanese? When I first saw Genshin, I immediately knew it was Chinese because of the Chinese names.

[@Tofu3435]

​​@@MartinezRaigosa Chinese names only in Liyue because that region in the game designed from China but there are 7 region in the game and every region designed after a country. Japan is called Inazuma in Genshin. Monstadt and Fountain is Germany and France. It is like a travel around the world, this is why the main character called "The Traveler"

[@MartinezRaigosa]

@Tofu3435 ah okay didn't know

[@兽Arufisu]

I hope you dont forget the predecessor Honkai Impact which is before Genshin which also successful in mobile games market

[@SrChr778]

Love the straightforward honesty here. Basically, this is a big wake up call to those so-called journalists. And he's right, "This game isn't about you." That's probably the biggest ego punch I've ever heard. Salute to you, Chinese Devs.

[@patrickgilliam3161]

As a westerner, I've been waiting for years for this game! I am so happy that the influence over the years didn't corrode the vision!! I absolutely love this game!!

[@Philip-lk5db]

The west can keep their woke and LGBTQ... We just want great games that's has action, adventure and great story telling.

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

It's 2SLGBTQAA+V now. This is so offensive. I am offended. Btw, V stands for Vampire. Yes, it's the latest to join the crazies.

[@Manning0151]

@@ZxSpectrumplusthey really are just pushing it to see how weird they can go huh💀😭

[@chinaman1]

I hope Game Science will consider making games out of Jin Yong novels, Liang Yusheng novels and other classic novels such as Romance of the 3 kingdoms, even though it's been made to death in so many other games, and ESPECIALLY Water Margin. I think there are so much potential there with all these stories.

[@maertscisum]

Yes, romantic historical game would be great.

[@enutrofdude]

Water Margin, aka Outlaws of the Marsh, would be GREAT if done well. Koei had a Water Margin game on the NES ("Bandit Kings of Ancient China", if I remember right) but it was a management/military simulation. An action-RPG style game would be quite welcome.

[@davidwoon6402]

Yup, totally agree. China have no limits to 'ancient epic mythology stories'. Let's China gladly unfurl one after the other to the rest of the world. 😅 🇨🇳🤗🌍

[@JeffVan604]

Have you looked into "Code: To Jing Yong"?

[@another3062]

Id like em to do nezha

[@tmming-h6k]

This Wukong game is da greatest of all time n we love it a lot here in Malaysia

[@Soulsystem8]

As a foreigner I love wukong because I used to watch it on abc as a kid and I love the Chinese culture and people thank you china for giving us this game I hope you create more video the romance of the three kingdom was my favourite book I hope you guys create it

[@gabrielbetenson9085]

I’d like to make this clear, it’s not the players who think these things. Just big companies in America trying to shove their opinions down our throats. We just like fun games. This is a fun game. It’s really that simple

[@Kicking2bAlive]

Dragon Balls characters were based on Journey to the West.

[@miriamtiuseco2nd]

Even naruto's many transformations of hinself is based on wukong's transformation of himself as well as other animals or inanimate objects. And he can see thru any monsters disguised as people.

[@justsomeguywhoneverdies9210]

Even One Piece, i heard that "Monkey" from Monkey D. Luffy is referencing Sun Wong. His journey finding one piece, is kinda inspired from Journey to the West, Christopher Columbus, and other stories

[@mattparke4370]

Let me help you name a few more: Lu Bu from Dynasty Warriors 3 and 4 Zhang Fei had the same headgear as Wukong Lu Meng had the same head band as Wukong in DW4 The Third Hokage is 100% Wukong Anakin Skywalker is loosely based as well. Much of Star Wars is taken from Chinese films and tv shows

[@drazticfantaztic1506]

Gamer from the west here 🇺🇸 and I am so glad it is so not for the audience over here cause most of the stuff made here isn't even made for the audience over here. 🤣😆 please! More of this! Be even more Chinese for the next one! For devs around the world, give us YOUR culture not a "PC western approved" version!!

