Black Myth: Wukong: The Game That Brought Chinese Culture to the Gaming World
The recent release of the Chinese video game "黑神话：悟空" (Black Myth: Wukong) has taken the world by storm, with the game gaining a massive following in foreign countries. The game's popularity has not only put Chinese gaming on the map but has also sparked an interest in Chinese culture among foreign players.
22 August 2024
According to a post on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, foreign gamers are now interested in learning more about Chinese culture, both modern and traditional. The post, which has gained significant traction online, highlights how foreign players are changing the game's audio settings to Chinese with English subtitles to further immerse themselves in the game.
This has led to a role reversal of sorts, with foreign players now taking an interest in learning about Chinese culture, a stark contrast to the past where Chinese players would often learn about foreign cultures to better understand the games they played.
The game's English dub has also come under scrutiny from players, with some preferring the Chinese voice acting. A user on Weibo, @SpiderBru, expressed his preference for the Chinese dub, stating "The Chinese dub for Black Myth Wukong is miles better than the English one. I'm keeping that shit on unless told otherwise." This sentiment was echoed by another user, @大爆君, who also preferred the Chinese voice acting.
The game's success has also led to an increased interest in Chinese culture, with many foreign players taking to social media to express their enthusiasm for learning more about China. This has sparked a lively discussion on Weibo, with some users welcoming the interest in Chinese culture, while others have expressed skepticism about the sudden interest.
One user, who goes by the handle @大脸看电竞, expressed his excitement about the game's success, stating "Finally, it's our turn! Foreign players are now interested in learning about Chinese culture, and we're happy to share it with them." However, not all users were as enthusiastic, with some expressing concerns about the potential cultural appropriation that may come with the increased interest in Chinese culture.
Despite the controversy, the game's success has undoubtedly put Chinese gaming on the map, with many foreign players now taking notice of the country's growing gaming industry. As the game continues to gain popularity, it will be interesting to see how the interest in Chinese culture evolves and whether it will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of Chinese customs and traditions.
The game's success has also highlighted the importance of localization in the gaming industry, with many players expressing their preference for games that are tailored to their local culture. This has sparked a discussion on the importance of cultural sensitivity in game development, with some developers taking to social media to express their commitment to creating games that are respectful of different cultures.
As the gaming industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the interest in Chinese culture evolves and whether it will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of Chinese customs and traditions. For now, the success of Black Myth: Wukong has undoubtedly put Chinese gaming on the map, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the industry.
In conclusion, the success of Black Myth: Wukong has sparked an interest in Chinese culture among foreign players, with many taking to social media to express their enthusiasm for learning more about China. While there are some concerns about the potential cultural appropriation that may come with the increased interest in Chinese culture, the game's success has undoubtedly put Chinese gaming on the map. As the gaming industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the interest in Chinese culture evolves and whether it will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of Chinese customs and traditions.