Sun Wukong: Translating Myth to Video Game
Exploring the historical roots of the mythology that inspired a groundbreaking video game
Developed by the small yet ambitious Chinese studio Game Science, Black Myth: Wukong has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in August 2024. In its first 24 hours, the game amassed over 2.2 million players —a remarkable feat for a single-player game, rivaling titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Baldur’s Gate 3.
This game’s success is not just a triumph for its developers but also a cultural milestone. It brings to the forefront a rich tapestry of Chinese mythology that has been largely underrepresented in Western media. At its core, Black Myth: Wukong is a love letter to one of China’s most enduring literary works: Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en.
The Historical Epic
Attributed to Wu Cheng'en, the 16th-century novel Journey to the West is one of China’s four great classical novels. Alongside Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Shi Nai’an’s Water Margin, and Cao Xueqin’s Dream of the Red Chamber, it has profoundly influenced Chinese culture and literature.
Journey to the West chronicles the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang (also known as Tang Sanzang) to the “Western Regions” (Central Asia and India) to obtain sacred texts (sūtras). He is accompanied by three protectors—Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy)—each with their own backstories and symbolic significance. The journey is both a physical and spiritual quest, filled with allegories and moral lessons.
Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) is depicted as mischievous, childlike, and carefree, exemplified in the first encounter with the ‘boss’ (major) adversary Erlang Shen, a powerful warrior-diety of the Chinese pantheon. Despite Erlang Shen’s immense power, the scene highlights Sun Wukong’s playful and irreverent nature.
Sun Wukong: The Monkey King
Sun Wukong is arguably the most iconic character from Journey to the West. Born from a stone and possessing supernatural abilities, he is a complex figure embodying rebellion, intelligence, and transformation. His character is steeped in Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, reflecting the religious syncretism of the time.
Mythologically, Sun Wukong represents the human struggle against oppression and the quest for enlightenment. His defiance against the Jade Emperor and subsequent imprisonment under the Five Elements Mountain symbolize the consequences of unchecked ego and the path to redemption.
Translating Historicity into Gameplay
Black Myth: Wukong endeavors to faithfully adapt these historical and mythological elements into an interactive medium. The game’s narrative picks up after the events of Journey to the West, exploring untold stories and expanding on the lore.
Authentic Representation
Game Science has taken great care to portray the cultural and historical context accurately. The game’s environments are meticulously designed to reflect the architectural styles, landscapes, and artistic motifs of ancient China. From the lush bamboo forests to the ornate temples, each setting serves as a backdrop that immerses players in the historical period.
Lore enthusiasts will find delight in exploring the Yaoguai bestiary. Each entry reads more like a short story, offering a deep narrative experience that stands apart from what other games typically offer. However, be prepared to spend time with each one, as their bios are richly detailed.
Mythological Creatures and Characters
The game features a diverse array of creatures and deities drawn directly from Chinese mythology and folklore. Enemies and allies alike are designed based on historical texts and artistic depictions from the Ming Dynasty and earlier periods. For example, the bestiary journal within the game includes poems and stories for each creature, echoing the literary style of ancient Chinese scholars.
Language and Voice Acting
The dialogue and voice acting strive for authenticity, with characters speaking in Mandarin Chinese using period-appropriate expressions. The English localization team has worked diligently to preserve the original meanings and cultural nuances, a challenging task given the complexities of translating classical Chinese idioms and concepts.
Upon completing each chapter, you receive a kesi tapestry, accompanied by an animated short that relates to the chapter’s events. By zooming in on specific sections of the tapestry, additional story details are unveiled, rewarding those who seek further exploration.
Artistic Inspirations
The game’s art direction draws heavily from historical sources. The chapter transitions feature tapestries reminiscent of a traditional kesi tapestry. These tapestries not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also function as narrative devices, conveying story elements through visual symbolism rooted in historical art.
Cultural Impact
By grounding itself in historical authenticity, Black Myth: Wukong offers players worldwide an opportunity to engage with Chinese culture and mythology in an interactive format. This is particularly significant given that previous adaptations of Journey to the West in popular media, such as Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, have often taken liberties with the source material.
Unlike earlier adaptations, Black Myth: Wukong, provides a perspective that is both culturally and historically informed. It stands alongside other games like Dynasty Warriors, based on Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Suikoden, inspired by Water Margin, in bringing Chinese historical narratives to the gaming industry.
Preserving History Through Video Games
The game’s success also highlights the potential of video games as a medium for preserving and disseminating historical and cultural knowledge. By incorporating accurate historical details and encouraging players to explore them, games like Black Myth: Wukong serve as modern vessels for ancient stories.
Game Science’s dedication to historical accuracy extends beyond mere representation. They have consulted historical texts, collaborated with historians and cultural experts, and utilized advanced technology to recreate the world of Journey to the West faithfully.
Conclusion
Black Myth: Wukong is more than a game; it’s a cultural bridge that connects modern audiences with one of China’s most cherished historical narratives. By focusing on the historicity of Journey to the West, the game offers an authentic experience that educates as much as it entertains.
As we delve into Sun Wukong's adventures, we’re not just playing a game—we’re participating in a centuries-old story that continues to resonate within Chinese cultural traditions worldwide. This is a testament to the enduring power of mythology and the importance of preserving historical narratives in contemporary video games.