[@wisdombites3586]

Not a gamer but I wanna play this game. So awesome

[@SauceyFredo]

As a westerner, I am so happy they decided not to listen to the gaming industry over here. We have an authentic and genuine expression of Chinese mythology and culture. I loved the game

[@truongtruong6590]

Not Chinese but grew up watching the WuKong shows from china. Mostly the 90s version with Dicky Cheung. I was so excited about this game and they did a fantastic job. I hope it continues with future versions

[@sloo6425]

The game is great, I might pick it up. We love it (From Malaysia).

[@Kimmimaro86]

One of the person wrote the 1st smear article for IGN, Khee Hoon Chan is a Singaporean Chinese who supports China's pro-separatist movement. Her X's profile already shows it all.

[@ReportsOnChina]

Typical!

[@antwango]

Thought Western media were saying shes Korean!??

[@hongluong3427]

​@@antwangois "she" the right pro-noun for this person?

[@kenric1460]

​@@hongluong3427she does have pronouns on her socials.

[@SlimJim3082]

That's a she? I thought it was a dude

[@americanknow8232]

China has been making games fro the western game companies, and 3D animation for Disney movies. China has no shortage of game developers.

[@therealone1288]

and yet they make nothing worth playing. weird.

[@popcycleism]

@@therealone1288so go somewhere else. Boodie hoo.

[@americanknow8232]

@@therealone1288 You are just ignorant. Chian has release the new game "Wukon" and $400 in 6 days. China's host international game competition, and world wide participants compete there. You must be living in a cave.

[@therealone1288]

@@americanknow8232 shill. china has never made a game worth playing. japan is #1 when it comes to games.

[@americanknow8232]

@@therealone1288 Japanese game is outdated. No more.

[@masterluxai2118]

It’s Chinese Folklore. Whoever wrote anything negative about this game is fucking dense. 90% of these characters aren’t even human. Like be so fucking for real right now.

[@mj.recommends]

I still remember as kid, wanting to use an English abridged version of the "Journey to the West" for my book review assignment. And my teacher of non-Asian descent questioned, "Which part of the west? Is this even a well known work." It has nothing to do with the cultural world of the West indeed.

[@Simon-ml4lu]

All true. it has already 2000000 players on steam. I am a 56 year gamer and when I was young I loved Monkey the TV show which was about journey to the west I was always fascinated by it and love the games.

[@pappysheart6710]

This year: Korea: Stellar Blade Japan: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth China: Wukong US: Dorito dust, Mountain Dew, dyed blue hair, and complaints on reddit. Most of us are fed up with dealing with this. They're not "journalists"; they're thoughtfully placed instruments of ideological warfare.

[@rogerfaint499]

US: Broke Back Mountain . . .

[@pappysheart6710]

@@rogerfaint499 Broke Back Vegans. And oat milk isnt milk😫

[@JB52520]

​@@pappysheart6710 I genuinely enjoy oat milk, and I think diversity can be a good thing. But I hate it when blackmail groups are allowed to destroy games and replace characters to push their ideology. Normal people who find it irritating are lumped in with extremists and ground into the dirt by mob "justice". As usual, China is better than us.

[@noobs12332]

One game from south korean will shake western too is : inzoi (the sims killer)

[@HopelesslyCritical]

Yakuza 3 Remastered cut side missions with trans/drag character. Missions that made fun of him. Some say that subtitles in Remastered games and English translations in LAD games were changed too. Korean life simulator, Inzoi will have gender and preference option - non-binary and same sex. China is not untouchable. They can fall, just like the Japanese did. Sega, Capcom etc.

[@Hishamhh93]

“the world does not revolve around the western world” is a harsh reality check

[@jeremytzy]

Harsh if you're a westerner.

[@Deanding56]

Im a westerner and i totally agree with the guy, our journalists are majority liberal but the majority of gamers here in the west are in chinas side to say this is not about us but about chinas culture and it shows because it feels very loyal to what little we know about chinas culture, thats why we’re loving its a masterpiece.

