The hit new Chinese game, Black Myth: Wukong, has been met with controversy after gaming influencers were instructed not to discuss news, politics, Covid-19, or “feminist propaganda” while streaming the game. The highly anticipated game, based on the Chinese novel Journey to the West, quickly sold over 10 million copies worldwide within three days of its release.
The list of topics to avoid was quickly shared on social media, sparking debate among fans and players. Some linked the directive to allegations of sexist behavior by employees of Game Science, the developer of the game. While the reason behind the “feminist propaganda” instruction remains unclear, some saw it as a pushback against what they perceived as “wokeness” in gaming.
Despite the controversy, Black Myth: Wukong has been a massive success, reaching over 3 million concurrent players across all platforms in its first week and becoming the most viewed game on Chinese platforms. Chinese authorities and media have praised the game’s success for promoting Chinese culture and pride.
Chinese state media has also defended the game against accusations of censorship, accusing western media of politicizing Chinese achievements in gaming. The controversy surrounding the game highlights the challenges of navigating censorship and political sensitivities in China’s gaming industry.
Overall, Black Myth: Wukong has garnered both praise and criticism, underscoring the complexities of developing and promoting a blockbuster game in a politically charged environment.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
