VG Insights on Black Myth: Wukong's Impact on AAA Game Development in China

VG Insights: Black Myth: Wukong's Phenomenal Rise

The popularity of Black Myth: Wukong has Chinese investors and video game developers looking at ways to replicate its success, but industry insiders say that might be a decade away. The blockbuster game, developed by Tencent Holdings-backed start-up Game Science, became an overnight sensation in China after its release on Tuesday and has been well received in global markets.

Sales of Black Myth topped 8.4 million copies within three days, sending total revenue from the title on video gaming platform Steam to more than US$400 million, according to data from market research company VG Insights.

The Shift in China's Game Development Landscape

The immense popularity of China’s first AAA title – an unofficial designation for games with large budgets and long development times – now has other developers in the country thinking more ambitiously.

• “The emergence of Black Myth: Wukong proves that a [Chinese] AAA game project can be established, developed and eventually hit the shelves,” said Allen Chan, a game developer in Beijing.
• Over six years of development, the team behind it grew from 13 to 140.
• Black Myth was produced under China’s stringent video gaming regulations, which require all titles to be licensed for commercial release.

Investment Risks and New Opportunities

The gaming industry is often seen as a risky domain for many investors. Zhou Huaming, a veteran in Shanghai, noted that the uncertainty surrounding China’s video-gaming regulations has made many hesitant to invest heavily in projects of this magnitude.

Game Science reportedly spent more than US$40 million to develop Black Myth, which is modest compared with global AAA titles. However, it's a substantial amount for the average Chinese video game start-up.

Zhou sees a potential shift in the domestic industry, stating that “the success of Black Myth will definitely bring more funding into the sector.”

Despite this optimism, not all developers will benefit equally, as “mature investors will choose mature teams,” Zhou acknowledged.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for AAA Game Development

While the success of Black Myth may inspire many, developers remain cautious about the timeline for another hit AAA game. The necessity for extensive experience in the field cannot be overlooked. “Game Science has spent about a decade accumulating the experiences and the ability to build such games,” Chan said.

As the landscape evolves, the future of AAA gaming in China may be bright, yet it is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.