[@YeOldeMachine]

Black Myth isnt really contraversial. This is just what the Western media apparatus would have you believe. People who actually play games dont give af about representation, diversity, or whatever the buzzword may be. Matter of fact, if i see the media complaining about a game, i know it's probably good.

[@jacktaktical]

If a game got banned somewhere, its probably good

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Star Wars is probably more sexist than this game.

[@junli6065]

😂😂😂😂absolutely

[@kaiki8490]

Oh yeah😂😂😂😂

[@sunnylam5430]

Star War is back in the 80s. I have no interest in watching or playing the game.

[@tyoyusuf8501]

@@sunnylam5430 this is why you doesn't know who is darth vader

[@MarkusFFFF]

Dear DEVELOPERS: Those critics are only a extremely small radical minority, in no way they represent us here in the west. I hope someone tells the developers about this. I personally love asian games, because they are way more fun as most western games nowadays.

[@MyHandle4455]

The world does not revolve around the ideologies of the woke... and that's perfectly fine with me.

[@akumatenshi8841]

Expecting any diversity beyond the mythological diversity in a game about a chinese figure revolving around events in ancient china is actually insane

[@Xinmiles81]

People need to watch more C-Dramas 🙏to grasp a fraction of Chinese story telling, good video, keep it up!

[@Xinmiles81]

@@irishmob455 That was not the point, context.

[@rastoferi6012]

I believe it's an activist group blackmailing game devs to pay up. Wukong is not the first game they've done this to. I can remember the group's name though

[@gelinrefira]

It's not even an activitst group. It is a consulting company that commodified LGBT and gender rights and than use that to blackmail game devs.

[@tzengi372]

The villain you are thinking of is Sweet Baby Inc and their lacky Game Journalist.

[@wrongfuyan2876]

it's sbi, shat baby inc.

[@kennedy6618]

Anything that is successful in China... it's a controversial issue in America...and trama continues.

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

Because America is the Freedom Champion of the World. If you don't agree with them, you are a dictator.

[@whimsicalkw9346]

I’m not Chinese but I’ve watched and loved the show since I was little. I wouldn’t want my nostalgic story ruined by some other cultures. Great game you have created! For Wukong fans, it is so fulfilling!

[@2FastG]

I’m having a great time with Black Myth Wukong. I love how much information is given on each page in the journal. Studio knocked it out of the park. I’m glad I’m fortunate enough to be able to enjoy this for what it is, a Great Video Game.

[@bk3289]

Carl you are spot on - “the world doesn’t revolves around the West”. Now is the century of the East. Get over it you Yanks Brits and Oz 😂❤

[@TeohLieongChuan]

now is the age of the global south whites gtf out of the way

[@Kaniskala]

The story of the journey to the West is not only known by Chinese people, but almost all Asian people, especially Asian people from the East and Southeast. For us Asians who live in Asia, this story is a classic story that brings back childhood memories of the TV series Sun Wukong, which was broadcast in almost all Asian countries in the 80s and 90s.

[@miguellimzon9317]

Black Myth Wukong is popular among western gamers. I don't think they cared about lack of diversity

[@StevenJDavies]

Honestly, I'm just glad we can experience something like this (eastern culture) without the devs being pressured from the outside. Lessons can be learned here, by the industry as a whole. Tell your stories, tell them your way. Nobody has the right to say or expect anything else.

[@philiptan2051]

The legend of “journey to the west” is a classic which is very very old and still is popular. I remember that my grandmother knew it and used to tell me about the story and it’s moral content. The story is about the Buddhist monk who was trying to find a holy book in the western part of China. The monk was a man of good virtues and benevolence and he was protected by three of his disciples, the monkey, the pig and the shrimp from attacks by demons and bad people. The game is about this journey and the fights that the three do to protect their teacher. The game is selling so fast because it is well made but also shows the different human characters of the four which every person could identify with and recognize their unique strength and weaknesses.

[@Divanks]

Too much politics in the west (everything is politics)!!! This game is about Chinese myth which was created a few thousand years ago, it’s a beautiful and touching legend, people are more simple and genuine!!! Shame on the politicians, shame on the activists who use only their view/power to judge others!