On Tuesday, Game Science unveiled the first trailer for Black Myth: Zhong Kui during the first day of Gamescom, confirming it as the second title in the Black Myth series and positioning it as a single-player action role-playing game.
Why it matters: The trailer sparked significant discussion among both Chinese and overseas players, many of whom dubbed Zhong Kui an “Eastern demon hunter,” prompting international streamers and audiences to explore Chinese mythology. It marks the growing global interest in Chinese game culture and aesthetics.
Details: Black Myth: Zhong Kui is still in the early stages. There is no gameplay demo yet, and the release date has not been announced.
- This title is an independent new story, and Game Science said that any DLC or sequel for Black Myth: Wukong will require extensive development and time before launch.
- Zhong Kui is a legendary figure in Chinese folklore, renowned as a master exorcist who vanquishes ghosts and evil spirits. According to legend, he was a Tang Dynasty scholar who, after failing the imperial exams due to his appearance, committed suicide and was later appointed king of ghosts to fight demons.
- He is typically depicted with a black face, fierce beard, and a sword or magical weapon. Zhong Kui appears in China’s New Year paintings, temples, and operas, symbolizing justice and protection, with his image often displayed on walls or doors to ward off evil.
- The trailer’s character design combines Zhong Kui’s iconic figure with elements of folk supernatural legends and dark aesthetics. He sports a black, coiled beard and wears blue-black mechanized armor, with shoulder guards inspired by the flying eaves of Chang’an city. Subtle details, such as goblins carrying the ghost-slaying sword and the tiger’s wet, matted fur as Zhong Kui’s mount, highlight the team’s technical craftsmanship.
Context: Black Myth: Wukong was released last August. Since its launch, the game has achieved impressive sales and received positive feedback from players worldwide.
- Currently, Game Science has not released the latest sales figures for Black Myth: Wukong. However, based on platform estimates, the game sold around 28 million copies in 2024, earning around RMB 9 billion ($1.25 billion) in revenue.
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