By gamingepicenter.com 
Black Myth: Wukong has taken the gaming world by storm, breaking records that were previously thought unattainable. Despite its controversial history, this game developed by Game Science has made an indelible mark in the industry. This blog will explore the journey of Black Myth: Wukong, highlighting its development, challenges, and how it became the biggest game of 2024. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong, was founded in 2014 by Feng Zi and his colleagues, former employees of Tencent. With substantial experience in game development, they sought to create something unique after feeling restricted by their previous projects.
Initially, the company focused on mobile games, such as 100 Heroes and Art of War: Red Tides. However, as the user base of Steam grew in China and gaming trends evolved, they decided to shift their focus to developing a standalone game. By 2018, their goal was to create an action game that combined elements of Dark Souls and Monster Hunter, emphasizing strong combat mechanics.
Development Journey of Black Myth: Wukong
In 2018, the developers began working on Black Myth: Wukong, utilizing Unreal Engine 4. They crafted a basic scene inspired by the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West. By 2019, the team had expanded significantly, focusing on creating a complete level experience.
The first trailer for Black Myth: Wukong was released in August 2020, showcasing pre-alpha gameplay. The response was overwhelming, with the trailer garnering millions of views within 24 hours. At that time, the company had only about 30 employees, but the trailer’s success led to a surge of applicants wanting to join the project.
Storyline and Characters
The game centers around Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, a character deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and literature. His story has been adapted numerous times, each with its unique twist. In the game, Wukong is depicted as a powerful yet mischievous character who often finds himself in trouble due to his strength and anger.
Wukong’s journey is intertwined with a Buddhist monk, referred to as Tang Monk in the game. The narrative follows their quest for Buddhist scriptures, with Wukong serving as one of the protectors along the way. His character is not just a simple hero; he is complex, with a rich backstory that includes being punished by Buddha and imprisoned under a rock to prevent him from causing chaos.
Transition to Unreal Engine 5
In August 2021, the developers announced a shift from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5 to maximize the game’s potential. This transition allowed them to enhance the realism of the game significantly. Features such as Nanite technology improved texture quality and made minute details visible, while Lumen technology provided realistic reflections and shadows.
The use of ray tracing technology further enhanced the visual experience, making it possible for players to see intricate details in reflections and shadows that were previously unattainable.
Challenges Faced During Development
Despite the significant advancements, the development journey was fraught with challenges. Game Science had to maintain high-quality graphics and ensure cultural authenticity, which required extensive research and collaboration with local cultural departments. They scanned real historical buildings to ensure accuracy in the game’s design.
Moreover, the team faced issues with combat animations and level design, leading to the hiring of motion capture artists who spent five years perfecting the actions of the characters, including the protagonist, Destined One, and other key figures.
Releasing the Game
After years of hard work, Black Myth: Wukong was finally released on August 20, 2024, for PS5 and PC. The game achieved remarkable success from the very beginning. On its release day, Black Myth: Wukong reached 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam, surpassing titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring.
In just three days, the game sold over 10 million units, marking it as one of the fastest-selling games of all time. Within two weeks, it reached 18 million copies sold, generating significant revenue and establishing itself as a commercial success.
Future of Black Myth: Wukong
The success of Black Myth: Wukong is just the beginning. Game Science has plans to expand the franchise, exploring different stories rooted in Chinese mythology. The studio is already working on two additional games related to the Black Myth series, indicating a bright future for the franchise.
Moreover, a DLC is also in development, likely to follow the model set by other successful games like Elden Ring. Fans can expect new characters, bosses, and regions inspired by Chinese mythology.
How Black Myth: Wukong Became The Biggest Game Of 2024 Conclusion
Black Myth: Wukong’s journey from a controversial development to becoming the biggest game of 2024 is a testament to the dedication and passion of the team at Game Science. Their commitment to authenticity, high-quality graphics, and engaging storytelling has not only redefined the action RPG genre but also introduced a wider audience to the richness of Chinese mythology.
As players continue to explore the world of Black Myth: Wukong, they can look forward to a series that promises to deliver more captivating stories and unforgettable experiences in the realm of gaming.
How Black Myth: Wukong Became The Biggest Game Of 2024 FAQs
1. What is Black Myth: Wukong?
Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game developed by Game Science, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. It features stunning visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics.
2. When was Black Myth: Wukong released?
The game was officially released on August 20, 2024, for PS5 and PC.
3. What are the main characters in the game?
The central character is Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who embarks on a quest alongside a Buddhist monk known as Tang Monk.
4. What game engine was used for development?
Initially developed on Unreal Engine 4, the game transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 to enhance its visual fidelity and realism.
5. How successful has Black Myth: Wukong been?
Upon release, it achieved 2.2 million concurrent players on Steam and sold over 10 million copies within three days, generating significant revenue.
6. Are there plans for future content?
Yes, Game Science intends to expand the franchise with additional games and downloadable content (DLC) based on Chinese mythology.