The first trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui reached over 10 million views on Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili within 24 hours of being unveiled by developer Game Science on Tuesday. It has become the most popular video on Bilibili at the moment, showing that players have strong anticipation for the new title.
Why it matters: The reveal of Black Myth: Zhong Kui is seen as an important step forward for China’s gaming industry, marking the start of the “Black Myth universe.”
Details: Game Science is yet to reveal the demo gameplay for Black Myth: Zhong Kui, while development on Black Myth: Wukong continues. The studio is also opening new job positions and has invited industry professionals to apply, according to the company.
- Game Science art director Yang Qi recently shared the origins of Black Myth: Zhong Kui. He revealed that the idea came from a dream in which a black-faced, red-bearded figure holding a tiger stood on a balcony. , research showed that depictions of Zhong Kui riding a tiger were common in China’s Ming dynasty paintings.
- During a casual conversation with his friend Wei, Yang suggested turning the vision into a CG (Computer Graphics) short, which eventually evolved into a new project. Yang noted that after working on the Journey to the West–themed content for more than a decade, the team felt it was time to explore other Chinese mythological and supernatural tales.
- In the trailer’s comment section, Bilibili users largely voiced support for Game Science. Many look forward to a Black Myth: Wukong DLC but respect the team’s choice to pause it and explore new themes. They also see Black Myth’s Gamescom appearance as meaningful — even a short one-minute teaser could demonstrate the strength of Chinese game development. Commenters stressed that there’s no need to rush; polishing the base game while building a complete Journey to the West universe would be even more rewarding.
Context: On Tuesday, Game Science released the first trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui at Gamescom 2025. The trailer opens with a mysterious, fog-shrouded scene where two little demons struggle to carry a massive sword. Zhong Kui then appears riding a tiger, exuding authority and a divine presence. The entire trailer is rendered in high-quality CG, with a dark, fantastical atmosphere full of mythological elements.
- Zhong Kui is a traditional Chinese deity of exorcism. Legend says he was a Tang dynasty scholar who died in frustration after failing the imperial exams. honored as the “Holy Lord Bestowing Blessings and Protecting Homes,” he is tasked with capturing ghosts and subduing demons. Typically depicted with an iron face, bushy beard, red robe, and sword, Zhong Kui symbolizes protection, justice, and wards off evil, often appearing in China’s folk paintings.
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