‘Black Myth: Wukong’, China’s first AAA game, has been crowned Game of the Year 2024 on Steam, the world’s largest platform for digital PC game distribution. The game seamlessly blends traditional Chinese mythology with cutting-edge technology, captivating players worldwide.
Feng Ji, CEO of Game Science, the developer behind the game, expressed his excitement: “Traditional Chinese culture, combined with the most advanced technologies, the best pictures, and the best music, can create certain chemistry. We’ve proven that path could work.”
Based on the beloved Chinese fantasy novel, Journey to the West, the game’s original narrative and language are rooted in Chinese culture. To resonate with a global audience, Game Science invested significant effort into localizing the game without diluting its cultural essence.
One notable example is the decision to use “loong” instead of the more familiar “dragon” to represent a creature that holds a unique place in Chinese folklore, distinct from Western interpretations. This choice reflects the team’s dedication to preserving cultural authenticity.
“The overall aim is to showcase the diverse cultures in Chinese games on the world stage through in-depth localization efforts and find resonance in cultural exchanges around the world,” said Yu Yangming, a game localization architect who contributed to the project.
China’s gaming market is one of the largest globally, with millions of players. While international games flood into the country annually, Chinese games like ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ are now making significant inroads abroad. However, challenges in localization remain, as Chinese players often encounter awkward translations when playing foreign games.
In a recent episode of Beyond ACG, industry experts delved into the intricacies of game localization. They highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the potential for Chinese games to leave a lasting impact on the global gaming landscape.
