Controversy Surrounds Blockbuster Chinese Video Game “Black Myth: Wukong” Over Streaming Guidelines

The highly anticipated Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong has ignited a heated debate online after the developers issued guidelines to streamers, advising them to avoid discussing certain topics during live broadcasts. The game, which has quickly become one of the most successful Chinese titles of all time, was criticized by some players and content creators for attempting to control the narrative surrounding its release.

Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, was released earlier this week and has already achieved remarkable success. Within 24 hours of its launch, it became the second most-played game on the streaming platform Steam, with over 2.1 million concurrent players and 4.5 million copies sold. The game is seen as a significant cultural achievement, showcasing Chinese mythology and storytelling to a global audience.

However, the excitement was tempered by controversy after a co-publisher, Hero Games, reportedly sent content creators a list of topics to avoid while streaming the game. These included “feminist propaganda,” fetishization, and other content that could “instigate negative discourse.” The list also discouraged discussions on politics, COVID-19, and China’s video game industry policies.

The directive sparked backlash, particularly outside China, with some streamers refusing to review the game, accusing the developers of attempting to stifle free speech. Others openly defied the guidelines, with one Twitch streamer provocatively titling their stream “Covid-19 Isolation Taiwan (Is a Real Country) Feminism Propaganda.”

Despite the uproar, the game’s success remains undiminished. Black Myth: Wukong generated $53 million in presales and continues to receive praise from players worldwide. Many fans argue that the controversy has been blown out of proportion and that the game itself stands as a significant cultural milestone.

Industry experts, like Professor Haiqing Yu from Australia’s RMIT University, believe the controversy is more about self-preservation by the companies involved rather than government censorship. “I see it as a politically correct gesture to the Chinese censors, rather than a real directive from the top down,” she noted.

As the debate continues, Black Myth: Wukong remains a testament to the growing influence of Chinese culture in global media, despite the challenges and controversies that accompany its rise.