Black Myth: Wukong, the popular new game, is facing backlash over a controversial list of topics streamers were told to avoid.
- Topics like politics, Covid-19, and ‘feminist propaganda’ were off-limits.
- The directives were circulated on social media, sparking heated debates.
- The gaming community remains divided on the motivations behind these instructions.
- Despite the controversy, Black Myth: Wukong has seen massive success with millions of copies sold.
The new Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong stirred controversy after influencers got a list of banned topics they shouldn’t discuss while streaming. Topics included politics, Covid-19, and ‘feminist propaganda.’
Released last week, Black Myth: Wukong is China’s first ‘triple A’ blockbuster game, based on the classic 16th-century novel, Journey to the West. The game sold over 10 million copies worldwide within three days.
The list, shared on social media, warned against insulting other influencers, using offensive language, and discussing sensitive topics. One influencer humorously titled his stream ‘Covid-19 Isolation Taiwan (Is A Real Country) Feminism Propaganda,’ with the chat filling with politically charged comments.
The meaning behind ‘feminist propaganda’ wasn’t clear, but Game Science employees had previously faced allegations of sexist behavior. Fans online quickly connected the dots.
Some gamers celebrated the list as a stand against ‘wokeness,’ while others saw it as an attempt to appease China’s strict censorship rules. Streamer Ben Cassel noted that while avoiding topics like Covid-19 is common, the mention of ‘feminist’ issues was new and strange.
The game peaked at over 3 million concurrent players, becoming a global sensation. Chinese media praised it for promoting Chinese culture. However, state media accused the Western press of politicizing the game’s success.
The debate continues, but one thing is clear: Black Myth: Wukong has captured the world’s attention, both in its gameplay and in the controversies it sparked.
Black Myth: Wukong has managed to become both incredibly successful and highly controversial in its short time on the market.
Source: Theguardian