Chinese Blockbuster Game 'Black Myth: Wukong' Ignites Debates in Taiwan
China's first globally released AAA game "Black Myth: Wukong" is causing a stir in Taiwan, but gamers and experts think Taiwan has more to learn from the game.
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China’s blockbuster video game raises questions over delayed console release in Taiwan.
A Gaming Sensation With a Controversial Delay
China’s first globally released triple-A game, “Black Myth: Wukong,” has taken the gaming world by storm, generating over US$850 million in revenue just two weeks after its release. Despite its international success, the game has sparked controversy in Taiwan due to a delay in the launch of its PlayStation version.
While some suggest the delay is tied to political tensions between Taiwan and China, others in the gaming industry argue Taiwan should focus on the game's success rather than its politics. Titan, the game’s potential Taiwanese distributor, has indicated that the holdup is due to Taiwan’s digital ministry review process, which examines content and data privacy before approval. Concerns over content leaks during this review may also be a contributing factor to the delay, according to Duck Chiang, a spokesperson for Titan.
Popular Across Borders: Taiwan Gamers Embrace “Black Myth”
In Taipei’s Guanghua Digital Plaza, a hub for tech and gadgets, Taiwanese gamers are among the millions worldwide praising the game for its high-quality graphics and action-packed gameplay. Many players are upgrading their hardware to meet the game's requirements, highlighting its widespread appeal despite the ongoing political debate between Taiwan and China.
“It’s universally recognized that it’s fun to play. Don’t bring politics into it,” said one gamer, echoing the sentiment of others who see the game as a form of entertainment rather than a political statement.
The game’s inspiration, drawn from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” resonates with many in Taiwan who share cultural ties with China. The Monkey King, Sun Wukong, a central figure in both the novel and the game, has long been a shared cultural symbol between the two sides.
Taiwan’s Struggle for a Global Gaming Hit
“Black Myth: Wukong” has reignited discussions on why Taiwan’s own gaming industry hasn’t achieved similar global success. While Taiwanese developer Red Candle Games made waves with their critically acclaimed but politically charged game “Devotion,” its removal from major platforms after hidden messages were found mocking Chinese leader Xi Jinping highlights the challenges faced by politically sensitive content.
In contrast, “Black Myth: Wukong” steers clear of controversial topics, contributing to its wide appeal. Gaming experts argue that for Taiwan to achieve the same level of success, the industry needs a broader global focus and government support. “Taiwanese companies often target the Asian market, but global success requires a different approach,” said Tammy Lin, a professor at National Chengchi University.
The success of “Black Myth: Wukong” shows that Chinese cultural themes can thrive in a market traditionally dominated by Western and Japanese titles. However, the wait continues for Taiwan to produce its own global gaming phenomenon.
