Black Myth: Wukong takes top prize at awards gala

A bust of Wukong, the protagonist of the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, is displayed on Wednesday at the booth of Game Science, the developer of the popular game, at the Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. The expo is part of the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit. (Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn)

China's first AAA video game, Black Myth: Wukong, emerged as the star at one of the oldest and most prestigious video game awards this year. Based on a Chinese literary classic, the video game phenomenon triumphed over formidable competitors, securing the coveted Ultimate Game of the Year award as well as the accolade for Best Visual Design at the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards held in London on Thursday.

The awards, established in 1983, reflect industry trends and celebrate achievements in gaming, with millions of gamers worldwide participating in the voting process.

This year, over 12 million public votes were cast for over 125 games, studios, hardware and TV shows in 21 different categories including Ultimate Game of the Year, Best Storytelling, Most Wanted, Studio of the Year and Best Indie Game. Only three awards — Critics' Choice, Breakthrough Award, and Streamers' Choice — were decided by critics. The Chinese game beat top contenders such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Astro Bot, Silent Hill 2, and indie games Balatro and Animal Well to win top honors.

In his acceptance speech, Feng Ji, founder and CEO of Game Science and game director of Black Myth: Wukong, said: "The Golden Joystick Awards prove its name once again. Although some people may say, 'Come on, it's just a kasaya!' Well… I believe as it gets colder, having a kasaya isn't a bad thing at all."

The kasaya is a Buddhist cloak worn by monks. In the game it is coveted by the greedy Elder Jinchi, who becomes a monster from an eminent monk.

Black Myth: Wukong, developed by the Shenzhen-based company, is an action role-playing game inspired by Chinese mythology and the classic 16th-century novel Journey to the West. Rich in traditional Chinese cultural elements, it offers a unique, immersive experience. Players take on the role of the Destined One as they embark on his epic westward journey.

Released worldwide on Aug 20, the game sold about 20 million units in the first month, making it one of the fastest-selling games of all time. So far, it has been one of the most anticipated games of the year, having a peak player count surpassing 2 million people on Steam.

Commenting on the game, a reviewer called Raisy on Steam rated the game 9.6 out of 10, describing it as a "nearly perfect masterpiece and work of art, an unmissable adventure in Chinese mythology, and a unique story that narrates themes of mission and growth, love and courage, breaking the cycle of fate, and fighting for the well-being of all".

Black Myth: Wukongis the first video game created by Game Science after two mobile games. In the forthcoming The Game Awards, it is nominated in four categories — Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Action Game and Best Art Direction.

In his speech, Feng also invited gamers to keep following his company, for "there might be some surprises later this year".